The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-05-20
At the Tomb of Lincoln.

President Harrison and his partv
reached Washington on Friday, after
their circuit Of month through the
South and West. On Thursday they
arrived at Springfield, H., where, in
the Oak Ridge cemetery, at the tomb
of Lincoln, the president made this elo-
quent eulogy on the martyr-president.
Governor Filter and Internationally
ing this extended journey, in the course of
which we have swept from the Atlantic
coast to the Golden Gate and northward to
the limits of our territory, we have stood in
many spots of interest and looked upon
scenes that were full of historical associa-
tons and of national interest and inspira-
ton. The interest of this journey culmi-
mates to-day, as we stand here for a few
moments about the tomb of Lincoln. As |
passed through the southern states and no.
tlced those great centers of busy industry
which have been built since the war, as I
saw how the furnaces had been kindled
where there was only solitude, [ could not
then but think and say it was the hand that
now lies beneath these stones that kindled
and inspired all that we behold: all these
fires of industry were lighted at the funeral
pyre of slavery. The proclamation of A bra
ham Lincoln can be read on all these noun
tain sides, where free men are now bending
their energies to the development of states
that have been long under the PARALYSIS of
human slavery. | come to-day to this con-
Secrated and sacred spot with a heart filled
with emotions of gratitude that God who
wisely turned toward our eastern shores
body of God-fearing and liberty-loving men
TO found this republic, did not fail to find for
us, in the hour of our extremity one who
was competent TO lead the hearts and SYM
pathies and hold up the courage of our
people in the time of our greatest national
peril. The life of Abraham Lincoln teaches
more useful lessons than any other character
IN American history. Washington stands
remote from us. We think of him as dig
nifed and as reserved, but we think of Lin
coin as one whose tender touch the children.
the poor, all classes of our people felt as
their friend and lover; so the love of our
people is drawn to him because he had such
great heart, such human heart. The
asperities and hardships of his early life did
not dull but broadened and enlivened his
sympathies. That sense of Justice, that love
OF human liberty which dominated all his
life, is another characteristic that our peo-
pie will always love. You have here in
keeping most precious trust. Toward this
spot the feet of the reverent patriots of the
years to come will bend their way as the
story OF Lincoln's life is read. His virtues
will mold and inspire many lives | have
studied it and been filled with wonder and
product; no other soil could have produced
it, The greatness OF il has not yet been
lully discovered or measured. AS the inner
history OF the times in which he lived is
written, we find how his great mind turned
and moved in time Of peril and delicacy the
affairs OF our country in their home and
foreign relations with that marvellous tact,
with that neyer-failng common sense. which
characterized this man of the people. That
Impressive lesson we have here this morn
ing. SEQ in the military uniforms of our
country standing as guard about this tomb
the sons OF race that had been condemned
to slavery, and was emancipated by his i'm.
mortal proclamation. How appropriate it
is that those whose civil rights were cur
tailed, even in this state, are now the trusted,
atfectionate guards of the tomb in which he
sleeps. We will all again and again read
the story of Lincoln's life and will find our
hearts and minds enlarged, our lives and
charities broadened, and onr devotion to the
constitution, the flag and the free govern
ment which he preserved to us intensified
And now, my friends, most cordially thank
ing you for these kind words OF welcome, |
shall go from this tomb impressed with new
thoughts as to those who bear the RESPONSE