Los Angeles herald., 1891-08-20
Ex-Minister Phelps the Orator
of the Day.
President Harrison Also Among the
Prominent Speakers.
The Old Green Mountain States Many
Virtues Extolled by Eloquent
Tongues Great Enthus-
iasm Manifested.
Associated Press Dispatches.

crate and beautiful. A mounted Grand
Army post escorted President Harrison
from General McCullough's house to the
Soldiers home, where Governor Page
and all the living ex-governors of the
state greeted him. He then resumed
his place in his carriage which, with
other vehicles, took it's place in line. At
10 O'Clock the procession moved, with
the Putnam phalanx, of Hartford, Ct,
as escort to the president, in the van,
with score of carriages following, con-
tanning distinguished guests. The pro-
cession was viewed by thousands OF peo-
pie, the president receiving great ap-
plause. The president 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, Governor Page and the other
distinguished speakers and guests, took
the presidents platform at the base of
| the monument.
An Introductory address was made by
General Veazey, ex-commander-1n- chief
OF the g. A. r., and president of the
day.
He was followed by Rev. Charles
Parkhurst, of Boston, who offered
prayer.
Governor Page, in few well chosen
words, extended welcome to all pres
ent.
In al i
colt, OF New Hampshire, president of
tne monument association, presented
the monument to the governor of Ver-
mont. In doing SO ne alluded in brief
manner to the historical facts covering
the inception of the monument idea, it's
progress and commemoration.
Governor Page, in behalf of his state,
made brief but eloquent speech, ac-
cepting the monument. Music fol-
lowed.
Then Hon. Edward j. Phelps, the
orator of the day, was introduced. He
was received with roar of applause.
In his oration he said substantially:
vermont concentrates today her first
historic monument, but not hers alone.
New Hampshire and Massachusetts, who
fought with her and for her in Benning-
ton, have joined in erecting this memo
rial to their common history, and they
are here represented by splendid dele
cation to share in the triumph of it's
completion, and to give to the occasion
by the distinction of their presence
higher dignity and more generous grace.
1.-The day has still larger signifca-
ton. 1t is trebly fortunate; it marks
not only the anniversary Of the battle
and the happy contamination, in this
structure, of the exertions of fifteen
years, but likewise the centennial of
the entrance of Vermont into the fed
eral union.
1T is appropriate and gratifying that
the chief magistrate of the nation should
be our most honored guest. In this
scene party differences are forgotten;
we are only Americans, and in LOYALTY to
that great office, and respect for the in
cumbent who fills it 80 we'll, we this day
are on the presidents side.'
The speaker then followed with a
lengthy and eloquent resume of the
events leading up to the battle of Ben
nington.~ The Grafton was received in
most appreciative manner.
President Veazey introduced Presi-
dent Harrison, who arose amid cheers
and shouts of "What's the matter with
Harrison He's all right"
The president said in substance:
"MR. PRESIDENT AND FELLOW CITIZENS:
There are obvious reasons why l should
not attempt to speak to you. This great
audience is 80 uncomfortably situated
that further prolongation of the exer-
cises must be inconvenient to them. A
stronger reason is, you have just listened
| to scholarly review of those incidents
which have led to this assemblage, and
to those lessons which they must sug-
gest to every thoughtful and patriotic
man. A son of Vermont, honored by
his state, by the nation, by the pro-
fession to which he can do honor, hon
ored by all his fellow citizens, has
spoken br Vermont, and it doesn't seem
fit that these golden sentences into
which he has gathered the thoughts of
preparation, should be marred by any
thing might add. 1 have no further
preparation for speech today than
this cordial welcome you have extended
me, which makes it uniting that
should neglect my most grateful ac-
knowledgment of it. Perhaps NAV be
permitted, as citizen of western state.
to give tribute to Vermont. Perhaps as
a public officer 1 can bring to YOU the
tribute of their appreciation OF the his
tory of this state.'
In the course OF his speech he said
"We are today approaching the conclu-
sion OF a summer of extraordinary fruit-
fullness. How significant the stores
gathered in Bennington, in 1877, COM
pared with the storehouses bursting
with plenty today. We ought to be a
grateful as well as prosperous people.
The European deficiencies offer a ready
market for all our cereals, and we shall
grow richer as they take food from our
storehouses. But after all, it is not
wealth that tells the greatness of this
country. Vermont has not been one Of
the rich states in gold or silver but she
has been wrought out of the strife of
competition, and has tie sturdy man.
hood on which the security of our coun-
try rests"
With respect to Vermont's particle
pating in the revolutionary struggle.
the president said: "They had grave
reasons to fear that the government to
whose supremacy Vermont had so nobly
contributed might recognize the claims
OF New York, and yet through all this
struggle Vermont took a glorious part
in securing independence, which was
the ultimate security of the homes of
her people. 1t is glorious and un-
matchod hiatorv Sho hoe bopt fa;tb