News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1890-06-05
MEMORIAL DAY.

The annual observance of this ma
tional day was in point ofattendance
and interest equal to any former oc-
casion, while the addition of several
new features heightened the interest,
making it all together an unqualified
success. At 2 O'Clock the column
formed on Portland street in the fol
lowing order: Morrisville Drum Corps,
H. n. Cram, drum major; George W.
Doty Camp Sons of Veterans, under
arms, H. b. Daniels in command;
J. NJ. Warner Post No. 4, under A. 0.
Gates, post commander; Women's
Relief Corps, and citizens. Marching
up the south side of Main street the
procession was strengthened all the
way, and at town hall nearly all the
people Joined. At the village ceme-
terry hollow square was formed and
the usual ritual of the Post held, Rev.
Mr.. Fisk Offering prayer. The Sons
of Veterans fired the usual salute,
and the Post being deployed right
and left across the yard, marched to
the north end, followed by citizens,
the graves of comrades being strewn
with flowers. The line of march was
then taken to town hall, which was
soon filed to OVERLOOKING Tasteful
decorations of plants and flowers
beautitied the interior. At the east
side of the desk stood a white cross
with the inscription ITO the I'M
known dead" Selections of music
were rendered by male quartet and
the choir; the orders from head-quar-
tiers and customary ritual were read;
and Commander Gates in a pleasing
speech introduced Col. A. S. Tracy, of
Burlington, the speaker of the day,
who presented an address which, COM
ing from a typical Vermont soldier,
was interesting to all, both in and out
of the Grand Army. The speaker ex-
pressed his inability to do the subject
and day the justice he would like,
saying 4 can only give as my rea-
son for being here to-day and accept
ing this kind invitation, my bound
less love for my living comrades. and
nv deep reverence for those who have
fallen, and who have laid their lives
upon the altar of our country-thOse
patriots who gave up that life that
God had given them, but which was
theirs only in part. Although this
| is day set apart to honor the dead,
yet it would not be at all improper
to remember those old soldiers who
would soon be numbered among the
Grand Army above. But some say
the old soldier is played out-that he
must take a back seat. 1t is a fact
that most of them are played out in
health and strength and finance
but, in the name of justice why
should the old soldier take a back
seat? He held his position at the
front four years. (Applause.) In oul
memories the soldier can never play
out" The first iron bolt hurled al
Sumter dissipated all thought of {
patched-up peace. Cost what il
might, the rebellion must be put
down. But with a bankrupt treas
ury and the South long prepared, thu
nations fate seemed dark indeed. Ii
this emergency, at the call of our no
BILE martyred President, these mel
cheerfully responded Some say tn,
soldier enlisted for pay. That pay
at first S13 per month of 30 mot 26
days, afterward raised to $40, wa
promised them in gold, but soon paiC
in scrip, so that, owing to the depre
ciated currency, they actually received
only about 40 per cent of what wa
promised. All our people look for
ward to this day. The ties that bin
comrades together are no less bind
ing than those of brothers, and whel
we hear that one of our comPade
is carried to his last resting-place, W
feel that another fiber is loosened
, The loyal women had an hOnOre
part in the history of our country
the consciousness of having done he
duty to the dying. | never yet hear
a dying soldier express regret that h
took up arms in defense of his couI
try" His closing words were, "Whil
we are permitted to remain let u
: stand shoulder to shoulder, maxim
the world better for our having lived
for we shall soon all be mustere
: out" concluding with a reference
: a dove among the decorations, hoI
| ing that the bird of peace might eve
rest with us as a nation. A unan
: nous expression of thanks was giveI
: and the service ended with music b
7 the choir. The column marched bac
2 to Portland street hall, where refresl
ments were served by the relief corps
: and a pleasant hour enjoyed by al
Upon the arrival of the mail-traiI
, Col. Tracy was escorted to the depO