Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1884-05-30


the sky being clearer and the sun
shining with greater force than for
weeks past. By s o'clock flags were
hanging at half-mast from the various
stats in town and the sidewalks be-
came thronged with people elegantly
dressed, which gave them a holiday
appearance.
Shortly after 10 o'clock the Sunday
School children, in charge of Super
intendent MCGOWAN, arrived, headed
by the Haley Brass Band, and marched
into the Theater through the open
ranks OF Alturas Post, G. A. r.
Then came the squad of.honor sent
up by Garfield Post, of Bellevue, in
of Commander T. T. Redsull and
Vice Commander J. D. Burch.
At half-past 10 o'clock Comrade
McCulloch, in the absence OF E. c.
Brearley, President Of the Day, called
the assemblage to order, and the ex.
ercises were opened with
Music by the HALEY Band.
President of the Day McCulloch
then delivered a brief opening ad-
dress.
"My Country, IT'S of Thee," fol-
lowed, sung by Assessor Leonard,
District Attorney Bruner, H. Z. Burk-
hart, and Professor Butler.
The audience arose and remained
standing while the Rev. Mr.. Osborn
offered prayer.
Comrade J. H. Beatty, Orator of
the Day, was now introduced, and de-
Iivered an address substantially as fol-
lows:
LADIES, COMRADES, AND FELLOW
C1T1zENs: While yesterday the sky
was dark with storm clouds, it is fit
ting that it should be bright to-day, for
to-day we pay tribute to the dust Of
those who have fallen while dischary-
ing a sacred duty; and while we
scatter the bright flowers of spring,
upon them will be found the dew of
our tears. While regretting that so
many of our comrades were sacrificed
upon the altar of our country. we also
to-day may rejoice that the strife
which deprived Us Of them is ended.
This is not a local celebration-not
\ Wood River celebrations; for ali over
this broad country to-day the people
join us to do honor to the nation s
dead.
1t is held by some that it does no
good to scatter flowers over the
graves of deceased soldiers - that
no good results from these celebra-
tions. The speaker begged to disa-
gree with them. While the American
nation is as loyal to its country as any
on the face of the earth, patriotism is
a plant that grows best by proper cul-
tivat;on. If we had had no Fourth
of July celebrations, would the United
States Government, in its hour OF
need, have met with the response that
it did? BY these annual celebrations
rising generations learn to love their
country, and while the flowers scat.
tered upon soldiers graves will do no
good to the dead, they will at least
inspire IN the breasts If the rising
generation patriotism that will prove
a safeguard to the country in its need
The speaker then eulogized the
Pilgrims, reviewed the colonia! histor,
of the United States, and briefly re
ferred to the War of Secession. He
depicted the hardships endured by the
soldiers in time Of war, and paid ;
feeling compliment to those whe
fought on the other side, and who lie
buried with that standard that the,
were unable to defend. Prolonged
applause. Because they were mel
and brothers, because they were hon
orable, Let US place upon their grave
the soldiers garland. [Great ap
plause.
"But, first and foremost, always AM
forever, our love, our praise and on
honors are due to those whose live
were lost in defense of this great gov
| ernment, which still lives.
"On Fame'a eternal camping ground
Their silent tents spread
And Glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead"
The speaker was listened to atten
2 lively and frequently applauded.
e "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground,