The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-07-03
General sIckIes,s sneebh-


This assemblage marks an epoch. You
are the survivors of two great armies. You
and your comrades fought here the decisive
battle of long and terrible civil war. Twen-
ty-five years have passed now and the CON-
batants OF 1868 come together again ON your
old field of battle to unite in pledges of love
and devotion to one constitution, one union,
one flag. Today there are no victors, and no
yanquished. As Americans we may all claim
common share in the glories of this battle
field, memorable for so many brilliant feats
Of arms, No stain rests on the colors of any
battalion, battery or troop that contended
here for victory. The gallant Buford, who
began the battle, and the brave Pickett, who
closed the struggle fitly represent the intre-
pid hosts that for three days rivalled each
other in titles to martial renown. Among
the hundreds of memorial structures on this
field there is not one bearing an Inscription
4hat wounds the susceptibilities of an nom
orable and gallant foe.
This meeting is an historical event. We
dedicate here To-day an altar sacred TO
peace, tranquility and union. We sow the
seeds of friendship between communities.
states and populations once hostile and now
reconciled. We all share the rich harvest
Teaped by the whole country, North, South,
East and West, from the new America horn
on this battlefield when the republic con-
secrated her institutions to liberty and
Justice. 1t Is sometimes said that it is not
wise to perpetuate the memories of civil war,
and such was the Roman maxim. But our
civil war was not conspiracy against a
ruler; not plot of a soldier to Oust rival
not pronunciamento. The conflict OF '6l-
'65 was war of institutions, systems and
policies. 1t was revolution, ranking
with the French revolution and the
English revolution of the 18th century.
the destinies of this country. Ineffacable
footprints were made in the path of our
national progress. The memories of such a
war are as indestructible as our ciyiliza-
ton. The names of Lincoln, Lee, Grant and
jackson can never be etfaced from our an
nails. The valor, fortitude and achieve
ments OF both armies, never surpassed in
any age, demand a record in American his
tory. Now that time, thought, common
sense and common interests have softened
all animosities OF war, we may bury them
forever, whilst we cherish and perpetuate,
as Americans, the immortal heritage Of hon
or belonging to the Republic that became
imperishable when it became free. The war
OF '6l-5 was our heroic age. 1t demonstrated
the vitality of Republican institutions and
illustrated the martial spirit, resources and
genius OF the American soldier and sailor
1t was war in which sentiments and ideas
dominated interests. The lavish sacrifice of
blood and treasure, the unvielding tenacity
OF the combatants, the cOnstancy and firm
ness of the people on both sides, men and
women, old and young, rich and poor, sig
nalized the great conflict as the heroic age Of
the Republic. We now see that the obsti-
macy of the war on both sides compelled the
settlement of all the elements of disunion
between the North and the South. An ear
lier peace might have been mere truce, to
be followed by recurring hoStilitias We
fought until the furnace of war
melted all our discords, and mould
ed us in one homogeneous nation
Let us all be devoutly thankful that God
spared us to witness and share the blessings
bestowed by Providence upon our country,
and the compensation for the countless sac
rlfces made to establish on just and firm
foundation the government of the people, by
tue people, for the people.
For myself, rejoice that am here today
to meet SO many comrades and so many foes
and unite with all in pledges of friendship