The Press., 1885-06-11
LOCAL ToPlCs-PEsN,D AND sCIssoRED.
E soMERs...

LOCAL TOPlCS-PENN'D AND SCISSOkED. an soMERs. # ' @ - N Predatory remarks and poem read on memorial day bysE. J. sChaffee, Esq.,: Members of the Grand Army Ladies and gent 'emen Your speaker is aware siast it is not the province of the reader of the poem to offer any predatory remarks, but, with your permission, he will makesla slight departure from usage, with the promise to be brief. na | P am confident that it is giving expression to the prevailing sentiment of this audience when I announce that the provision recently made by the posts of this state for the more general observance of decoration day meets with undounded approval. We all recognize sacred duty resting upon us to properly re- were the memory of those who died in the service of their country. Patriotism must be kept alive in us, and our duty is not com plete until the spirit is infused in our chil- dren. These days of obseryances lead to the study of the cause, and our children soon learn that loyalty to our flag and to the cause | of right does not go unrewarded or passed by unheeded. Duty demands the observance of the day, and with willing hands and hearts we gladly pay our tributes to those whose last resting place is soldiers grave. | beg you to go with me in fancy to the dark days of the war, and they were sad times, | when the loyalty of every man was put to the test. The war is raging More recruits have I been called for. An enthusiastic war meeting has been held in town. A young man, with the first flush of manhood upon his cheeks, his bright eye flashing with intelligence, his handsome physique indicating g we'll balanced organization; this young man, with two older brothers already in the army, and at the front, determines that night that his country \ needs his service He wends his way home ward. His aged parents await his return. As soon as he enters his home, filled with en- thusiasm and spirit of loyalty, he says ! Father, am ihpelled by sense of duty to offer my services to my country,-to go in defense of the right, and, if needs be, give my life to aid in maintaining the supremacy of the stars and stripes" The eyes of the father are raised heavenward, and he exclaims, with Jacob of old, Joseph is not, Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away" With tears coursing down his cheeks he turns to of battle. Your country calls. Your broth CTS are there, and go ye, with Gods blessing upon you" In few days the handsome, mo- hle boy, the pride of father, mother and lneighborhood, is of for scenes in marked contrast to his quiet home. The old father, with gray hairs and bent form, having left youth many, many years behind, places his hand upon the head of his beloved son and lpronounces his blessing. His mother, with a
 
 a warm kiss upon his lips, and whispers in his ear: My son, in the thickest of the strife, put your trust in Him, who will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. If you never return to your old home, we will meet in the bright land where all is peace" It was the last time on earth that he looked upon the dear face of his mother. We in the north, to-day strew flowers upon } the graves of many of these noble boys and nou fhoir honoo ra ,,ovor oaaca fO ho maid Wreathe chaplets, wreathe garlands, pluck Il the choicest flowers, And of this rich material weave coverlets
 rare, To o'erspread the graves and form with bow In this beautiful tribute may we all have a
 share.
 The hero, the soldier, who, in devotion to Endured conflicts so terrible, and lay down
 his life, Though now in peace rests, and has fought
 his last fight,
 Let his memory be sacred, and with us ever rife.
 Flowers beautiful flowers; Gods impress of beauty
 Marked in each petal, each stamen, each II part; Charming emblerns of devotion and duty, Give expressions of love and feeling of heart. Exhalations of fragrance, like sweet incense
 arise
 From the mount altars of memory, devo- | tiOn and love, ra fp Bach particle laden bears heavenward sighs, Which tell of heart-aches, and ask aid from The last resting place of each soldier
 Should receive our attention, and guarded with oare,
 For few, if any, performed deeds that were bolder,
 As on picket or in battle he went forth to
 do and to dare.
 The heart that in time of rebellion beat loyal and true, hs=o1e saes x >yszss @ra>~ ~1 ' I When treason was rampant and stalked through the land,
 And naught but fidelity and allegiance knew
 To the faag of our country, and by the col ors to stand.
 These are; the brave ones who, regardless of 4 life,
 sBuckled on armour the conflict to face, And were found in the thickest of strife,
 And upon banner or name ne'er brought
 disgrace.
 Brave defenders, we come to honor this day Your deeds, your name, and your grave Your much-loved country some sought to be-
 tray,
 But you gave your life this union to save. We cannot. forget how much upon thee de- I 3 pended,
 In the dark hours of our country's woe, When you sought the strife to have ended,
 With rebellion crushed, and treason brought
 low.
 He, in whose hand the. destiny of nations do
 rest,
 Hath declared peace upon our glorious land. Why to us came sadness and sorrow He knew best, fsA*
 For all that we have comes from His boun-
 tiful hand.
 Loyal soldiers, would that your eyes could
 For moment upon. the peace you sought But for you there can be no such behest, Although this peace was with your blood brought
 May this peace, at such cost found,
 Be guarded and watched with sedulous care, And, as we flower strew each mound, May we all honor to the brave one declare. The union of states is strongly cemented; l Cursed be he who would sever the band, For God toward us has long since relented, And showers blessings with prodigal hand.