St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1891-07-23
EXCURSION ECHOES.

mas Deen organized II years anu
during that time has had numerous
excursions and outings and visited
nearly all the leading resorts of New
England and the adjacent states.
This year the principal point of in
terest was Plymouth, Mass, though
there were several other portions of
the trip that were enjoyable to all.
The party numbered about 200 and
included among its guests Secretary
Proctor, Gov. Page, Congressman
Grout, Col Albert Clarke, secretary
of the Home Market club, and many
other distinguished Vermonters.
Boston was reached on Friday
evening, July 10, and the party were
the guests of the American house
during their stay at the Hub. At
the banquet in the evening the prin-
cipal speaker was Secretary Proctor,
and his address is given in full on
the second page of this paper. Gov.
Page followed in very happy vein
and the other speakers were Collec-
tor Beard, Judge Sherman, State
Treasurer Marden and Speaker Bar
rett, all of Massachusetts, and
Editor Beard of the ST. Adams
Farmers Advocate. Col. Albert
Clarke was POSTMASTER on this
occasion and opened the speechmak
ing with some remarks on early
Vermont journalism. The poem by
Rev. A. J. Hough of Montpelier was
scholarly production and after
describing the virtues of Vermont
editor he urged all of them to praise
the natural beauties and resources of
our state
1.-The Green Mountain beauties have never
been told
In terms they deserve. by the press of the
state"
Saturday morning the party glad
ly accepted Secretary Proctor's in
vitation to visit the white squadron
which was anchored in Boston har-
Dor. The Newark was visited and
complete inspection made Of this
beautiful specimen of naval architec-
ture The Newark was built by the
Cramps of Philadelphia and the con-
tract price was nearly 81 100000.
Its tonnage is 1893, its horse power
is estimated at $500 and its arma-
ment consists of - 6-inch breech
loading rifles, four 6-pounder, 4 s.
FOUNDER and 2 one-pounder rapid
firing guns, 2 revolving cannons and
Calling guns. 1t is a formidable
and speedy craft and the sight of
such a warlike monster strengthens
ones belief in the new navy of the
United States.
The visit to Plymouth was alto
gether too brief About five hours
were spent there and one Of those
quickly passed away in enjoying an
excellent banquet served by the pro-
prietor of the Samoset House. One
ought to spend several days in this
beautiful town to catch the full in
spiration of the locality. Of course
the interest centers about Plymouth
rock and thither all hastened as soon
as dinner was over.
doubtless left on the shores of the
bay by a glacier as there is no other
stone like it in the community. 1t is
not large though quite a portion of
the rock is underground. There is
absolutely no doubt but that this is
the identical spot where the Pilgrims
landed on that Monday morning in
1920. The rock has been moved
several times from its original resting
place, but in 1880 it was brought
back to its place on the shores of
Plymouth bay and a handsome
granite canopy erected over it.
Above the site of the rock is Coles
hill where half of the little band of
Pilgrims were buried the first Win
ter. Those familiar with the history
of those dark days will remember
that the dead were buried on this
hill, their graves leveled, and in the
following spring corn was planted
above them that the Indians might
not know how sadly the band had
been depleted. Atfour different times
the remains have been discovered.
The old burying ground is on a
commanding eminence not far from
Coles hill and is probably the most
historic cemetery in the United States.
There are nearly dozen stones
erected in the seventeenth century,
that is, previous to 100, all of which
are fairly well preserved On this