Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-09-02
The Opera House,

which was soon filled to its utmost capacity
Herald was called TO the chair and after a
short and very pleasant opening speech intro
dueed the speaker Comrade L. 0. Roberts "A.
b., of Sherman Falls
The address was tmost eloquent and schol-
arly effort and the manner of delivery was
pleasing and effective. The stirring events
preceding, during and subsequent to the
var we're recouated in manns that brought
forth frequent and long continued applause
from the vast audience Mr.. Roberts is a
comparative stranger in rresque Isle but
should he ever "hire a hali' here on any
subsequent occasion, he may be assured of a
full attendance and most cordial reception.
MIR Roberts said in part;
Ii is with feelings of profound respect and
veneration that stand before you, and on
behalf Of the citizens of Presque Isle, bid
you welcome. 1t is with feelings of the
most profound respect and yeneraiion for
you remnant of that mighty host who, at
the call of its country, sprang TO arms in the
dark days of the countrys peed-a remnant
OF that mighty host who barred their breasts
to leaden rain and iron nail that this nation
might live. 1t is with such feelings as these
that today, on behalf of the citizens of
Presque Isle, bid you heartfelt welcome.
And it is due to you, veterans that we not
only bid you welcome, but that we see to it,
AS We will, that you are made truly welcome,
for to you, and 10 these comrades " ho fought
so nobly by your siies-to those comrades
whom you left upon the bloody fields of bat
tle-to you aud to them this nation owes its
life
BY your yalor upon the field--by the hard
fought battles of Bail Run, or Manassas
Junction, of Antietam, aud hundreds of
others, you made it possible for that grandest
of human proclamstons TO be penned-the
Proclamation of Emancipation. You made
it possible for our martyred President, by
one sweep of his pen, to strike from off the
limbs Of four millions of slaves, the fettcrs
of slavery. And by your heroic deeds, after
that Proclamation of Emancipation was
issued-by the campaigns of the Wilderness
by Sherman's matcbless march to the sea
by Sheridan's deeds of valor in the Shen-
andosh valley-by the battle of Fort Don
elson, at Petersburg, at Appomatox, you
sealed that proclamation with your blood
And for this we bid you welcome today.
Hon. Edward Wiggn, of Maysville Center
made an address in behalf of Wade Post
He said
Comrades, this welcome which you have
just received from the citizens of Presque
Isle, is but an evidence of their appreciation
of your efforts in your country's behalf in
the dark days when the nations life was
threatened And though passing years bring
many changes, yet as long as the memories
of the war remain as long a. that old flag
iioats over united country, saved and pre-
serve by your efforts and by those of your
brave comrades SO long will your sacrifices
and your valor be rstefully remembered by
the citizens Of this nation.
Comrades, republics are not ungrateful,
and greater, nobler, more enduring than any
monument of marble with lettered shaft, are
the monuments reared to the memories of
the nations brave defenders in the hearts of
their grateful countrymen.
Comrades, on behalf of Wade Post I well
come you to our town. and the hospitalites
and courtesies of our citizens. May your
stay here be pleasant every moment, and
when you disperse and scatter away to your
several homes, may you carry away with you
happy memories of this reunion Of 1889, and
may you wish again to visit the town of
Presque Lie and receive hearty welcome
from her citizens Applau'e.l
At the conclusion of the addresses the
line was again formed. and in the blazing
heat of the roonday sun the march to camp
was made. Today the corps dinei in squads
esch around their own camp kettle, and
seemed to thoroughly enjoy the meal. All
visitors were invited TO partake, and many
accepted The invitation. One grand and i'm
por,aot feature of the camp was a big bean
hole, run by Wade Post. where leguminous
richness was dispensed to all who desired
Dinner being over, preparations were made
for the