Morning journal and courier., 1888-07-09
HoNeRIrG rMErR DEAD.


 A Beautiful Custom Adopted by the
 SarsAeId Guard-Thefr Decoration of
 the Graves @fDeeenSed Comrades Xes-
 terdaY-Thr0ngs as the CemeserY-Im.
 pressive Ceremonies.
 The Sarsfelds yesterday decorated the graves of their deceased members It was the first time that the SaIsfelds as company have put flowers on the graves of deceasedf members. The company attended service at St. Maryas church in the morning. Father Higgins preached 8 very appropriate sermon. In the afternoon the members assembled at the armory and escorted by the Second regi- ment band, besides being accompanied by large number of veteran Sars6elds, marched to St. Bernsrd's cemetery. The Sars6elds presented very neat appearance in blue coats, white trousers and helmets Each one carried a wreath and large bouquet of flowers, some of which were elegant and eyi- dently made by greenhouse hands that are accustomed to arranging flowers in the most { beautiful and artistic styles
 Arriving at the cemetery several details of men proceeded to decorate the graves. This done all assembled at the lot where lay the remains of the lamented Captain Maurice F. Brennan. His grave was literally covered with beautiful flowers of every description. While the graves in St. Bernards were being decorated Sergeant Coffee with a number of assistants went to Evergreen cemetery where N flowers were placed on the grave of James ! Flaherty. The soldiers monument in St. Bernard's cemetery was also decorated. Hon. J. D. Plunkett delivered an address. He stood beneath an awning near the late \ Captain Brennan's grave. Mr. Plunkett I said: When tyrrany and oppression had dis Y turbed the people of Europe, when the pow \ ar Of rrifvhf ho6 hoan t1o ho a K yearned for some place where freedom could be enjoyed. When the blind authority of Europe caused suffering and oppression, many sought the shores of America and ena ! listed in her cause, and became part of this S great nation. Among others who came to these shores were the sons of Erin. Their heroic work since they came here has entitled them to their share of glory.
 The speaker referred to the time when there was an unfavorable discrimination against soldiers who were sons of Erin.
 In the late war there was no such discrina- ' ination. The authorities were willing that all should bear arms. You believed it to be ! your duty to assist in the preservation of the Union, which was saved partly by your eff forts.
 Reference was made to the monument in
 St. Bernard's cemetery, which Connecticut
 had erected and inscribed: "To the memory of her sOns.o
 Company 0, Second regiment, were first
 to enter the service of the State at the close
 of the war. A large number of your orig. inal members were soldiers In the fate war.
 Since then you have passed through
 many scenes and triumphs. Your service I to the State has been well performed, as the
 records of the adjutant generals will show But it is not in uniform and in camp that all your triumphs have occurred. You have passed through many brilliant social occa
 sions when beauty has paid court to gallantry
 Your commanders have been few. In theil
 order they are Keefe, Cunningham, Brennan Clarity and Callahan. Death has entered ' the ranks unbidden, and Cunningham, Bren- nan and Hayes have answered the roll-cal for the last time on earth. With muf1ed drum and silent tread their remains have
 been borne to this cemetery. They have fought their last battle. and we may say oi them, "Well done, good and faithful ser I vants."
 \ Batfal1On's Decoration DayPrOpOsed
 There has been some talk in military circles of the joining of the city battalion in deco rating the graves of deceased soldiers. I the plan is carried out as proposed each com pany will decorate the graves of their deat comrades on some day which will be appoint ed by the battalion. It is pre- stunned that the day will be called Battalion Decoration Day.