Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1884-08-14
AMONG THE VETERANS.

Hon. James G. Blaine Attends the Camp
Fire of the G. A. r. Veterans at Bar Har.
Dor, Me.-The " Boys" Compel Him to Sit
for His Portrait.
BAR HARBoR, Me, August 8.
A great audience gathered at the camp
ground yesterday. The seats accom-.
modated about 5000, and at least as
many were outside. Department Com
mander Williams called the meeting to
order, and introduced General S. Connor,
who rendered greeting to his former
comrades.
Governor Robbie congratulated the vet
Grams that they had country safe, and
that, too, by their own efforts.
During the address the cheers of those.
outside announced the arrival OF B aine,
and amid great applause he took seat.
on the stand.
Hon. Nathan Cieaves, of Portland, was
the next speaker, and was followed by
Congressman Reed. After Mr.. Reed
took his seat Commander Williams
said that Blaine was requested
to- take his place III the
center of the platform. ssWhat for?''
asked Blaine. That q portrait OF the
next President of The United States may
be taken!" shou ed photographer from
the crowd. Blaine refused to move,
when two Grand Army boys took him
by he arm and fairly forced him
to the place. Blaine with his hat N his
hand ] oked somewhat confused. At
this moment veteran shouted, "Don't
look SO sober, Blaine, you don't look
Datural.o Blaine laughed, and amid the
cheers of the crowd his portrait was
taken with natural expression
'How do you feel, Mr.. Blaine?" whis-
pered Governor Robbie, as the Piumed
knight took his seat.
sit was the hardest place was ever
In" replied Blaine. 1t was some mo-
ments before Blaine could speak, the app
pause being continuous. His speech was
in substance as follows:
''Gentlemen, of the Grand Army, I
thank you for this cordial greeting. The
whole day has been one of
pleasure, in renewal of old acquaint-
ances and the recalling of
old scenes in civil lite that antedate your
splendid deeds in the war. My mind is
carried back to the winter of 1861, to the
excitement, the election, and at the time
the seriousness aud the sadness of that
ominous and critical era. When the war
cloud burst, and Lincoln called for "a, 600
men, Maine was asked for regiment. I
had the honor to be Speaker of the
House. Patriotism was fervid, conf
dence was strong, and we younger menu
something very bold. Instead of respond
lug with one regiment we authorized the
Governor to offer ten regiments, and.
though unused to Sta uebt, we en-
powered the Governor to borrow $780,
coo on the faith of the State. We felt sure
that our ten regiments would never
be needed. Gentlemen, you know
the sequel. Onr ten regiments were swept
into the vortex before half year and we
ended by sending thirty-two regiments of
infantry, two of cavalry and seven batter
les OF artillery. These, Ns.th the recruits,
absorbed more than $4,000
of Maine's sons. You are
an honored, an important part of the
survivors of that host, and l join with
you in commemorative services for the
unreturning b. ave, for that great host
who died for their country and
Tor liberty. The struggle is over,
ard our triumph is celebrated
not with sense of having
conquered foe, but with that better
sense OF having reclaimed our kinsmen
and brought them back to their own her.
1tage and TO the protection of their flag.
Beneath that flag the North and the South.
the East and the West will all find pro.
lection. Under its sheltering folds we
shall dwell together in unity, for we be
AT the close of Mr.. Blaine,s address.
speeches were made by Colonel L. s,
Bangs, of Watervillc, Colonel Carr. of
Colorado, and Hon. w. A. Lunt, of Port
land. At the call of Rev. d. b. Randall.
three hearty cheers were given Tor Mr..
Blaine who took the train tor Augusta ut
the c.ose.