Arizona republican., 1890-05-31
MEMORIAL DAY. Its Observance Yesterday
 in Phoenix. An Elaborate Turnout in the Days Honor. Business Houses Very Generally Close Their DOOrs-The Grafton
 by Governor Powers.

Phoenix yesterday observed Memorial Day.
 The business houses, as a rule, closed early in the day and all the citizens joined in the beautiful observance of a holiday that is now recognized as national in character.
 In this land of flowers the memorial service in honor of the soldier dead acquires new significance in that the tributes offered are fresher and more abundant than is possible in cimes not SO favored by nature as is this.
 There was an abundant display of bunting on the streets, many of the business houses being elaborately decor ated, and some of them showing very great artistic skill in construction.
 To the Grand Army men, of course, the greatest honor was shown, and the G. A. R. practically assumed entire charge of the days observance.
 The procession formed on Washington street, right, resting opposite the Irvine building, promptly at p. m., and moved down Washington toward the city cemetery, where the graves of the veterans buried there had previously been designated.
 The advance guard was made up of the firemen of the Phoenix Hose com pany No. l, Phoenix Hose No. and of the Hook and Ladder company, these being followed by the Phoenix band, the members of which organization acquitted themselves so we'll as to draw forth plaudits from the people assembled all along the line of march.
 J. w. Owens Post, G. A. R., came next, headed by Department Con- mander George F. Coats and staff, es- corted by Company B., N. G. A., under command of Captain Andre. The boys marched with reversed arms and &C., quilted themselves admirably upon their first public appearance.
 John A. Logan Post, G. A. R., of Tempe, was next in line, followed by the three companies of the fire depart ment, all making good showing, and the parade was closed by large num- Der of citizens in carriages.
 The marchers took the cars that had been ordered out to await them in front of the court house, on Washington street, and upon their arrival at the cemetery the band boys confirmed the good impression that they had already made by their excellent rendition of the following programme:
 Rest to the Brave" stubblebne-(on entering
 Celestial Overture. Prendiville-"Nesrer My God to Thee"
 America"
 Return march. "The estar"-Southwell
 Following the first number on the programme, Governor Powers was in- troduced as the orator of the day, and spoke in substance as follows:
 COMMANDER, COMRADES AND LADIES AND GEN ILENES: We meet, not on an occasion of sor row to mourn for the dead, but with thankful hearts, to commemorate the deeds of an army of fallen heroes that fought the battles of the Union against its foes, freed four million slaves and established foundations deeper than they had ever been laid before by human agency for an indestructible government of free and en- frightened people. And in the conflicts that re- suited in the achievement of an end so glorious, sir hundred thousand men sacrificed their , lives.
 Of that vast army that went forth in the strength of vigorous manhood with banners fly ing and drums beating, to return no more for ever, one half of them were our comrades and all were our countrymen. Their bodies now lie buried on two hundred battle. fields or in ceme- tcries scattered all over this broad land. And today their graves have been decked with flowers by the beauty and chivalry of the grandest nation upon the earth
 It is fitting, fellow citizens, that while we con template the past and survey the blood stained ground where victories that count most for man. kind have been won, that we pay tribute ,l..,w Il away, that won independence from the British crown.
 Although the star of empire has pushed west ward until we, on this Pacific slope, have to look across continent to view the narrow field of their operations, we do not forget the trials they endured or underestimate the value of their great achievements.
 To them we owe our liberty and our right to the Star Spangled Banner. It is a satisfaction for us to know that their graves are kept green, and many of them today have been covered with flowers
 And now while we are gathered here, from every grave, whether of Revolutionary sire, or of Union or Confederate dead, sweet incense rises heavenward and calls blessings down upon the land we love, made inestimably dear by the sacrifices of blood and treasury it has cost to make and preserve its institutions forever free
 Grand and beautiful as is the ceremony of strewing flowers over soldiers graves, the sig nihcance of the day would be lost if 1t failed to assist in implanting in the hearts of the youth of the land a deep and sincere patriotism The 3Oth of May will become q day of sorrow, rather than of thankfulness, If, for any cause, from selfshness or greed, from want of moral prin. ciple, from cOrrupting motives and influences, or from superstition and ignorance, devotion to the government and love for the flag that repre- sents its power. shall ever occupy place in the hearts of the people second to any other, save only that of the Supreme Ruler of the universe, He who watches over the destinies of nations and raises up friends to fight the battles of freedom.
 =- The youth of the country are the patrimony bequeathed by heaven to each generation: and no nation can flourish that neglects to train them properly, and no education from which patriotism Is eliminated is worthy of support.
 Patriotism is not principle or faculty that is born with the child, boy girl, but 1t is virtue that can be taught and acquired patriot is one who loves his country with pure undying love; one who stands always and everywhere for its honor, integrity, prosperity and glory A man to be a patriot need not necessarily be e soldier, for Peace hath her victories. even greater than war" But, let me tell you this, my countrymen, a man who. when occasion re- quires It, will not forsake father and mother, brothers and sisters, wife and children, and be willing to lay down his life for his country, is not a patriot. Patriotism calls for sacrifices as well as for love and pride of country.
 hope the time is near when patriotism shall receive paramount consideration in all our schools, when our boys will declaim patriotic speeches and our young ladies shall find their best themes for composition and recitations in subjects relating to the progress, power, purity and glory of our country Then shall we se when Arizona will be entitled to be considered the cradle of liberty, the Switzerland of America; when her citizens pinting with exultant pride at the grandeur of her mountains and the rich msgnifsence of her valleys, shall be estimated not by their number alone, but by their worth and patriotism; and when measured by this