The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-31

latter escorted by the German Veterans.
reached Grown Hill and, with reverse
arms, marched to the speakers stand; mere
gether "Recollections of the War; after which
the Rev John Alabaster, ID. D.. offered prayer
This was followed by the bands playing Haydns
s.The Heavens Are Telling The master OIL
ceremonies. Comrade John A. M. Cox, OF Chap
man Post, then introduced the orator of the day.
Mayor McMaster With very eloquent
introduction. referring to the day and
its observance, the speaker said that
these memorial services are of little moment
to those who sleep within. but not so to their
surviving comrades and to the younger genera
ton who assemble on these occasions, and upon
whom will soon devolve the duty of watching
over and perpetuating the institutions and the
country which these men died to preserve.
He forcibly contrasted the motives that inspire
the citizen soldiery and the soldiers of fortune.
The former fought from sense of duty, born of
love for their country; the latter stood ready TO
fight for any government for martial glory alone;
but the men whose graves were tenderly decora-
ted to-day knew butone country. one government
Out of the conflict in which these men died
came perfect liberty which rounded up and
made glorious the first century of the Nations
existence liberty which was full of JOY and
hope; liberty that lifted ND the man and the
woman who had been bound for more than two
hundred years In the chains OF slavery, ana
gave them mans chance and a womans chance
in the world; liberty not that OF the Declare
ton of Independence but liberty in fact;
| elderly eniightening the world" which the
world could not meek at and deride; liberty
established by the bayonet-that pioughshare
which God sometimes runs through nations to
manifest His will and compel the obedience of
men,
The speaker then reviewed the causes of the
rebellion, and referred in eloquent periods to
the notable events that completed its history
and strengthened it for all time He paid a fine
tribute to General Grant, and spoke 'of the
confidence the administration of Mr.. Lincoln had
in his power to command and lead to final
victory the Union hosts. He spoke of the sacri
fees made by mothers and wives in this great
struggle for the Nations life, and referred to the
growth of the country from small beginning
hundred years ago to what is now one OF the
most powerful on the globe. In his closing SEN
| fences he appealed to the pride of Indianans in
securing for her sons who fell in the great fight
for liberty monumental structure worthy of the
men whose memories it shall perpetuate. He said
the stranger visiting Indana's capital city will
find population of nearly o hundred thousand
people; its streets the busy marts Of trade; large
and commodious business blocks, and elegant
residences a magnificent court house already
erected, and State house in process of erection;
but he will look around in vain for any hint,
suggestion, that Indiana bore any part in the
war for the Union This is neglect bordering
| upon shame and disgrace, and it should be
speedily remedied.
Following music by the band the committee on
ems Relief Corps of the various posts Colonel
Eli r. Ritter officiating as chaplain, went to the
graves of the fallen braves, and placed flowers
and wreaths upon them, the full ritual of the G.
A. r. being observed. Contributions for this
purpose came from the following sources:
George II. Chapman Ladies' Relief Corps, No.
| 10, 674 bouquets.
| Public school No. 2, q large basket of flowers
and one bouquet
School Is, a large basket of flowers.
North side High school. bouquet
School No. IL, one large pan of flowers and
ported plants to be placed on the graves of COM
rades of George n. Chapman Post G. A. r.,
who have died in the past year.
South-side High-school, by Miss Collins, three
clothes baskets full of flowers.
Miss Laura Benson, basket of flowers.
School No. 9, two wreaths and basket Of
| flowers.
| School No. g. large basket Of flowers.
| Miss Hattie Hamann collected the offerings
| from the various schools.
Details from the military companies fred sa-
lutes over the graves, and thus closed the Decor
| alton Day of 1885.
The committee on finance think enough has
been obtained by sale of transportation tickets
to pay all expenses and leave profit which will
be given to the relief corps fund.
There was but one accident during the day
and that slight one to Major Boardman, whose
horse, on the approach to the cemetery, stepped
in hole and fell. The Major was stunned by
the fall, but had no bones broken.
1t was after o'clock before the programme of
| the day had been fulfilled
The womens relief corps Geo. Fl. Chapman
Post, prepared beautiful pillar for the grave
of Governor Morton, which was carried by Mrs
Mills. The same corps provided flowers for the
decoration of the graves of all the unknown"
dead