Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-06-06

ly as the various organizations were lined
on the horizon Of Union Hill. A large
crowd followed the parade to the cemetery.
After counter-marching, the Berkeley Zou-
ayes were marched to an eminence over
looking the soldiers graves and brought
into line in the position of 1Rest on Arms. ,
Here the Mechanics Band rendered a very
solemn and touching dirge, which impart-
ed deeper sense of sadness to the exer-
cises and hushed the whispering people
into silence. At its close, Rev. Il. ID. Roll
Ter, Chaplain, invoked the blessings Of God
upon the surviving veterans and beauti-
fully alluded to the sleeping dead. The
special services of Lincoln Post No.
next occurred and were peculiarly adapted
to the occasion. Then, at the word of COM
mand, the Berkeley Zouaves fired three
volleys over the silent green mounds, awak
ening dull, rumbling echoes. At this point
in the program came the strewng of the
flowers. The surviving members of the Post
sorrowfully laid the beautiful boquets up
on their sleeping comrades graves. The
hearts of all present melted before the evil
brance for those who once stood by their
sides, faced death and gave their lives as
sacrifices upon the altar of their country.
The hands that once firmly grasped the
death dealing rifle, trembled as they laid
the flowers on messy mounds; the faces
once set and determined, were kindly and
gentle; the eyes which calmly looked death
in the face without blink, grew misty
and tender,-the old recollections, hallow-
ed by twenty years of peace, were wildly
awakened.
When all the graves had been decorated
the speakers stand, so as to better hear
the speaking and singing. The beautiful
ritual of the Post was next read. The
choir, consisting of Mrs. Flick, Misses Ku-
gler, Lizzie Muth and Lorena Flick, and
Messrs. Frank Staley, Joseph l.. Kugler
Miss Minnie Riggs at the organ, sang the
beautiful piece, ''Strewing Flowers rev.
erently and with animation. A deep, fer
vent and patriotic prayer was offered up by
Rev. A. S. Hank, which produced notice
able effect upon the solemn assemblage.
Judge c. j. Faulkner, in few brief and
appropriate remarks, neXtintroduced Hon.
Edward Stake, of Hagerstown, Nd, as the
orator of the day. Mr.. Stake came forward
and commenced his speech in modest
but pathetic style. He spoke of the proud
position of honor and glory attained by the
American Nation; of the brave and heroic
defenders in the War of Independence, and
those subsequent. Facts, indisputable;
sentiments, noble and patriotic; individ-
ual opinion, undisguised and terse-form-
ed the substance of his splendid address.
An evidence of his power to hold the at
tention, was found in the marked Difference
by the large standing crowd
throughout his entire grafton. Mr.. Stake
made a very favorable impression, and our
people will always be glad to listen to his
eloquence.
''Sleep Comrades Sleep" a soothing and
solemn piece was we'll rendered by the
choir. The Nj. G. Band made the heart
beat with feelings of patriotism as it struck
up the old National anthem, ''Columbia."
The doXology, sung by the choir and audi
ence, assisted by the bands and drum
corps, was followed by the benediction,
and the exercises closed.
Taken all in all, the parade eclipsed the
antlcipations of the most sanguine. 1t sur
passed anything of the kind held in Mar
tinsburg for many year, and was proof
convincing evidence that our people will
make an effort to have home testimonials
more real in the future on public occasions.
The procession was the very personifica-
ton of good behavior, and each organiza-
ton made good, presentable appearance.
The Nj c. Band was never in better trim;
the ZOuayes seemed to grow taller as they
they were leading the pro-
cession; st. Joseph's Drum Corps beat
good time and was in fine spirits; Lincoln
Post No. /. recognized its honored posi-
ton; eX-Federal and Confederate soldiers
rode with all the military courtliness Of the
battlefield; the Mechanics Band, with
new pieces and bright faces, filled their
instruments well; the Fireman's Drum
Corps never appeared weary of beating live
ly tunes and the Fire Department march
ed with ease and willingness; Mayor Lam
bert and the Councilmen We're mistaken
for members ofCongress by some persons
Indeed, Martinsburg and the Marshals of
the day. have cause to feel proud of the
procession.
So the decoration services We're duly
and honorably performed and the soldier
dead were left in peace, sleeping beneath
pretty flowers, tenderly placed ON their
graves by comrades and loved ones. With
the return of the observance ofiDecoration
Day next year, how many members of the
old Post will be here TO pay respect and
reverence to the memory of the slumher-
ing dead