The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-06-06
INCIDENTS.
AT JAMAICA.

"a uttUl iipIli Scott iost, dccOnlpa- |
MED by Rev. O. G.. Baker, proceeded !
in the forenoon to the cemetery at
Jacksonville, where they found large
number of citizens awaiting their arri- |
val, After prayer by the Rev. Baker
the graves Of the patriot dead We're dec
grated without formal ceremonies, the
detail then returning to Jamaica. At
the same time another detachment
visited the cemetery at East Jamaica,
where, after prayer by Rev. DeForrest
Stafford, The graves of the fallen heroes
were also appropriately decorated, the
detachment then returning to jamaica.
At JAMAICA VILLAGE.
About three O'Clock p. III. the process
sion was formed in front Of the Jamai-
ca house by Marshall l.. n. Sprague,
and proceeded to the cemetery in the
following order:
/. The Londonderry Comct Band.
2. Speakers.
3. Scott Post, G. A. II.
About % children, mostly girls,
bearing wreaths and flowers.
3. Citizens.
Arrived at the cemetery prayer was
offered by Rev. O. G. Baker. The
speaking was opened by Marshall
Sprague, who said he had tried to get
out of this, but the post had insisted,
and here he was. 1t would really not
be SO embarrassing but for the heavy
artillery in the rear, referring to the
speakers to follow him. He was ready
to advance the interest of the Post, and
help keep alive the patriotic impulses of
the nation. Gave an apt quotation
from Marco Bozarris, and altogether
acquitted himself very handsomely in a
five minutes speech.
The next speaker was Rev. 0. G.
Baker, who thought we were engaged
in teaching after the plan of the object
lesson. That before us was such a les
son as the teacher would lay before his
pupils. These children and flowers
were an object lesson, they testify as to
how we love the dead and living, and
the principles for which they fought
and died; that we should be willing to
lay down our lives for these principles.
Thought these scenes would never be
ctiaced. and their lessons were tending
to the good, the true and right.
Scott Post Commander, o. M. Ward
well was next introduced. Com.
Wardwell proved a very pleasant
speaker, but your reporter could not
hear half he said, from the fact that
several loud-mouthed, brainless croa-
lures. who stood Immediately behind
him, kept up continual buzz, for their
own qualification, he supposes, it GER
tainly gratitied no one else, and there
fore will not attempt to report him
further than to say that he very hand
somely thanked those who had assisted
the Post in the observance of the day.
The next and last speaker was Rev.
DeForrest Stafford, who commenced by
inquiring why we are here? Proposed
that it be answered practically and to
some purpose. There was something
lying back Of today. This was Ameri-
ca, great and prosperous nation. To-
day history sweeps down upon lis, and
the finger of God is in il. In Boston
were two noted statutes, in Park and
Scollay squares, representing Lincoln
and Winthrop, two distant points, and
between them was a long roll OF re-
corded history, The Rev. gentleman
then proceeded to specify points of his
tory recorded between these statutes,
all of which taught the great underlying
principles of this government, liberty
of the soul and liberty of conscience.
Thought the greatest glory and
achievement of Washington was in
praying at Valley Forge-putting his
trust in God. Referred to Lincolns
promising his God that if he gave us
the victory, the slaves should be free.
Paid glowing tribute to the YER
mont soldier, said that wherever there
was danger they were sure to be there,
and three times they had stepped i'll and
snatched victory from defeat. Thought
the three great dangers to our country
were infidelity, alcohol and ignorance.
Called upon his audience to remember
the foes within; thought he that con-
quered his own spirit had achieved a
great victory, and concluded with a
glowing tribute to America.
AT the conclusion of the speeches,
while the band played dirge, the chill
dren led by members of the Post pro-
ceeded to decorate the graves, after
which the procession reformed and re-
turned to the starting point. About
800 persons were present, and every
thing passed off pleasantly and in or
der. The Londonderry band furnished
most excellent music, and added mater
iallv to the interest of the occasion.