The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-08-20
HARRISON IN VERMONT.
Dedication Of the Bennington
Battle Monument.
EXERCISES At THE SHAFT,
The Presidents Tribute to New Eng
land Character and Deeds.
EXERCISES AT THE SHAFT.
Discomfort will Not Tempt People TO
Forsake Sound Principles OF Govern.
ment-Every Dollar OF Money Issued
Should Be as Good as Every Other.


emptied its entire population into the
town. The decorations we're elaborate and
beautiful. A mounted Grand Army post
escorted President Harrison from General
McCullough's house to the Soldiers
Home, where Governor Page and all liv-
ing ex-governors of the state greeted him.
He then resumed his place In the carriage
which, with other vehicles, took its place
IN line. AT 1870 the possession moved.
with the Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford.
Conn.,, as an escort to the president in
the van, with a score of carriages follow
ing, containing distinguished guests.
The procession was viewed by
thousands of people, the president
receiving great applause. The president
LETT the line at the reviewing stand and
the column passed before him. When the
procession reached the monument the diff
ferent commands were grouped abouk it.
In the meantime the president and party,
the orator of the day, Hon. Edward ].
Phelps, Governor Page and otherflistin-
gulshed speakers and guests took posi-
tlons on the platform at the base of the
monument. An Introductory address was
made by General Veazey, ex-commander-
in-chief of the 6. A. r., and the president
OF the day. He was followed by Rev.
Charles Parkhurst, of Boston, who offered
prayer. Governor Page. in few
weli-chosen words, extended welcome
to all present. In an eloquent address
Governor Prescott, of New Hampshire,
the president of the Monument Associa-
tion, presented the monument to the gov
ernor of Vermont. In doing so he alluded
a lr1ef m Tho hiofnrioot aoto
covering the inception of the monument
Idea, with its progress and commemora-
ton. Governor Page, on behalf of his
state, made brief and eloquent speech ac-
cepting the monument Music followed
Then Hon. Edward J. Phelps, orator Of
the day, was introduced. Hewas received
with great applause. In his oration ne
said, substantially:
Vermont consecrates today her first patriotic
monument but not hers alone. New Hamp-
shire and Massachusetts,, who fought with her
and for her in Bennington, have joined in erect
ing this memorial to the common history, and
they are here represented by splendid del
egation to share in the triumph OF its compile
tion and give to the occasion, by the distinction
OF their presence, their higher, mighty and more
generous grace. The day has still larger sig
nifcance. 1t Is trebly fortunate. 1t marks not
only tnt dUHlVeFSafy Oh the D8Itf& ssAuQ
happy consummation in this structure oil, the
exertions of fifteen years, but likewise the CEN
tennial of the entrance of Vermont into the
federal 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 Ameri-
cans, and in loyalty to that Office, and respect
for the incumbent who fills it so well, we are
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
ton was received in an appreciative
manner.
General Veazey introduced President
Harrison, who arose amid cheers and
shouts of Whats the matter with Har-
rison? He's all right! The president
SAID, in substance:
Mr.. President and Feslow Citizens There are
several obvious reasons why l should not at
tempt to speak to you. This great audience is
so uncomfortably situated that further prolon-
CATION of the exercises must be inconyenient to
them. stronger reason is that you have
just listened to scholarly review of
those incidents which have led to this
assemblage and to these lessons which
they must suggest to every thoughtful and pa
triotic man. A son of Vermont, honored by his
state, by the nation, by the profession to which
he does honor, honored by all his fellow-citi-
zens, has spoken for Vermont, and it does not
seem fit that those golden sentences into which
he has gathered thoughts Of preparation should
be marred By anything might add / have no
further preparation for speech today than this
cordial welcome you have extended me- which
makes il uniting that l should neglect to make
most grateful Acknowledgement OF it,
Perhaps / may be permitted, q a citizen OF a
- It'll ks,&~
Perhaps as public officer ] can briug to you a
tribute of the appreciation of the history of this
state The other colonies staked their liberty
on the. issue with the assurance that if they
were successful their rights and liberties were
theirs, but the inhabitants of the New Hamp-
shire Grants fought with the nhaoitants of the
other colonies, not knowing that when liberty
was achieved their homes would be assured
them by victory. They had grave rea-
sons TO fear that the government to
whose supremacy Vermont had so nobly con-
tributed might recognize the claims of New
York upon their homes, and yet through all this
struggle, though assurances could undoubtedly
have been had from the crown. Vermont took a
glorious part in securing the independence
which was the ultimate security OF the homes
of her people 1t is u glorious and unmatched
history. The message OF Indiana and of all the
states is worthy of Vermont She has kept faith
unfaltering from the beginning 10 this day She
has added illustrious names 70 our roll of
warriors and statesmen. Her representation in
congress as | have known il, has become
conspicuous for influence. and, as far
can recall, has been without
reprosch to any man. We have occasionally
come 10 Vermont with call that did not origin
ate with her own peopls. and those calls have
always been answered With the same eonserva-
tion to duty as your own. i found, when the
difficult task of making cabinet was before me,
that l could not get along without a Vermont
stick in it, [great applaIse,l and am sure you
have plenty of timber eft in each OF the great
political parties [Cheers,l The participation
of this state in the war of the rebellion was mag
nifcent- Her troops Ook 10 the nesd that high
conservation of duty that had characterized
their fathers lifting Up their hearts in faith that
God would bring the eause 10 Justice
We are today approaching the conclusion of g
summer of extraordinary frultiulness. How
insignificant the stors gathered IN Bennington
in I777 compared VITA these storehouses burst
ing with plenty today We ougat to De CRATE
ful as well as a prosperous people The Elro
pean deficiencies offer ready market Tor s4s sra7
cereals. and we shalfgrow richer as they taxa
food from our stOrehouses; out, aiter al, II q
not the possesso on of wealth that tells the greae
ness OF this country. Vermont has not heysn
one OF the rich states in gold or silver. but sae
hiss heen wrought out of strife and compel tidn
and has the sturdy manhood on which the 4
curi.y of our country rests tApplause.l
In conclusion the president thanked th 80
audience for its attention. 1t was late IA
the afternoon when the president hnisheds
and the literary exercises were brought tq
a close banquet was served TO oves.