The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-08-20
GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS.
dwelling of the Monument Erected
to Those Who Fell Aug. 16,
Att.
Addresses by the Governors of
Three States and by the
President.
Bennington In Gala Attlre-Triple Nature
Of the Celebration - The Tall
Shaft Dedicated. "

BENNINGTON, VT, Aug. 19.-Bennington's
great day dawned clear and beautiful. The
surrounding country for miles emptied it's
entire population into town. The decora-
tions were elaborate and beautiful. A
mounted Grand Army post escorted Presi-
dent Harrison from Gen. McCullogh's house
to the Soldiers home, where Gov. Page and
all living ex-governors of the state greeted
him. He then resumed his place in the
carriage, which, with other vehicles, took it's
place in line. At 1890 the procession moved,
with the Putnam phalanx, of Hartford,
as escort to the president, in the van, with
score of carriages following containing
distinguished guests. The procession was
viewed by thousands of people, the presi-
dent receiving great applause. The presi-
dent left the line at the reviewing stand
and the column passed before him. When
the procession reached the monument the
different commands grouped about it.
Meantime the president and party,
the orator of the day. Hon. Edward
j. Phelps, Gov. Page and other
distinguished speakers and guests took po-
Bitions on the platform at the base of the
monument. The Introductory address
was made by Gen. Veazey, ex-commander-
in-chief of the g. A. r., and president Of
the day. He was followed by Rev. Charles
Parkhurst of Boston, who offered prayer.
Gov. Page, in few well-chosen words, ex-
tended welcome to all present.
In an eloquent address Gov. Prescott, of
New Hampshire, president of the monu-
ment association, presented the monument
to the governor OF Vermont. In doing SO
he alluded, in a brief manner, to historical
facts, covering the inception of the monu-
ment idea, with its progress and commem-
Grafton. Gov. Page, on behalf of his state,
made brief but eloquent speech accepting
the monument. Music followed and then
Hon. Edward J. Phelps orator of the day,
was introduced. He was received
with great applause. In his ora
ton he said, substantially: ever
mont consecrates to-day her first
historic monument, but not hers alone.
New Hampshire and Massachusetts, who
have joined in erecting this memorial to
common history and they are here repre-
sented by splendid delegations to share in
the triumph of it's completion and to give to
the occasion by the distinction of their
presence their higher. mighty, more gener-
GUS grace. The day has still larger sig
nifcance. 1t is trsbly fortunate, it marks
not only the anniversary of a battle and
the happy consummation in the structure
of the exertions of fifteen years, but like
wise the centennial of the entrance of Ver-
mont into the federal union. 1t is appro-
pirate and gratifying that the chief magis-
trate of the nation should be our honored
guest. In this scene party differences are
forgotten. We are only Americans, and in
loyalty to that great Office and respect for
ha iyor uho fSllo
this day on the presidents side"
The speaker then followed with lengthy
and eloquent resume of the events leading
up to the battle of Bennington. The ora
tion was received in most appreciative
manner.
President Veazey introduced President
Harrison, who arose amid cheers and shouts
of, whats the matter with Harrson?'
He's all rightH' The president said, in
substance: "Mr. President and fellow-citi-
zens-There are several obvious reasons
why / should not attempt to speak to you.
This great audience is SO uncomfoytably
situated that further prolongation of the
exercises must be inconvenient to them.
stronger reason is you have just listened to
n scholarly review of those Incidents which
have led to this assemblage and to those
lessons which they must suggest to every
thoughtful and patriotic man. son of
= Vermont, honored by his state, by the ma
tion, by tho profession to which he
can DO honor honored by all his
mont, and it does not seem fit that
these golden sentences into which he has
gathered thoughts of preparation, should
be marred by anything | might add. l
have no further preparation for speech to-
tended me, which makes it uniting that /
should neglect to make most grateful
acknowledgment of it. Perhaps may be
permitted. as citizen of western state,
to give tribute to Vermont. Perhaps, as
public officer, can bring to you tribute
of their appreciation of the history of this
state. Other colonies staked their liberty
on the issue with the assurance that if they
were successful their rights and liberties
were theirs, and the inhabitants of New
Hampshire grants alone fought with
the inhabitants of other colonies alone,
knowing not whether, when liberty
was achieved their homes would be assured
them by the victory. They had grave rea-
son to fear that that government to whose
supremacy Vermont had 80 nobly contrib
York upon their homes, and yet, through all
this struggle, though assurance could un-
doubtedly have been had from the crown,
Vermont took glorious part in securing
the independence which was the ultimate
security of the homes of her people, It is a 1
glorious and unmatched history. The mes
sage of Indiana and of all states is. Worthy
Vermont; she has kept faith unfalterngly
from Bennington to this day; she has added
illustrious names to our roll of warriors and
statesmen
Her representation in congress, as have
known it, has become conspicuous for
influence, and as far as | can recall has
been without reproach to any man. We
have occasionally come to Vermont with
call that did not originate with her own
people, and those calls have always been
answered with the same conservation to
duty as your own. l found, when the diff
cult task Of making oabit was before me,
that could not get along without Ver-
mont stick in it daughter and great ap-
piRuse and am sure you have plenty of
timber left in each of the great politica
parties. Cheers. The participation of
this state in the war OF the rebellion was
magnificent Her troops took to the field
that high oonssoration to duty that had
characterized their fathers, ever in their
vision lifting uo their hearts In faith thHt
God would bring the cause to Just issue.
1--WE are to-day approaching the end of a |
summer of extraordinary fruitfulnsss. |
How insignificant the stores gathered in |
bennington in ~ compared with these
storehousss, bursting with plenty to-day.
We ought to be grateful a. we'll Hs q pros
porous people. European deficiencies offer |
ready market for all our cereals aud we
uhul OH