Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1883-08-18

puDuc square was t8Stefully decorated.
Around this was congregated -
''n A GREAT coNcoURsE OF PEOPLE,
Nearly all the available space. being
occupied, and the, windows and ball
comics around the square crowded to
overfowing. Alta few minutes before
10. O'Clock the Wilson's Creek veterans,
about 1000 strong, formed into line at
the camp, and headed. by Springfield
band marched by twos through some
Of the principal streets. They Were
followed by the Carthage Light Guards,
and the Springfield Light Guards.
Side by side in the procession
doated the stars and stripes and the
stars and bars, the latter being the
confederate relic reported in yester-
days dispatches as having belonged to
Capt. james Sparks company of the
Arkansas Guards. The procession
halted in the public square, where Hon.
John McGregor, mayor of the city,
called the assemblage to order and in
trodnced Ex-Governor John s.. Phelps
amid an outburst of applause, who de-
ivered the address of welcome:
GOVERNOR PHELPS ADDRESS.
Gov. Phelps said:
Language will not express the great
pleasure afforded the citizens of this
county, and more especially those of
Springfield and North Springfield, by
the, assemblage. at this time of this vast
concourse, of people. 49, -.,
This is no political occasion. This is
no ordinary assemblage. 1t is the
largest ever convened in Southwest
Missouri. We are not present to dis
cuss the measures Of our government.
We are not here to express approba-
ton or disapprobation of any state or
federal policy. Neither measures nor
mon furnish to-day the theme for dis
cussion or consideration. Twenty-Five
years ago the battle of Wilson's Creek
was fought. Public invitation has been
given to those who participated in the
battle on either side, and to others,
many others, irrespective of the side
they supported, to gather here to-day.
1t is intended to be, and, indeed, it is a
reunion of soldiers now surviving
who, OH the memorable 10th day of
August, 1861, took part in that conflict.
It was the most important engagement
fought in this state at any time during
the war. The Union forces were de-
feated with the loss of many men, in
Guiding their commander, the gallant
Gen. Lyon. Many respected citizens
fell on both sides. The result of that
battle gave great encouragement to the
victors, and placed them in possession
of one-fourth of the area of the state,
which was held by them tor several
months. No one comes here to re-
joice or raise an exultant cry because
of that victory. No one comes here to
cast opprobriOus epithets upon, or to
impute crime to those who followed
the fortunes of tho "Lost Cause" No
criminal prosecutions have been made
against those who. with arms resisted
the authorities of the United States
All alleged offences have been condon-
ed by the federal government. The
people of this state have granted a
general amnesty to all those in the mil
itary service ON either side who acted
in obedience to the command of their
respective military authorities. But
the survivors of the battle have assem-
bled to meet their old comrades in
arms, as well as those against whom
they contended; to talk over the Incl
dents of that battle; to revisit the bat
tle-feld; to point out the places they
occupied and the spot where some
comrade, friend or relative fell. How
pleasant it Is to recall to our memory
departed friends. 1t is a melancholy
thought and still pleasure. We depict
In our minds eye their manly FORMS
the expression of their countenances.
We remember the many pleasing in
cidents in their lives, with their many
noble virtues.
But we have with us another class of
visitors, who view with as intense in
terest as do the soldiers this battlefield.
They are the sisters, mothers and wild
ows Of those who died on this field.
Their visit here is in the nature of holy
duty-t0 see the spot where their loved
ones gave up their lives in the perfor-
nance of that which they believed was
q patriotic and sacred duly. Their
last sad parting is recalled, when was
said. Good bless, preserve and protect
YOU" Who would disturb the tender
meditations Of such persons by the
outbursts Of party and partisan cries
But, soldiers, the Springfield you see
is not the Sprinfigeld Of twenty two
years ago. Then it was small and
thriving village, with population of
abont $500. There was no North
Springfield then. You find new pop
ulation-a now people. You miss
many old friends and acquaintances.
They have preceded us to the spirit
land. But their sons and daughters
are here to welcome you, as their faith
ers would have done. All this reminds
you of the great change which is going
on and that the prosperity you see is
the natural result Of period of quiet
and peace, not interrupted by COM
motion nor war. The prosper
ity shows that the communi-
ty is united. The bitterness OF
feeling and the acrimony which once
here existed has long since passed
away, and Unionists and confederates
are striving heart and hand to promote
the general welfare and prosperity OF
this great republic. Then many OF you
met enemies, new all meet friends.
This community, enjoying the great
blessings have named, and to show
no acrimonious feeling here exists be-
tween Unionist and confederate, de-
termined there should be Oh the battle
field of Wilson's Greek, or Oak Hills
reunion of the surviving soldiers
who were engaged in it. To make it 8
memorable event, and to mark it more
indelibly ON the pages of history, il
was determined there should be no,
only a reunion of soldiers, but thai
there should be q general meeting ol
those who might choose to attend
whether residents OF this or Other
states.
Therefore, to all who have so kindly
responded to the invitations of ou1
citizens we say "welcome?" Make
yourselves at home during your So
journ; partake of our hospitality. The
word "welcome" is an old Saxon word
signifying "your coming is pleasing tc
| u.s." Your coming is pleasing to this
community. again bid you all well
cOme-a cordial welcome.
THE RESPONSE.
At the conclusion OF Gov. Phelps
speech Gen. c. w. Blair of Leaven.
worth, Kas., was introduced, who de.
livered an eloquent and patriotic re
sPonse which elected the warmest ap