Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1882-06-01
Honoring Heroes.
The Annual Services i'm Remembrance of
Those who Died for Freedom and
and their Country.
This Day OF Sad Associations Fittingly
Observed by Those who Remain TO
Commemorate Their Deeds.
Eloquent Address BY Honorable J. v. QusrIes. Of
Notwithstanding the Monument With
Wreaths and Floral Offerings.
THE DAY.

that gave promise of serious trouble
later on in the day. A prediction that
was verified in manner that brought
disgust to every countenance. After a
dash of bright weather and conflict OF
clouds in the morning the leaden legionS
of the rain king came sweeping up from
the southwest and the heavens opened
in most discouraging manner. After
noon, however, the sky cleared and 4
pleasant bit of weather lasting until neal
the close of the ceremonies, was the
result.
Under the supervision of the commits
tees seats and platform had been ar
ranged on the east side of the court house
and just north of the entrance while
under the skillful manipulations OF
the ladies' committee wreaths and ever
green ropes for the trimming of the
monument had been prepared.
Owing to the lowering skies the exer-
cises did not commence until after one
o clock when President Kecne stepped
to the front and introduced the Presi-
dent of the day, Col. j. G. Clark. who
made an able address, prefacing his
remarks with request that all present
remain rs quiet as possible during the
continuance of the exercises and especi-
ally the speaking. At the close of his
address Col. Clark introduced the Rev
G. Cook, who made fervent prayer,
! asking for the divine blessing to rest
upon the exercises of the day and those
there assembled. The choir, compris-
ing some of the best musical talent of
the city, who had volunteered for the oc-
casion, gave the hymn America the
audience being requested to join in the
singing.
As the last strains of the organ died
away Col Clark stepped forward and
said he now had the pleasure of intro
ducing the orator of the day, Hon j. V.
Quarles. of Kcnosha, MI. Quarles said
Mr.. Chairman, Comrades a7d F'ell0w
CfttzenS:-The tourist who wanders
among the Alps may see many rugged
mountains, snow-capped pinacles, cliffs
that are inaccessible, scenery that is i'm
| posing, but there is one peak that is
more lofty and sublime than all the
rest. Mont Blanc rears its imperious
head, yelling his face III the clouds as
though peering into the forbidden mys-
teries The other peaks dwindle into
foothills and the traveller is overcome
with awe i'll the majestic presence.
In years to come the student will Pc
ruse the history of the republic. Search
will be made for whatever of grandeur
there is in the rugged endeavor of this
pioneer people of freedom. The read
er may pause to admire the intrepid
zeal of the pilgrims who sought a home
in the untrodden wilds of the west He
cannot fail to dwell on the rare courage
and self-sacritice developed by the war
of the revolution. The sagacity and de-
termination of the early statesmen stand
out in bold relief, but the triumphant
struggle with secession is the Mo MT
Blanc in the whole range of American
endeavor. A struggle upon whose is
sue depended more of the interests of
| humanity than any other whether meas
ured by its consequences or its cost.
We are yet too near the sublime pima
Gle of human achievement to appreciate
its real magnitude. We have not vet
emerged from its dark shadow. For the
first time in history liberty. withstood
the shock of civil war. For the first
time Self-government as practical
system triumphed over domestic foes.
the war of the revolution settled the
right of the people to rule, the late war
settled their ability to govern. These
two fundamental truths triumphantlv
settled in favor of the people endangered
! every throne in Europe. Subjects stag
! gerIng under their burdens look toward
| the western horizon. Behold one ma
ton where no king may intervene. where
the people are kings by the grace of
God, a people whom no emperor can
stand up in rank to stop the bullets
aimed at him, a people who have no
more concern about the balance of pow
cr than about the equilibrium of nature =
forces, with no army to pay, no enemy
to fear; who can compass the far reach
ing results of this experiment in gov
eminent now acknowledged as a glori-
! Gus success?
Whence came these inestimable
blessings? As the lawyers would say,
we take them by Inheritance aud not by
purchase. Let us not forget that these
| political preceptS were wrought out and
fashioned under the heat of suffering.
Every step that has been taken upward
from the dead level of barbarism has
been marked with blood and tears
These boosted political principles are
the crystallized results of war Every
where we see the handi-work of those
who are dead. An American with in
tcligence enough to comprehend these
things who does not acknowledge his
debt of gratitude is not worthy to enjoy
the birth-right.
In olden times they used to mark a
great event BY raising an altar or pile,
of stone SO that the recollection of the
deed might not perish. In this way UNI
written history was transmitted from
father to son through many generations.
I As Spencer. the old poet, wrote:
The famous warriors OF the antique world
Used trophies - erect in stately wise,
In which they would the record have el, roll cd
or their great deeds and valorous emprise :
There is true philosophy in the ancient
custom. In modern times the same end
is sought by the observance of HOLIDAYS.
The loyal people of our land, by conse-
Grating this day have raised an altar be-
fore which they and their children after
them forever may pause and present an
offering to the heroes whom they delight
to honor.
| 1t is worthy of remark that America.
whose history is full of lasting triumph.
has but one national holiday TO Indicate
that there was anything heroic in its or
igin, grand in its destiny.
Let this beautiful observance take a
place in our calendar NAV it stand as
lasting memorial TO our posterity of
the esteem in which valor and patriot
ism are held by us.
When the last Of the Grant county
veterans has gone: when none remains
who was witness of this great struggle,
troops of children, whose feet have not
yet touched the shores of time. will
gather here. They will gaze with child
lsh wonder upon this marble shaft.
They will ask the meaning of the legends
craven on these stones. They willlearn
the story patiently told by these mute
witnesses. As they view this pageant
their youthful minds will take a more
vivid impression than can be gathered
from the cold page of history. The
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