Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-06-01

The procession was long one, there being
a larger number Of men in line than at any
previous similar occasion for several years.
The men appeared finely. Seth Williams
Post was we'll represented. Harry Stinson
Camp, Sons of Veterans, mustered forty-two
members. Their marching received many
compliments. Taken together as a body
they made very soldierly appearance, and
their new caps were very becoming. Last
hut not least" came Cutler Post with $50 men
in line. The veterans never looked better,
and much credit is due General Stephenson
for bringing out so large and we'll organized a
body of men from the Home. The mem
bers of the National Home Band more than
maintained their already well-earned reputa-
ton as expert musicians. The sidewalks
were crowded with people along the line of
the procession. and the street was filed with
teams in the rear. Arriving at Forest Grove,
ST. Marys and Mount Pleasant cemeteries,
the Post proceeded to decorate the soldiers
graves with flowers, performing the usual
ceremonies. Rev. DIR. Allen offered PRAYER
at the unknown graves, and Rev. Mr.. Bradlee
in Mt. Pleasant cemetery. After the tender.
ing of these fitting tributes to the memory OF
the fallen, the procession returning, arrived
at Monument Park and drew up around the
monument. Here appropriate ceremonies
were conducted by the Post, with music by
the Band, Rev. A. G.. White offering prayer.
The monument was very lastly and elegantly
decorated. The die was garlanded with
wreaths of cedar and fir intermingled with
iouquils, cactus blossoms and callas. Pretty
floral crosses and wreaths surrounded by
other evergreen wreaths also adorned
the die. Gracefully suspended from
the cap and in front of the plinth
were wreaths of evergreen. Twined aroupd
the spire was another wreath of ever
green. On the coat of arms was hung a
wreath of evergreen fecked with geraniums,
cactus blossoms and other bright celored
flowers. A similar wreath was borne by the
statue of the Goddess of Liberty which sur
mounts the monument Following the cere
monies at the Park the procession returned T.
Water street and dsbanded Cutler Post be
ing served with COLLATION. in G.. A. X. Hall
EVENING.
In the evening Granite Hall was densely
packed. Hon. A. w. Philbrook acted As
president of the day. The exercises were
ushered in by music from the National Home
Band. followed with prayer by Rev. DR.
Allen. A quartette composed of MIR. G. r.
johnson, Miss l.. Estelle Park, Mrs. Geo
Davies, and Mr.. J. II. Chandler rendered
some very fine vocal music. Col. Il. A
Smith delivered an eloquent and patriotic
address which went home to the heart o
closed with music by the Band, singing tn,
hymn, America, and benedction by Rev. DIR
Allen. The following is very full abstrac
of Col Smiths address:
Ladies aud Gentlemen My apology 70
appearing before you tonight to reply is tn
call of my comrades. Invitations the mos
fsttering could not induce me to appear il
this capacity elsewhere than in Maine. fo
comrades elsewhere would be less charitable
anu more CritlCat. we are DTUtntTs As wei
as comradss-all sons Of the common Mothe
the dear old State of Maine. In this sense
kinship as well as comradeship brings me Il
the heart of the State in which was borr
and for which | have an undsing affection
Precious Mother Maine: We are proud to b.
your sons: as devoted children we cherist
your memory. Where ever we wander, vi
are proud to claim the STATE which gave u
birth and which has nuiured so much o
noble manhood and womanhood. Wherever
We roam we turn to our cherished mother
and say:
The hills of Maine. the Nils Of Maine.
Her woods, her iaes, her fields of grain,
Her scented morns. her brighteyed noens.
Her ever uniorgotten moons,
No matter where my latest breath
May freeze beneath the kiss of death.
May some oee bear us back again.
To sleep among the hills of Maine
To all men who honorably served in Name
regiments during the war, the relation of til,
State is both near and peculiar. As her son'
they have won for her imperishahle fam,
npon the field of battle. Her name anc
memories have inspired them to deeds o.
hsroism. In the archives of yonder capitol
each Of the living Maine soldiers knows tina
he has the simple record: Enlisted. served
honorably discharged" II is, perhaps, AT
absurd sentimentalsm, but for one | woult
not exchange that brief record which belongs
10 me for any honor or rank that power car
confer. There is but one record more sub
ume-that consecrated by martyrdom, which
nads: "Enlisted, served, dead on the fielt
Of honor"
Wehalt here an hour tonight, shut out from
Tue noisy, hurried stream OF active life, with
Ms myriad of eager, jostling aud contendini
interests which flowed by so rapidly yesterda,
and will flow again as swiftly tomorrow. II
.ne quiet Of this day, solemn in its meaning
ana purpose and doubly still from the pause
snicn It brings in the roar and rush of every
oay existence, which lies before and benin,
vs.. the mind is carried back to the past an,
sne sou! Is moved by memories At once glori
Qua and sad.
ana what memories have borne US back
safo ~ years to-day! We have marche,
sa'n In full regiments. We have commune,
.sce 70 lace with comrades over whose grave
Me green grass has grown nearly . score o
ys. We have marched with men to whou
,Ss:,, mas not spoken for years and have beef
W".ed with the elbow-touch of immortala
sas1 again The sounds Of preparation i