The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-08-21


Vermont has not been one of the rich
States of the Union in gold and silver
and its land has not given the returns
that some of the fertile riversides of the
West yield.
''TheFe has been here constant effort
and honest toll; but out of all this there
has been brought a sturdy manhood,
which is better than riches, and on which
rather than on the wealth the security
of our country rests. (Cheers.)
81 beg you to accept my sincere thanks
again for the evidence of your friendli-
ness and my apology that the conditions
are not such as to enable me to speak as
l could wish" (Cheers.)
The Grafton was interrupted by fire.
quent applause from the attentive au-
dience. At the conclusion President Har-
rison was introduced. He made brief
sektempore speech after which there was
a selection by the band and Rev. Chas-
Parkhurst pronounced the benediction.
The procession then reformed in its ORR
ginal order and marched through Monu-
ment Ave, Main street and North
streets to Camp Vermont where the
troops were dismissed. Many of the
other organizations had dropped out
along the line eff march.
The President and his escort were
driven immediately to the large tent
near the Soldiers Home where a ban
-quet completed the exercises oil the day.
SOME OF WEDNESDAYS FEATURES.
Wednesday, the day of the celebration
proper, opened bright and clear and no
better weather could have been asked
for than prevailed during the whole day.
Thiswas conducive to good crowd and
the S treets were early thronged with
spectators. 1t is estimated that about
fifty thousand people were IN town on
that day. 1t was good natured crowd,
too.
THE PRESIDENT ARRIVES.
President Harrison and his party ar
rived at the Soldiers Home about $50
that morning after Il pleasant drive from
North Bennington. The President
passed the night pleasantly at Gen. Nc
Cullough's.
After breakfast the carriages were
taken for Bennington. The drive from
North Bennington was perfect, Sen
tinels were stationed along the road from
Gth. Mccullough to the Soldiers Home
grounds and kept the road clear of car
riages, so that there was nothing to in
-terfere with the drive. The President
was captvated with the scenery. His
admiration could not find expression
and, as Private Secretary Halford, said,
he was tickled as boy"
Before the Presidents arrival Gov.
Russell and Lieut.-Gov. Halle of Massa-
chusetts held a reception in the parlors
of the Home and were warmly greeted
by many people. The President arrived
at the home shortly before 10 o'clock
He was met at the foot of the steps by
Gov. Page, ex-GOv. Prescott of New
Hampshire, ex-GOv. Ormsbee, Congress
man Grout and Col. A. F. Walker and
welcomed to the state and to Benning-
ton. The President heartily returned
the cordial greeting.
FORMATION OF THE PARADE.
The arrangements for forming the
procession began as soon as guard
mount had been dismissed, and the or
CARNATIONS that were to march began to
form on the parade ground. As they
arrived they were given positions
with company front according
to their rank in the procession. This
part of the arrangements was in charge
of Capt. r. w. Hoyt, U. S. A., Major
Nelson and Adjutant Minis of New
Hampshire. The Vermont National
Guard were formed in line on the west
side of the parade grounds facing bril-
gade quarters. At the rear was the New
Hampshire National Guard, the West
Point cadets, the Dist separate COM
pany of New York, separate company of
Hoosick Falls. Back of these companies
were the bands and Knight Templar can
tons, Grand Army posts and Fuller and
Gushing batteries. These organizations
filled nearly the whole ground. The
make up of the parade has been pre-
viously given in detail.
AT THE ARCH.
There were at the least estimate 5000
people congregated about the triumphal
arch to view the procession as it passed.
They showed their appreciation of the
display by enthusiastic and long con-
tinued applause. The first division with
its platoon of soldierly police came under
the arch about 1920 o'clock, and it was
fully II as the last carriages of invited
guests passed.
The lower balcony on the east side of
the arch was occupied by thirteen young
ladies in costume, each bearing the
shield of her State. On the west side
there were also thirteen ladies. Miss
Lille Adams represented the Goddess
of Liberty, occupying the center tower.
She wore costume of the National
colors, the skirt of silk in red and white
stripes, the bodice and drapery Of blue
satin with silver stars. The shield of the
United States rested by her right side
and she held the staff and cap of liberty
in her left hand. AS the President
saluted, she acknowledged the courtesy
by rising. When the head of the process
sion came under the arch the young
ladies' chorus, $50 in number, who oc-
cupied the entire upper platform, sung
America" concluding it as the Presi-
dents carriage passed. When it was
near the arch the applause became tu-
multuOus, drowning the notes of the
chorus, and the air was white with the
cloud of waving handkerchiefs in his
honor. The 32d Separate company gave
an exhibition of skillful evolutions as
they neared the arch. Other songs sung
by the chorus were "Keller's American
Hymn" RED, White and Blue" the
latter as the G. A. r., posts passed,
''Star Spangled Banner" battle Hymn
of the Republic" and "Hail Columbia"
While the strains of GLORY Hallelujah''
were being sung, the West Point Cadets,
then at the arch, made halt and exc
cuted some of the movements of the
manual of ans. The applause was well
nigh continuous, breaking out louder
than ever as certain favorite Organiza-
tions passed. The many bands were
listened to with much pleasure. Both
the Knight Templars and the Patriarchs
Militant received especial attention.
Palestine Commandery of st. Johnshlry
maeched in the form of cross, keeping
the line perfectly.
THE SALUTE.
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