Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-06-01
THB PRESIDENT
Takes Part In Philadelphia Ie.
mortal Day Exercises.
Victoria, BIC. Sailors 0bjsct 10 Closing
Bahfils Sea iof 4 Year,
And Csb!e Thair Protest to eir Charles
Yuppsr at London.

vEs keEesAliy observed IN this city. TIT
most important par. Of the days programme
being the visit Of President Harrison and
members Of bis cabinet, who were ths
guests Of George G. Meade Post, No. 1
G. A. Il,
The Presidents party arrived about II &C
o'clock, and were met OF the station BY
Commander Sanger and other officers oi
Meade Post, with . delegation Of the
Memorial day committee.
Drawn up outside the station WAS the his
toric City Troop Of cavalry, who, from the
day that George Washington entered this
city to take his inaugural oath, have acted
- IN escort to every Pfesident who has
been guest Of Philadelphia.
The President, the members Of his cabi.
net, Private Secretary Halfort and the post
delegAti then entered carriages.
Ths troop bugler blew the President
cali, hundred sabres flashed in sslutation
to the chief magistrate and the line Of
march was taken up for Independence hall
The entire route was profusely decorated
with buating and lined with crowds OF
people, whose repeated cheering compelled
the President to go over most OF the route
with his hat in hand.
headquarters Of the Meade post, and here,
drawn up in line on the sidewalk, were the
comrades Of the post.
Every mans hand went to his cap. The
tsttered battle flags were dipped and the
President bowed low in response.
When Independence Hall was reached
the President was escorted within by Com
msnder Ssngar and introduced TO Mayor
Stuart, who, with number Of prominent
citizens, was waiting to welcome him in
behalf OF the city.
In brief speech Mayor Stuart welcomed
the President, who replied in quite q
lengthy speech. In his reply the President
said.
Mr.. Mayor, Comrades of the Grand Army
of the Republic and Fsliow Cifisens;
@-1'l esteem it gIeat pleasure to stand in
this historic edfice. in this historic city,
and to take part today as 3 comrade of the
Grand Army Of the Republic in these most
Interesting and instructive exercises, which
CONNIE m )rate events that have been most
deeply sunk in our hearts.
al think it eminently appropriate that we
should stand for little time, before going
to the graves Of our fallen comrades, in this
ediHce. where the foundations Of indepen-
dence were laid and put into development
TO made this great nation today.
''In recent extensive trip through the
country l was able to see the effects of
planting these seeds of freedom in the flour
ishing plants that have grown.
I'VE are here in community that was
instituted on principles Of peace and good
will among men.
But you gave a c0nt plcuous illustration
Of the facts that the fruits of peace need to
be protected.
"You did not at all depart from the great
lessons taught when you united with the
comrades from all the other states to hold
up the banner Of the Union and to maintain
peace and to perpetuate it at all times.
You went out to maintain peace, and
you have established in the affections Of all
Of us the flag Of our faith. and the question
of submission to the constitution and the
law in all states has been settled TO the
eontentmens Of all.
II appreciate most highly this welcome,
ard l take part in these exercies with a
serse of their fitness and the greatness OF
the event that they commemorate.
Il have never been able to think that this
day is oue for mourning, but think that in
stead Of the flag being at halfmast, it
should be At the peak.
II feel that the comrades whose graves
We honor today would rejoice il they could
see where their valor has plsced US.
81 feel that the glory Of their dying and
The glory of their achievement covers all
grief, and has pu. them on an imperisha BILE
roll Of honor"
After the President had concluded. the
doors were thrown open and for an hour
the President shook hands st the rate Of 80
a minute.
At the conclusion of the public reception
the President was escorted TO the Reading
station, and boarded q train for Laurel Hill
cemetery, where he tcok part in the cere-
monies over the grave Of Gen. George G.
Meade. the hero Of Gettysburg.
Returning from the cemetery. the Presi
dent and Secretaries Proctor and Tracy.
Postmaster Wanamsser and Mr.. Hslford
were the guests Of the Union League Club,
with whom they dined.