Morning journal and courier., 1885-10-29

their objective point on their arrival Pri- vate carriages were numerous and occupied all of the outlying space where view could be obtained of the monument and the speak. ers' stand.
 The procession was formed on the Green about 1 D. m. in the following order: ORDER PROCESSION. Chief Marshal Charles H. Frisbie.
 Hoadley Tmethy c5e HarrS Bradley, George Towner Richard Beech. pr. Tennis,G.
 W. Morris, all
 Columbia band, twenty pieces, Paul Landerer Admiral Foote post.
 Henry c. Merwin post. Parmelee post of Guilford Mason Rogers post.
 Battery A, Second platoon, Connecticut National Monumental Committee. Woodland lodge, K of P, W. H. Zinc, chancellor Franz Apt Singing society. Ancient Order of Foresters. School children, about 300. Citizens in carriages.
 The line of march was as follows: From the Green to Montowese street, to Main, to South Main, to Montowese, to H. H. Fow- ler's back to Main street in front of the monument, and then up on the Green, where open ranks were formed, allowing the speak. CTS and invited guests to march through and
 take their positions upon the platform erected
 just to the left of the monument. Among the prominent persons who occu- pied the platform were His Excellency Gov ernor Harrison, United States Senator O. H Platt, State Senator J. D. Plunkett, Hon Lynde Harrison, General Frank D. Sloat commander of the State department of the G. A. R.. Assistant Adjutant General w. H. Stowe G. A. R. Past Department Command ,.oeA n IL
 D. D., orator of the day, and the town off
 cials and committee in charge of
 the days proceedings. Also among the
 number was Captain James Blackstone,
 93 years of age, and the oldest inhabitant of the town.
 The exercises at the stand were presided over by Hon. Edward F. Jones. The first in the order of exercises was music by the O.
 lumbia band of Branford. Prayer followed
 by Rev. H. P. Blake. On the conclusion of
 the prayer President Jones, in 8 few words, placed the monument in charge of Com
 mander Towner, of Mason Rogers post, for dedication. The commander in brief speech returned thanks to the president for the monument, and in closing said: "There can be no doubt that the honor you pay to soldiers and sailors of Branford, and to their memorable deeds, will serve not only to make American citizenship in these days more honorable, but also to maintain and perpetuate through all future generations, the Union and authority of the United States of America"
 Keller's American hymn was then sung by 8 selected choir of ladies and gentlemen of Branford. The prayer of dedication by Rev. M. K. Bailey followed, and then came the dedication address by Commander Towner. Music by the band followed.
 The address presenting the monument to the town of Branford by MT. John P. Calla- I1-, 4hoN 1.~E- &s<~-s 1ol1 GzR the town by MT. Joseph o. Sharkley follow ed. The addresses of both of these gentle men were very appropriate, as was the ad- dress of MT. Alfred E. Hammer that was de- ivered immediately after. The crowded state of our columns renders it impossible to give even 8 brief synopsis of these gentle mems able addresses.
 The oration by Rev. Dr. J. O.. Peck was next on the programme. Following is the oration in part, which was pronounced by those who heard 1t as most able and elo- quent effort. During its delivery the vast attention and loudly cheered him at the close.
 REV. DIR. PICKS GRAFTON.
 MT. President and citizens of Branford Manhood is more sublime than its grandest monuments. Granite, marble and bronze will all finally perish but noble lives build their eternal monument on the plains of i'm mortality, in characters that are imperisha- ble. The qualities of manhood that blossom into great service and illustrious virtues, are developed and disciplined in this brief life Then death removes the conspicuous figures from our sphere. Their loss is deplored Their services and virtues are cherished in grateful remembrance. Appreciation, grati- tude and love wish to perpetuate the memo ry and honor the services of men who have been benefactors to the world. Hence arise
 
 searched for the most beautiful and endur- ing stone, the science of the world is taxed to produce the most unwasting metals; the genius of man Is challenged to sculpture and fashion into the most exquisite art, the statue or monu- ment that shall stand for ages the visible memorial of some grand departed manhood. Then the shaft of granite becomes the com piement, if not the rival, of the pen of the historian. The monument is condensed his tory. It tells the story of noble lives to multitudes who would never wade through the pages of the historian. It confronts coming generations and challenges them to know that hero, or statesman, or patriot, sleeps here in undying honor. It is the his compels attention through the king of the senses. We see it, draw near to read the in scription, absorb the story it commentaries move reverently away, enriched in thought thrilled with new inspiration and enfbred with stouter purpose. Thus the monument does more than immortalize the noble dead-it teaches, inspires and ennobles the living. It commentaries dead heroes and educates living heroes. It proclaims the fact that meritorious service to humani- ty, to the nation, to God, is not forgotten. It is not vain compliment to the dead, but proud evidence of appreciation of noble services by the living. It tells men on the al 0f Rn hot science, principle, truth, self-sacrifce-all the attributes of glorious manhood-will not be lost on the gratitude of the world
 Obedient to these sentiments, swayed by these convictions, rejoicing in their expres- sion by us, standing amid the autumnal glories of your public green, beneath the dome of heaven, out of which perchance the noble spirits of the dead look benignantly on us, while the flag of g reunited and happy republic floats proudly over us.
 From soldier and citizen, resident and nonresident, rich and poor, have come the means for the erection of this noble monu- ment. Nor must there be omitted the grate- full acknowledgment of the manifold services of the ladies of the town, who are always foremost in any good work; and also the hearty cooperation of the foreign-born citi- zens. All have done nobly, and justly view with pride to-day the completion of the work which is, and will be for ages, an ornament and an honor to the historic town of Bran ford.
 Most significantly has the movement been located between the Town hall, which repre- sents the freedom and independence of the American people, and the church, which rep resents the moral and religious foundations of Christian commonwealth. It was for civil and religious liberty that the Pilgrim Fathers sought these shores, and the Town hall and church became the representative citadels of that liberty. From the Town hall and the church was born that third great factor of free people-the free schools. It was from generation educated in our free schools, trained in the independence of the town meeting where the humblest citizen is the peer of the proudest, and taught in our churches the principles of morality and re- ligion, that there arose at the clarion call of their emperilled country an armory of intel ligent, patriotic and indomitable volunteers whose prowess and soldierly qualities were never surpassed in the soldiery of any nation of the globe. There were splendid men in the ranks as well as in command. In fact the intelligence and valor of the soldiers alone made possible the brilliant deeds of heir commanders. Every private was a sovereign. He knew no superiors-he had 10 betters. He was an integral part of the nation. He called no man lord and master He felt that the blow he struck was for him. ,A1f He fa1t tho oraatnaas and raspoDui,i1i