The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-08-20
BENNINGTON'S DAY
The Monument in Commemora.
ton of the Battle.
HON. EDWARD j. PHELPS GRAFTON
Harrison EulOgizes the State-Her Position
During the Revolutionary War-She
Was Always for Liberty


surrounding country for miles emptied its
entlre population into the town. The dec
oratlons were elaborate and beautiful. A
mounted Grand Army post escorted Presi-
dent Harrison from General McCullough's
house to the Soldiers home, where Gov
ernor Page and all living ex-governors of
the state greeted him. He then resumed his
place III the carriage, which with other
Vehlcles took their places in line. At 10 80
Inc procession moved, with the Putnam
phaanx of Hartford as an escort to the
PRESIDENT in the van, with score of car
rlaSes following containing distinguished
guests. The procession was viewed by
thousands of people, the President receiv-
ing great applause. The President left the
line at the reviewing stand and the colum n
passed before him. When the procession
reached the monument the different com
mands grouped about it. In the meantime
the PRESIDENT and party and the orator of
the day, Hon. Edward j. Phelps, Governor
rage and other distinguished speakers
ana guests took positions on the platform
at the base of the monument The intro
ouctory address was made by General
Eeazey, ex-commander- chief of the
Grand Army of the Republic and president
Charles Parkhurst, of Boston, who offered
prayer. Governor Page in few we'll
chosen words extended welcome to all
present In an eloquent address Governor
PRESCOTT, OF New Hampshire, presi-
dent OF the monument association, pre-
sented the monument to the governor of
Vermont. In doing SO he alluded in q
brief manner to the historical facts cover
ing the inception OF the monument idea
with its progress and contamination.
Governor Page, on behalf of his state,
MADE brief but eloquent speech, accept
ing the monument. Music followed. Then
Hon. Edward j. Phelps, orator of the day,
was introduced. He was received with a
roar OF applause. In his Grafton be said.
substantially: Vermont consecrates to-
day her hrst historic monument, but not
hers alone. New Hampshire and Massa-
chusetts, who fought with her and for her
In Bennington, have joined in erecting this
memorial to our common history
ana they are here represented
by splendid delegation to share
in the triumph of its completion, and
to give to the occasion by the distinction
OF their presence higher, mightier, more
generou grace.
THE day has still larger significance.
IL Is trebly fortunate. 1t marks not ONLY
the anniversary of the battle and the happy
contamination in this structure of the ex-
ertlons of oeventy five years, but likewise
the centennial of the entrance of Vermont
into the federal union.
ut 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 incumbent
who fills it so well, we are this day on the
Presidents side.'
The speaker then followed with a
lengthy and eloquent resume of the events
leading up to the battle of Bennington.
The Grafton was received in most appro-
pirate manner.
President l.. Veazey introduced Presi-
dent Harrison, who arose amid cheers and
shouts of Whats the matter with. Harrl-
sonW "He's all right" The President
said in substance: "Mr. President and
Fellow Citizens: There are several OBJ
vlous reasons why l should not attempt to
speak to you. This great audience ia go
uncomfortably situated that further pro-
longatlon OF the exercises must be incon-
venlent to them. A stronger reason is Won
have just listened to scholarly review of
those incidents which have led to this as
semblage, and TO those lessons which they
must suggest to every thoughtful and
patriotic man. A son of Vermont. honored
by his state, by his nation, by the profess
sion to which he can do honor honored bv
all his fellow citizens, has spoken for Yer
mont and 1t doesn't seem fit that these
golden sentences into which he has gathered
the thoughts of preparation, should
De marred by anything | might add.
have no further preparation for speech
to-day than this cordial welcome YOU have
extended me, which makes it unfittiug that
should neglect to make q most grateful
acknowledgment of it. Perhaps | NAV he
permitted, as citizen of a western state
to give tribute to Vermont; perhaps as a
public officer, l can bring to you tribute
of their appreciation of the history of this
state. Other colonies staked their liberty
In the issue with the assurance that if they
were successful their rights and liberties
were theirs, and the inhabitants of the
New Hampshire grants alone fought with
the Inhabitants of other colonies. not
knowing whether when liberty was
achieved their homes would be assured
them by victory. They had grave reason
to fear that the government, to whose sr-
premacy Vermont had so nobly contributed
might recognize the claims of New York
upon their homes, and yet through all
this struggle, though assurances copld
undoubtedly have been had from the crown
Vermont took glorious part in securing
that independence which was the ultimate
security of the homes of her people. II is
glorious and unmatched history. The mes
sage of Indiana, and Of all the states is
worthy OF Vermont. She has kept faith
unfalteringly from Bennington to this dav
she has added illustrious names to our roll
of warriors and statesmen. Her represen-
tatton in Congress, as | have known it. has
become conspicuous for it's influence. and
as far as | can recall, has been without re-
proach to any man. We have occasionally
come to Vermont with call that did not
originate with her own people and these
calls have always been answered with tho
same conservation to duty as your own.
found when the difficult task of making a
cabinet was before me, l could not pet
along without a Vermont stick in II
| Laughter and applauseI and | am sura
you have plenty OF timber left In each of
the great political parties. TCheersl. The
of this state in the war of the
rebellion was magnificent, her troops took
to the field that high conservation to dutv
that had characterized their father, ever in
their vision, lifting up their hearts in
faith, that God would bring the cause to q
just issue.
1--WE are today approaching the conclu-
sion of summer of extraordinary fruitful
ness. How Insignificant the stores GATH
cred in Bennington in 1777 compared with
these storehouses, bursting with plenty.
to-day. We ought to be grateful as well
as prosperous people The European def
ciencies offer ready market for our cere.
ais, and we shall grow richer as they take
food from our storehouses. But, after ali
it is not the consideration of wealth thai
tells of the greatness of this country. Yer
mont has not been one of the rich states In
gold and silver, but she has been wrought
out of the strife Of competition, and has
the sturdy manhood on which the security
of our country rests" Applause In
conclusion, the President thanked the audi
ence for its attention.
At the banquet in the afternoon Presi-