Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1888-06-01

ganizations and other citizens. The band
had seats in the gallery, while on the
stage with Commander Sargent and the
speaker, were Rev. DR.. Archibald and
Rev. Messrs. Palmer, Carpenter and
Thompson, Senior Vice Commander Ca
dy, Junior Vice Commander E. P. Rus
sell, Officer of the Day Williamson, Off
Ger of the Guard Wallace Dewey, the
daughters of veterans and the singers.
Mrs. Miner presided at the piano and the
singing was by double male quartet led
by Dr. Sheldon and having as its other
members Messrs. Munroe, Richardson,
Lovett, Benedict, Wiley, Turner and
Thomas.
The exercises began with music by the
band, followed by prayer by Rev. Mr..
Palmer and that by singing by the quar-
tet. Hon. j. L. Martin, the speaker, was
then introduced by Commander Sargent.
a brief abstract of the address follows:
Human nature is faulty, hence the op-
position all through the ages to advance
ment, religious, civil and political. War
is regarded as relic of barbarism. OF
those which are waged merely for con-
quest and spoils that is true, but contest
for justice, for liberty, is not Justly so
classed. The sword in the latter case is
but the hand of OmnipOtence raised to
drive sin from the world. Was the sword
a relic of barbarism which was opposed
to those who sought to destroy the con-
stitution and perpetuate slavery? 1t was,
rather, taken up that Il relic of barbarous
ages might be blotted out. A great ma
ton, wrung from tyranny to liberty, yet
favored and maintained an institution
founded on principles exactly the oppo-
site of those at the basis of the republic.
The masters of the slaves had become
arrogant. Murders, riots, and, finally,
rebellion were but the legitimate result
of the slave system. So it came about
that the question, whether the nation
should be all slave or all free, had to be
solved. The people of the North were
by nature peaceful. They venerated the
constitution and the government. and
when the flag representing that govern
ment was trailed in the dust they became
men of war, the grandest soldiers that
the world ever saw. When the contest
was over the boys in blue came back to
their homes and quickly dropped into the
ranks of citizens. But not all of them;
for more than 100000 of them fell fight
ing for their country. Vermont can boast
of her green hills, of the beauty of her see
merry, of the intelligence of her people and
most of all of her soldiers, who have a re-
cord rarely if ever equalled. Though histo-
ry gives full credit for their achievements,
they cannot be too often recalled. Those
who took part in the conflict are rapidly
passing away. Middebury enlisted 800
men; but less than 100 of them are now
alive. AS to soldiers holding office, 9TH
er things being equal, let them have the
places. They won the honors and should
wear the laurels, particularly as those
against whom they fought are high in
the councils of the nation. The number
of the veterans is steadily and rapidly
decreasing. One of the brightest and
best of the Union commanders-Sher
dan-is even now battling with death.
Soldiers are honored, not because they
killed men, but because they preserved
the Union and upheld the glorious con-
stitution. And it is for these deeds and
for the spirit which actuated them that
we honor them to-day.
Mr.. Martin is an easy and pleasing
speaker. He was heard with attention
and frequently applauded.
The exercises were concluded with
singing by the quartet, and the benedc-
ton LII