Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-08-20
AT BENNINGTON.
Battle Of Bennington md The
Admission Of Vermont
10 The Union Celebrated with Appropriate
and Elaborate Ceremonies.


BEssrsGros. Aug. l9.-The dual cele-
braiion Of The anniversary the battle Of
Bennington ard the centennial of the ad-
mission Of Vermont 10 the L mon began
most auspiciously.
President Harrison was escorted BY the
mounted Grand Army post to the Soldiers'
Home. here he was introduced to the guests
present after which be took his seat in the
carriage awaftiog the starting Of the pro-
cession. The column was slow in getting
into position and it was 10 80 before the
procession movej, with phalaux Of Hart
ford in position Of honor Is escort to the
Presiden. in the van, with q score Of car
risges following containing distinguished
guests.
The procession as it passed through the
streets to the monument grounds, was
viewed by thousands of people. The Psesi-
dent was given = most hearty reception
When the reviewing stand was reached,
short halt was made and President Hsrri'
son took his place thereon, when the col
umn then passed in review before him.
The first division Of the parade was pro-
ceeded by this police and Brig. Gen. VIM.
L. Greenlesf, chief marshal, and his staff
The Amosksag veterans OF Manchester,
N. II. acted, As an escort to the reviewing
party, consisting Of the President
Of the United States and MEM
beIs Of his Cabinet and governors of
states and their adj jatsnt generals. presi-
dent of the day, orator Of the day, general
officers Of the. army, and Vermont senators
and representatives in Congress. The
fret division included various military
companies. The second division included
. corps Of cadets from West Point. Grand
Army vetersss, Masonic bodies and Sons
of Veterans. The third division was made
up Of Odd Fellows.
Arriving at the monument the various
divisions immediately took the positions
assigned to them while the speakers and
guests proceeded to the platform at the base
of the monument Around and about the
open spaces were black with the multitude
gathered from many states to witness the
ceremony of dedication Of the Lofty pillar
erected 10 the valor and patriotism Of the
Green Mountain boys of l717.
When quiet had been secured, Hon.
Wheelock Il. Veazey addressed the vast
concourse. Rev. Charles Parkhurst of
Boston then offered prayer, at the conclu-
sion Of which Governor C.S. Page delivered
the address of welcome. The Governors
remarks were handsomely applsuded, and
tx Governor B. F. Prescott Of N. H.,
president of the Bennington Battle MoDu-
ment Association, was received with en-
as he stepped forward to transfer
the monument to the cDre and keeping Of
the state. Governor Page accepted the
noble offering in q brief speech.
The orstion by Hon. Edward J. Phelps
of Burlington was a scholarly production
said:
Hon. Edward J. Phelps was introduced
and greeted with a great outburst of
applause, at the subsidence Of which he
began the Grafton Of the day.
President Harrison spoke briefly, at the
conclusion Of Mr.. Phelps address, express
ing his qualification at being present on the
occasion.
The literary exercises were not concluded
until late in the afternoon. The divisions
then reformed and marched to camp Yer
mont, where they were dismissed.
The escorts and carriages proceeded to
the large tent near the Soldiers Home,
where the banquet was served, over 5000
people sitting down to the tables.