The Press., 1891-06-11
Number 1 1.
MEMORIAL DAY ADDRESS AT
 STAFFORD SPRINGS.
BY REV. E. F. CLARK.


 there are, places there are, when language is impotent to voice the sentiments of the heart. Such place is Niagara, such a place is the cavalry of Christ, and such a place is the urn of the nations dead. We'll would it be if we could reinforce language by an empty sleeve or scars those badges of nobility.
 Two assemblies stand before us to-day. One embraces the decimating ranks of surviving veterans and the denizens of our republic; the other is composed of our fallen heroes. Tanned by the old flag, not a star of which is either lost or obscured, prompted by gratitude no ex- pressions can voice, we, the living of to- day, invite the vicarious martyrs and de- lenders to vacate awhile their sepulchral home and be crowned with the laurels of view them for moment, as they advance in their bloody shrouds, sun-embrowned, powder -begrimmed, battle-scarred, they that "rebought liberty, that heaven-born goddess, with blood" While their pale hands holds up the white pennons of peace and victory, let the living, lighted by the battle flash, advance with garland, dirge and recollection to soften a soldiers pillow and immortalize heros' valor. From the waters of the Mississippi and Potomac, the gulf and Atlantic; from the soils of the Old Dominion, from the crimson fastnesses of Tennessee, from the fortress, and the swamp, and the prisons, these legions of Columbia assem- b1e to bequeath the mantles of their pa- triotism and to receive the tributes of our gratitude.
 In the presence of this double assembly let us first recall the nations debts. To many of the tolls, sufferings and sacrifices of the fallen soldiers experience can alone conduct the living. Only those who have shared soldiers history can ever know soldiers lot. Let us briefly review some of those experiences that have con- tion's defenders. ..-....
 At the threshold stands the decision for enlistment. Who of us that survives will ever forget that decision? For many fond and fearful wife silently listened to the heart that was beating the call to arms. The aroma of the orange was yet lingering on the bridal wreath, and the nupital benison had hardly died away. For others sweet children waited in tear full suspense. At nightfall the cherube crept into the fathers arms, and the fath. CTS heart was but a mufled drum. Wife drew 8 little closer to the evening chail that was filled with the utterances of pa triotlc duty. For many home the fath CT was the bread@staff that kept the vol at bay.
 Long had sectional rebellion fomented Bitter words and more bitter deeds had marked the approaching crisis. The press throughout the entire land teemed with crimination and recrimination. Pub. lie speech had bristled with threats and treason. The authority of the union had been renounced, and the public function. aries had retreated from their duties. The navy had been scattered to the ends of the earth. The stars and stripes had been ruthlessly trampled in the dust. Fort Sumpter had been taken, and loyal blood had been shed. You rallied in a public assembly. You loved home, life and peace. But the blood of Ellsworth christened your patriotism, and when the bugle of duty sounded you must either be l a coward or soldier. Though the young wife should be in weeds, and the calls oi fatheriess children be unanswered to-mor- row, you faltered not, but signed what was likely to be your death warrant How much it cost to decide none but an old soldier will ever know.
 Before him arose oft weeping widow and fatherless children. For others, aged parents lighted the lamps of their earthly hopes from the eyes of an only son, the Isaac of their home. Some signed theil names whose lips were wet with a lovers kiss, and whom the ''sable reaper'' by | the red sunrise of war would gather fol his untimely garner. The poor and the rich signed in common regiment. The great decision enrolled the honored anG the unknown. The boy of nineteen sum- 1 mers and the sire of half century took positions side by side. For generations domestic love has not been called to SC severe an ordeal.
 The positions sacrificed at enlistment deserve our recollection. From academ l io, collegiate and university halls the stu dent, casting aside his books, hurried te the drill-ground and the bivouac. Every profession furnished unnumbered repre- sentatives. The minister, the lawyer the physician, the editor, were all there From the farm, the factory, and the forge brave hearts and hands were enlisted All needless of positions sacrificed, theil all-absorbing thought was the defence O father-land and the maintenance of tn, government. Positions, opportunities were not to be thought of while the coun try was in peril, and the ship of state wal in danger of going to pieces. Nor was man alone in making thes, sacrifices. Woman buckled on the mar l tial spurs for husbands, fathers, ant l brothers. Nerving themselves for aug I mented cares, anxieties and suffering they sacrificed pleasure, ease comfort and plenty to share soldiers peril an' pain. Their battles were to be tough I without bugle or drum. On mortimer hills and western prairies woman kep her lonely watch, and the soul of many
 soldier was fed with patriotism from dis .i tant homes. Never have such opportuni ties been enjoyed for the anassing c wealth as were furnished by the rebellion 'l Real estate, stocks, merchandise and ls bor realized unprecedented gain. Wealt ,, poured into the cofters of all, save tn soldiers. But these opportunities wer | .