The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-08-20
BENNINGTON'S BIG DAY.
PRESIDENT HARR%soN's PAR rICI.
PATTON IN ITS CENTENNIAL.

Many Thousands of Visitors in the
City-Elaborate and Beautiful Dec
orations-TEe Order of ths Process
sion-Reviewed by the President.
The Monume ent Turned Over to the
Keeping of the State-Hon. Edward
j. Phelps Orator of the Day.
BENNINGTON, VT, Aug 19.-rhe appre-
tensions of rain entertained last night proved
groundless, and Bsnning5on's great day
dawned clear and beautiful, and at an early
hour all was hustle and stir. With the ar
rival of the many thousands of visitors to
join the thousands already here, the mar
tial music, the marching bodies and the
hurry of the preparations for the parade,
seemed as though the surrounding coun-
try for miles had emptied its entire popula-
tion into the historic town. The
ELABORATE AND BEAUTIFUL DECORATIONS
were spared the expected damDening and
were the admiration and wonder of every
rural eye.
Col. w. Seward Webb, accompanied by a
mounted grand army post, escorted Presi-
dent Harrison from Gen. McCullough's
house to the soldiers home, whore Gov. Page
and all the living governors of state were
greet Inc 1FeblQ5nG ADgQLeO
from his carriage and was escorted into the
house, where he remained short time while
lie was introduced to the distinguished
guests. He then resumed his place ia the
carriage, which, with other vehicles. took
its place in line.
THE PROCESSION.
At 8 o'clock the guns Of Alters battery
doomed the signal for the formation of the
division. The column, except the carriages,
formed on the parade ground, and, as usual
was slow in getting into position, 80 that it
was 1890 O'clock before the procession
moved, with the Putnam Phalanx of Hart
ford in the position of honor as an escort TO
to the President in the van, with a score of
carriages following containing distinguished
guests.
The camp grounds, where the soldiers
home is situated. and where the Vermont
National Guards have been in camp for
several days, was filled with people.
When the procession moved
THE PRESIDENT DoFFED HIS HAT
in salute to every manifestation of applause,
and to keep the fierce rays of the sun from
his head Col. Webb held an umbrel over
him. The procession, as it passed through
the streets to the monument ground, was
viewed by thousands of people, the Presi-
dent and many features OF the pageant re-
ceiviEg generous applause.
REVIEWED BY THE PRESIDENT.
The column moved through North, Gage,
Stafford and Main streets. Here short halt
was made. The column then passed in re-
view before President Harrison The latter
received many hattering greetings from the
marching columns and acknowledged them
by bowling
Inc procession continued its march
through Main street and Monument avenue
to the massive and lofty pillar. Here the
first division, except the batteries. was
Inassed on the west side of the monument;
the secoad and third divisions, except the
carriages, on the east side. The batteries
then took positions and fired the national
salute of twenty-one guns.
ON THE PLATFORM.
Meantime the President and party. the
orator OF the day, Hon. Edward
J. Phelps, Gov. Page and other
distinguished speakers aud guests, with
the representatives of the press,
about forty people in all, bad taken their
positions on the platform, at the base OF the
monument.
Around and about the open spaces were
black with the mutitudes who had gathered
from many states to witaess the ceremony Of
the dedication.
When all we're in their places and quiet
had been secured, Hon. Whee,ock @. Veasey.
commandments Of the G.. A. R.,
arose, advanced to the front Of the plat-
form, and addressed the vast concourse.
THE CEREMONIES.
Rev. Charles Parkhurst of Boston, editor
of the Zion's Herald, then offered prayer,
the assembled thousands assuming a rever-
ent attitude during the delivery.
At the conclusion OF the prayer Gov. T..
S. Page was introduced and delivered the
address of welcome The governors remarks
were vigorously applauded, and ex-Gov.
Is. +. PreScott of New hampshire, president
of the Bennington Battle Monument Asso-
citation, was received with enthusiasm rs he
stepped forward to transfer the monument,
the result of the associations many years
Of effort, to the care and keeping OF the
state
Gov. Page accepted the noble offering in
brief speech.
Music followed and the President of the
day, Gen. Veasey came forward leading the
dlstlug gulshed scholar deplomat and orator,
Hon. Edward j. Phelps. A roar of
applause greeted their appearance, and
when the last murmur had died away Mr..
Phelps delivered the
GRAFTON OF THE DAY.
The oration was received in most ap-
preciative manner, and applause greeted
the hnish as the beginning. which was re-
newed with increased intensity as President
harrison was introduced and spoke of his
gratlncation at being present 1t was late
IN the afternoon when the President f1ished
ana the literary exercises were brought
70 a close with music and the benediction.
The divisions then reformed with the car
rages OF each division in its rear, and
marched through Monument ave-
nue., Main aud North streets to
camp Vermont, where the troops and
otner organizations were dismissed. The
escorts aad carriages proceeded 60 large
tent near the soldiers home, where ban
quet was served, over 5000 people sitting
uown to the table. The celebration wound
up Tonight with a rrent disnlav of fire.