davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31

MES OF acceptance and dedication OF the
monument, the crowd began sursing To-
ward Capitol Square. On every street, In
squads and clusters, the people moved To-
ward this common centre, on foot and In
carriages, until fully twenty thousand
stood facing the monument The square
was solid mass Of humanity on the south
wise. The street was blocked up with We
hicles and the sidewalks opposite were
tanned 20 suffocation. The chorus OF
school children was wedged close up to the
monument and the singing societies had
10 fairly fight their way through to get up
10 the platform. An Enclosure should
have been made, or guard stationed to keep
a space reserved, but nothing OF the kind
had been done.
Every window, parspet and balcony Of
the Capitol was crowded, and the windows
and roofs of surrouni ding honses had been
brought into requisition 70 obtain good
view OF the scene below. In short, such q
ian was never before seen in Wheeling on
any special occasion.
THE PLATFORM
had been erected at the west side OF the
monument, level with the top OF the base
and arranged so as to face north. 1t had
accommodation for some half hundred
people and was rallied in. The decorations
upon il were profuse and in good taste.
The battle flags Of the State, many Of them
torn to ribbons by shot and she'll, were
ranged around the railing. crossed and
filled in with small flags. A flag staff arose
from the north side, floating banner,
which was lowered when the ceremonies
began. Above the platform
THE MONUMENT LOWERED
a thing of beauty. Taste had directed its
decoration and flowers and evergreen sup
piled the material. The dark pine festoons
were caught up and relieved by bright
boquets, making fine effect. Wresths
were tastefully hung and chains gracefully
swung about and around the figures. As q
whole, the monument was dressed with
perfect taste and skill.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
a Gala Day, the Like Of Which Has
Visited wheeling Not for Many
Years Past.
A Baptism Of Rain Which Only
Frsshsnsd the Flowers and
Frightened the Evergreen.
Ths Decoration of Graves and the
Beautiful Services Of Dsdicat-
Ing the Monument.
A Full Account ofths Day in Wheel
Inc and the Towns Clustering
Round About Us.

Despite the threatening weather Of the
past few days and despite the lowering
clouds which at intervals sent down their
showers Of fain, Decoration Day was OBJ
served in Wheeling in q manner and with
: degree Of pomp and circumstance not
soon to be forgotten. There was sponta-
neous and general uprising Of the people,
and q whole-souled heartiness of action and
impulse, and the result was an observance
never before equaled, on this day. The
eontsgion seemed abroad and not only was
Wheeling stirred up, but all Of the ada
cent country. II the rain was unkind, it
did not deter brave souls from placing i'm
mortelles on heroes graves and only served
70 freshen and brighten the floral tributes.
II was gala day in Wheeling, in every
Sehse Of the word.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
CONFEDERATE GRAVES.

At $50 O'Clock large omnibus, beaud-
fully decorated and laden With q wealth Of
flowers, left the Mcclure House and visited
the different cemeteries. \ second car
rage. similarly dressed and laden, follow
ed il on the same mission. which was to
decorate the graves Of soldiers Of the con-
federacy. Ladies and gentlemen were
engaged, but MesSrS J. c. Anderson, Mar
tin Thornton, Robert White and others
were at the head Of the movement. They
decorated all of the graves and the flowers
remaining were Just as tenderly laid on
the graves of Federal soldiers.
Nomore shall the war cry sever,
Nor the winding river run red;
They Danish our anger forever,
when they laurel the graves OF our dead.
Under the sod and the dew,
Waiting the judgment day,
Love and tears for the blue,
Tears and love for the grey.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31

Union army aGainst 80 On
Il Tho Confederate tell q o. tie ,.J
bravery ,gneqs.lisa IN tb ..''oisa 81
var. Inc fact that they r.s, iaua, "
pnnoyedly on ppi0 or ,' -" uak,,s
In the grave o. tie WARM mot ofb,s,,
evidence that they wef. 4. 70 tie r;,,sss
he's bsen s1jd, ct the iroes 'tr,s
~ pictsts duty. "a lie
cavalry chapA brave befo,. es,re ~
brave in the Tying messs,. we ,urps
circle Such patriotism CO.., W tas hsS
highest admiration. 6uch devo,;,at,
..lspd q the free aud The Soe tsa
brave" demands our most s,d NON. d
lection. Buch warriors. ~
THE TRIBUTES or A sRx.r An,
PEOPLE.
s The electric flashes along the yin.
n the Confederate States IN, M
been called lest week honored ,ss,.
otic dead By weaving their g,rI,nSs ~
ers and streWisg their graves ~
mementoes Of Q people grateful
ton and devotion.
xEvEa, NO, SEyEs.
Shall ws do Leo? As We stand \,
lovely MOUNDS Of our dead, looki,.
the faces Of their widows and orr
children; - our feet this day tn,s
KreUn sWard Of this thirty .di,h H..
our glorious Union and xho,.
motto 10 "Montani Semper Lib.rr
mountsineers are always free" A.
call our liberties guaranteed TO .,
the red zeal OF the patriota' blood
40 men, women and children ss<,,
the bonds Of an eternal coas.,.
and devotion, our nation,
From the Wolverine State o.
North to the palmetto" of ID, ~
from the Pine Tree State" on Ii,
east to the Lone Star State" OF III,
west may there 30 but one grand CO.
voices proclaiming, We will defend \.
critics, We will revere the msmorie, -.
honor the graves OF those who hate A.
freedoms holy cause.
Comrades can you forget
YOUR PARTNERS IN THE srRrrr
your brother on the crimson fields a j
mage and death? When both privil,r !
duty call you to honor with You, 81
tribute the grave OF father, son. Of oS,
in the field and men In the line. Of ~
bearer, drummer boy, and trumpt,,.|
cavalryman, artilleryman, or the hes
the deep blue sea. "shall You be Sm,l
there: Nay, comrades, nay, thris :
When these memorial scenes procl,in
the succeeding years the nation jubls
honor to her dsad. Come, and win !
choicest flowers Of the spring time, G,
from the most inviting gardens OF God ;
nature, beautify In sacred memory ,
holy deed the graves, - you thl, DIV
OF those who have died your colntr,
ave. In doing so grand and g,,)
work, remember that like ~
you too will soon finish the gr.s, n
paien of mortal life, and lay VOID
down to that sleep,
From which none ever wakes 10 we.t
Till then
Let your unceAsibg. earnest prayer.
Be-too for light for strength 20 bsa'
Your portion OF the weight Of carr,
That brushes In dumb despair
One-half the hum an race.
Remember, too
The battle Of your life 10 brief:
The alarm-the strugglc-the rclle'
Then, sleep We side ~ side.
-Long'sh y
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
DOTS AND DASHES.
Points and Pointers Of tue Day aad its

Professor Schockey conducted the chorus
in Star Spsngled Banner"
Stranger" sends in q communication
asking whether the flags should not have
been at half mast, instead of strung clear
to the tops Of the poles"
VIM. A. Love was of much service in
decorating the graves of confederate dead.
Col. Irvine presided with modssty and
dignity.
Poet Laureate Leighton carried off the
honors of the day. His poem should be
carefully preserved.
Fred Bye was the apochryphsl sailor and
John AcAdams the soldier.
The war-worn battle flags presented q
fine appearance, tastefully drapsd about
the platform.
Fully 10000 people took in the sight and
half of that number heard what was said.
Nicholson, Of Bellaire. was the veteran of
1872, and was one of the ''obseryedest'' Of
the crowd.
The band opened with the National an
them
"My Country tbs OF Thee
which was beautifully rendered, though
Gen. Beech's chorus could scarcely be
heard.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
DEDICATION CEREMONIES.
The Beautiful and striking Features
of the Event

Inc DehutlhuA anu StrAAlnS ECotaHVs
of the Event.
The procession came down Chapline
street and slowly fought its way through
the immense jam. At this time the clouds
gave promise of early rain and many an
anxious glance was sent skyward, but the
moisture held of. The officers and speak.
ers, with those Of Holiday Post who par
ticipated in the ceremony, clambered to
the platform and after q little delay the
ceremonies began. The band struck up the
National anthem, My Country it's OF
Thee" and the school children, under COM
mand of Gen. Beach, chimed in. They
should have had platform, as their voices
were almost inaudible twenty-five feet
back.
Rev. J. E. Smith offered the invocation,
which was an eloquent prayer to the
Almighty, thanking him for the many
blessings We enjoy and craving Divine
grace for the future.
Chapel" by hreuzer, was then sung by
three singing societies, AriOn, Beethoven
and Germania with the band. 1t was
grand, stirring song and exceedingly well
rendered. Next came
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
THE DEDICATION.
The Principal Event of the Day-The
PRneR.ginn


Procession.
The interest Of the DAY conferred in the
dedication of the Soldiers monument,
which was made the feature Of the after
noon. Toward noon the crowd grew rapid
.ly in proportions and pushed toward the
centre Of the city, while many an anxious
eye was cast heayenwsrj, where the sullen
clouds gave indications of soon discharginS
themselves below. The centre of attrac-
ton At this time was the custom house
corner and thence up Market street, where
the procession was being formed. q. \. K
Hall was busy place. Marshals and aids
were dashing hither and thither, issuing
orders, statiOning men and arranging the
lines. The sPosts from over the river ar
rived promptly on time and were assigned
places, and about > o'clock. the procession
moved mp Market street. Ii was not par
ticularly imposing, but when the weather
is taken into consideration, il made a tine
display. II was composed as follows:
Detachment Of City Police, in command of
Lieut. SylV.S.
Opera House Orchestra OF Brass
Guard OF Honor.
Habertield Drum COrpS.
Holiday Post, &. A. &, wheeling.
spNpgler Post. u. A. K, Bellaire.
Drum Corps.
~ toAANAScpOEs-
Drum Corps.
Thoburn Post, q. \. T., Martins Ferry
Drum Corps
Veteran OF the War OF ISL In Carriage
Mexican War Veterans.
Wheeling Order OF Rechabites.
Msnnerchor singing Society.
Wheeling Turnverein.
Chief Marshal Dunntng, OF Fire Department.
Committee on Fire Department
In -Four Carriages
Hook aud Ladder Truck.
Island Hose Reel.
Ntgilant'Steam and Reel
United Steamer and Reel.
Eighth Ward HCss Cart.
Hope Hose Reel
Atlantic Steamer and Reel
Citizens and StgapgeIs In Carriages.
Wheeling Butchers Association.
The fire department made the best show.
The engines shone like mirrors and the
hose was scrubbed to q snowy whiteneSs.
The G. A. r. Posts marched with soldier
ike decorum and regularity, and the soci-
cites made . brave show. The drum corps
beat with martial feryor and the band
pIayed stirring airs, The route OF process
sion Was as already published and ended st
the Monument on Capitol Square.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
TIE GRAFTON
Delivered by Private Dalxell-FaII
synopsis Of the speech.

synepsis Of the speech.
Private Dslzell, when introduced, said
he could not hope to reach everybody and
must depend on the public press; which,
perhaps, already had too much Of him.
The. monument, he said, is q credit to
Wheeling. 1t is credit to West Virginia.
1t speaks well for your patriotic gratitude.
To suffer the speeches dead to lie forgot
ten Of those who have so largely benefited
as you have by their services ON the fields
Of mortal combat in defense Of your homes
and fresides, and in defense Of your eoun-
try, as will as theirs, would be base in.
gratitude indeed. This monument is not
not reared Tor them. 1t rises up as test.
monial OF yours 10 their children and yours,
20 bear witness that you are not unuin |,
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
CtGslnR Ceremonies.

When Private Dalzell finished, the Post
Commander ordered the flag lowered and
the guard Of honor removed, leaving the
dead to guard the monument. Rev. r. r.
swope then delivered the Apostolic Bene-
diction:
THE peace Of God, which passeth all
understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge of the love of God
and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and
the blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost, be among
you and remain with you always. Amen
This ended the entire ceremony. The
band played Yankee Doodle" the crowd
dispersed and the great day was over.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
AZ BridRepOrt.

Brannum Post, G. A. R., celebrated Dec
Grafton Day in very appropriate manner.
They met at their hall at about s A. NJ. and
proceeded to the NJ. Z. Church, where Rev.
Keys preached a very fine memorial SER
mon, which was listened 10 with profound
interest by the large congregation. After
the services at the church the Post again
repaired to their hall where an elegant
lunch was prepared and partsken OF by
the G. A. r. and their friends. After
dinner the Post and large crowd Of citi.
brethren in that place.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31

During the poem, the rain began to fall
lightly, but no one stirred and at the con-
clusion the applause was long and hearty.
Hon. J. NJ. Ddlzell was then introduced.
During his Grafton the rain fell steadily
and hundreds Of umbrellas were raised.
"Let il rain" he exclaimed. "The heavens
are weeping and the angels themselves have
wept st the scenez We today commemot-
ate" He spoke for fifteen minutes, cut
ting out much he intended to say, on &C.
count of the rain.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31

BY telegrsmS from realms afsr
We learn the browning of q Gar
In KrsmllnS Keep, mid dire alright
of SihiliSt and dynamite:
Sealing with pziestly word and rite
A monarch Der the MuScovtte.
Out OF the old Sclavonle Narth
Tie sound OF voices issues forth;
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
THE PRICE OF THE PRESENT
PAID BY THE PAST:

Memorial ODE. read at the dedication
OF the Soldiers Monument, in Wheeling.
upon Decoration Day. May %, iSSS.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
SCENES AT TEE SQUARE.

The Immense ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF
the Monument and Platform
Long before the hour fixed tos the eeremo-
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
Acceptance.

AtNtptahrt-
When DR.. Logan concluded, q. &. Jones,
Commander Of the Post, accepted the mon
ument in a short but eloquent address, on
behalf Of the soldiers and sailors. 1.-THE
monument he said, was silent, but that
silence was impressive and eloquent. 1t
was itself an Grafton and showed the brave
dead to be unforgotten. Officer of the Day,
direct the Officer of the Guard to station a
guard OF honor about the monument"
A guard of four men was then placed
one st each corner of the monument. The
flag was hoisted and the stirring strains
Of THE Star Spangled Banner broke
upon the air, sung by the German socie-
ties. The Officer OF the Day was Jas. Sher &.
idan; of the Guard, George Rodenbsugh ::
Guard OF Honor, Comrades Little, Robin
son, Greer and Pierson.
THE NAVY.
The Post Commander demanded what
portion of Scripture was applicable to the
navy. Senior Vice Commander Burt re-
sponded by reading that portion OF the
10th Psalm, beginning: They that go
down to the sea in ships
The symbol Of the navy, an anchor, was
then placed on the north side of the mOnu'
ment and a sailor, in full costume, with
drawn cutlsSs, was set on guard. At the
same time the strains Of
columbia, the gem Of the ocean,
scared up from the chorus and band.
The ARMY.
What portion OF Scripture applies to
the army" demanded the Post Com
msnder.
The Junior Vice Commander responded by
reading the portion OF Scripture begin
ming: TO YOUR tents, o Israeli
The symbol Of the army, q musket and
full accountrements. was set up on the
south side OF the monument, and a soldier
in uniform placed on guard. The inspir.
ing Marching through Georgia" was then
sung with great will and enthusiasm.
The Officer Of the Day then read the
Proclamation Of Peace from Scripture
and the monument was
FORMALLY DEDICATED
by prayer, by Chaplain Robertson. The
Post Commander. in q loud voice, in the
name Of the Grand Army Of the Republic,
dedicated the monument to the dead sol.
diers and sailors. At the command Salute
the dead! every head was barred and rev
erently bowed.
This ended the dedication ceremonies,
conducted in the beautiful form prescribed
by the G. A. r. Mr.. SEQ. +. Irvine, chair
man, then took charge and introduced Mr..
VIM. Leighton, Jr.. who. with great feeling
and taste delivered the following poem. II
lisa beautiful composition, doing honor to
his heart and credit to his head: .
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
Hark 10 each heavy peal

y.
Hark 10 each heavy peal
As cannon shots resound!
Even the strong hills reel
And tremble with the sound -
Now through the riffs OF smoke clouds see
The cleaning lines 90 by,
And gatherings that Ger them fly,
Torn by sharp ritie-shots and the death
winged artillery.
DiSordered by that dreadful rain
Are all the glitterlng lines;
But DER them sweeps the smoke again,
On which the sunlight shines,
Painting the veil that hides the deal
With beauty 10 the eye;
But. ali. beneath, the earth is red
With tint Of deeper dye.
NJ.
Stretched on his hospital cot
When fever racked each wasted limb
y hspless lott
Weary were days and nights with him;
Or, far away
From his lone bed of woe and pain,
Remembrance led him home again,
Guiding the weary soldiers wandering
Where memory had q magic charm TO bring
Again the day
When, from his friends and home departing
mothers tears fell on his cheek,
Telling the love she could not speak
For sobbing;
Or loving lips were pressed to his
In tender farewell of kiss
That memory
Had treasured from that hour to this
How foudly!
That home he never more may see,
Save in hot feverS phanLasy;
But in his cot OF pain alone
Must yield up life with dying moan;
No friendly ear To hear the signs,
His last of earthly Sorrowing,
Ere, rising on his heavenly wing,
HomewaTd AT last his spirit dies.
NIL.
And shall tell
OF all the hardShips that befell,-
The cruel tortures OF the heart and brain,
Famine, and pain
Him whose sad fate
Babe him prisoner long remain,
Sadly TO wait
The turning of his prison key.
To wait and sigh for liberty.
NV.
So suffered they
Whose monument we dedicate to-day.
Wars iron rain,
Fever and pain,
The weary waiting, and the CALLING chain
OF dull imprisonment,
With sundered ties Of home, and Danish.
ment-
All these did they endure that we
More fortunate might be;
And broad DER all the land,
From east TO western strand,
Our country might be bless with glId pros
perity.
XIV.
Then let no niggarl NEED
OF honor grace each deed
So bravely done
On every battle field whose name,
Engraven here, records the fame
Our countrymen have won;
That patriots yet 10 be-
While still within the land
Such monuments shall stand
May bless tie memory
Of those who freely gave
Their bio ID and liv es to save
And keep our nation great aud glorious still,
And free, and indivislble.
XVI.
So may the future days
Come no0ly 10 our State:
When prosperous and great,
Her citizens shall praise
Those who gave life and all to consecrste
Their land 20 liberty;
And babe their watchword be
These words In granite here,
To freemen ever dear,
Montani Semper iberi.
During the poem, the rain began to fall
lightly, but no one stirred and at the con-
clusion the applause was long and hearty.
Hon. J. NJ. Dalzell was then introduced.
During his Grafton the rain fell steadily
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31
THE PRESENTATION.
DR.. Logan's Address on Behalf OF Citi.
gems and Trustees.

Eens ana Hfustees.
DR.. Thos. H. Logan, of the Board Of
Trustees, in whose charge the fund had re.
posed, was very appropriately chosen to
make the presentation. In loud, clear
voice he said:
Members Of the Grand 4rmy Of the Repujlic:
At this season nineteen years ago, and
on the ground upon which we now stand,
patriotic citizens were engaged in making
preparations for holding a great sanitary
fair, the object of which was TO provide
funds for the supply of sanitary relief to
soldiers in hospitals and elsewhere. A
few weeks later that fair was held, and
literally patronized by the people of the
surround ing country. The largest portion
of the funds derived therefrom was ex-
pended for the welfare and comfort OF SOL
diers in hospital and field, and in caring
for their families, when necessary, at
home.
After the close OF the war there remained
an unexpended sum of about 81 900. This
was increased by investment in Govern
ment bonds and otherwise, from time to
time, until more than doubled.
Meanwhile the use to be made OF this
fund had been frequently discussed. 1t
was finally decided to appropriate it to the
OF WHICH SuOIlu
stand as memorial in honor of those who
had served their country in its hours of
peril.
In deciding upon the design Of the mon
ument, the committee consulted freely
with representative men OF your AssoCia-
ton.
As work OF Art, both in design and
execution, il seems to have merited and
received the highest commentator. The
sailor looks a real sailor and the soldier
true soldier.
The crowAing statue representing union,
holds in one hand the shield for defense;
and in the other the sword to be used
when necessary to vindicate the honor of
the nation. There is, however, no menace
in either attitude or expression. The face
is full of majesty, stern, but not unkind;
and as it gazes hopefully into the far
reaching West and widening South aud
North, it seems to say to the gathering mil
lions, make war no more, least of all among
yourselves; but strive that the fruits of in
dustry and peace may abound and multiply
without interruption, for eyermore.
Commander: Ii is eminently fitting that
this monument should be dedicated by the
surviving comrades of those in whose mem
DRY chiefly it was erected. For this pur.
pose il is now at your disposal.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31

Tis elder than the oldest thing we know,
TO honor men by building up pile
of monumental stone: ay, long ago,
Ere history began, beside the Nile.
The sons Of Egypt built pyramid
Unto their king-the dust OF ages hid
His name. May this carved granite, Aappily,
Proclaim our honored ones euduringiy:
Or II time levels all that mankind rears,
Nav this fair stone endure as many years g.
As the lone Sphinx hath sat In Egypt's sand,
Or as the Oldest pyramid shall stand.
Bnt when harsh years these crumsltng stones
The deeds they honor shall not pass away:
A stronger record holds each heros name,
And deathless Stars forever hymn MS 1ame'
For while Eternal Goodness rules Ger men
Each higher act employs an anseis Peu'
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31

Thors hammer makes not now the roar
As In the wcnd'rous days OF yore;
But through the pathway Of wire
Speed words swift winged with hghtnings
fire,
Telling that Europes greatest nation
Is chained beneath q de6potism
Needing each Suaru, its power bestows.
To shield IL from assassin blown
With this fresh news in every ear,
Bow opposite q scene Is herei a.
The East proclaims q despot's might,
And crowns him with religious rite
Here in our West, al men are free;
no despot rules; no slaves are we;
kut fafrest flowers OF this fair May
Upon our soldiers graves we lay
Heroes who died TO keep US free:
That we anew may consecrate
To an undying liberty
The land their deaths made truly great;
To which they gave prosperity
And richer promises TO be
Unfolded in futurity.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-31

Prosperity, thy hand
Hath touched Dame Fortunes wheel: and,
10,
Forth in profusIon pours the nov
OF plenty in the land.
We hear the cheerful din arise
From busy workshops: and our eyes
Behold the ponderons railroad train,
Laden with freight OF Western grain,
10 putting through our valley 10 the sea.
Our produce, borne 10 Eastern STRANDS
Fees hungry mouths in starving lands
Wasted by blight Of sad adversely.