The Portland daily press., 1889-05-31


they witnessed the vcissitudes of the con-
test for on the result depended the hopes of
| the future, to them. The echoes of the first
| gun had not ceased ere an army of volunteers
sprang into existence. and had the govern
ment fully appreciated the magnitude OF the
conflict, 100000 men could have been raised
as well as the $4,000 Portland's response
was prompt and abundant, and from that
time until the close we were equal to the de-
mand. In all the bloody conflicts they were
never found wanting in bravery.
BY shot and SHE'LL by wasting disease,
in prison and hospital and camp, Death
marked them for his own, and the places
| that once knew them know them no more
| forever. To the "unreturning brave" we con-
| secrate this monument, built by the masses
| of the people whence these heroes came
Many OF them lie on the plains where they
| fell, uncoffined and unknown.
BY fairy hands their knell is rung,
By forms unseen their dirge is sung.
| Others were permitted to return to die
among friends, where loving hands can
strew flowers above their graves.
Our monument can do them no good, but
to the wives, mothers and sisters who have
| so nobly contributed to its erection it will
| stand as Portland's tribute to her sons who
| died for the Nation. while to the present and
| future generations of her sons it will teach
lesson OF answering loyalty and pure pa
| triotsm.
Collins's Band then rendered Reeves's
'Army Recollections'' with great taste and
| expression. after which Mayor Melcher
| spoke as follows:
MAYOR AfELcHER's ADDRESS.
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
This is not an occasion for words, but we
have assembled rather to perform an act, to
lay the corner stone of structure that is to
ha huildad tn commemorate daads. dooa, -
devoted loyalty and patriotism, that are
more eloquent than any words that can be
spoken; deeds that will forever live in histo-
~, yet which it is we'll should be perpetuated
in this enduring granite.
1t is with great pleasure that stand here
today to briefly express, for and in behalf of
the city of Portland, profound qualification
that this too long neglected work is now be-
gun, and extend to the Portland Soldiers
and Sailors Monument Association for the
city government here assembled to partici-
pate In these interesting ceremonies, con-
gratulatlons at the progress made and the
assurance of the early completion of this
great work.
The city gave this one site asked for, and
the people of Portland have freely and glad
~ provided the funds necessary for the COM
pletion of the monument. And thus have
all periodically united and worked together
to build this beautiful memorial, which shall
stand here forever. to honor and preserve
the memory of Portland's noble sons who
gave their lives to save the Union"
Shaw's Quartette then Sang with great
taste and expression "Praise to the Soldier"
and after its conclusion Grand Master Albro
E. Chase proceeded with the ceremonies of
the laying of the corner stone. Grand Mas
ter Chase said:
From time immemorial it has.been the Gus
tom OF the ancient and honorable fraternity
OF Free and Accepted Masons, to lay, when
requested so to do, with their ancient forms,
the corner stone of buildings erected for the
worship of God, for charitable objects, or for
the purposes OF the administration of justice
and free government, and of no other build
lngs. The occasion. of the laying of the
corner stones of monuments, how
ever, has been exemplified by the craft in
the laying of the corner stone of the monu-
ment on Bunker Hill and that to the mem
DRY of the illustrious Washington, and it
seems hitting that the corner stone of this
monument, erected to the memory of those
who were prominent in the preserving our
country, should be laid by u.s.
The Grand Master then called up the
Lodge, remarking;
The first duty Of Masons, in any under
taking, is to invoke the blessing of the Great
Architect upon their work. Let us pray.
Then followed prayer by the Grand Chap
LAIN
Omost glorious and eternal God, Great
Architect of the universe, who makest all
things by Thy power, and adornest all things
by Thy bounty, and fillest all things with
Thy goodness, and sanctifiest the hearts and
gifts OF Thy servants, who in the days Of old
didst gracionsly accept the house which our
Grand Master, King Solomon, erected to
Thy glory; we praise Thee and bless Thee
that Thou hast thus far prospered the handi-
work of us Thy servants, who are this day
met f0UQthnr in Vhu fQor and loua 70 10 "a
corner stone Of this building dedicated to
Thy service.
We humbly pray Thee that Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to sanctify this house by the out
pouring of Thy holiness from on high. Let
the Sun of Righteousness ever shine here.
and the bright illumination of Thy grace.
=, That which we dedicate do Thou bless.
That which we offer do Thou accept Those
who shall assemble here do Thou visit graci-
ousiy and enlighten, now and ever, even I'M
to the great accounting day, when we shall
receive the due reward of our labors in the
Grand Lodge above.
Response-So mote 1t be.
An ode was then sung by Shaw's Quartette
in fine style.
The box containing the articles to be de-
posted under the corner stone, was then, by
order of the Grand Master, brought forward
by the Grand Marshal.
The Grand Secretary then read the follow
ing list of articles in the box, as the box was
hoisted above its destl nation, to music by
the band. the Grand Lo dge standing:
H istory of the work Of the Monument Associ-
alton. 0
ton.
Bylaws of the Monument Association.
Photograph of resolutions from Monument com
mittee to Ellsworth Relief Corps.
Badge of 9th Maine Regiment Association
(sIlk.) aiSn
Inspection report Co. A, LIST Regt M. y.M
May 80, 1889. ''
Military Order Loyal Legion U. s., constitution
and bylaws officers, members, &C., Commandery
of Maine.
List Of Portland Soldiers and Sailors in the war
OF the Rebellion.
Poem by j. k. Tyler to the 12lst N. Y, and 9Th
Maine.
alphabetical index. Maine Vols, war of 1861.
Maine Register 1888.
Ihe Portland Enterprise March 1889.
History OF Portland Board of Trade.
Roster 1st Regt. Infantry NJ. V. NJ.
Both, 1889.
1889. '"'