New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-07-05
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE,

THE LETTERS OF REGRET
wOODSTOCK'S HISTORY
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE,
Putnam, Conn, July 4-Indepcndence Day was
celebrated in Woodstock in the good old-fashioned
NewEngland style at Roseland Park, the gift t0
the town Of Henry G. Bowen At an early hour
this morning the country people began 10 gather
from all parts Of Windham County-from Brook
lyn, where the Revolutionary hero, Putnam lies;
from Ashford, where Lyon, OF Civil War fame,
is buried; from Pomfrct. Putnam, ktilinglyI
Thompson, Dudley, Eastford, Southbridge and
other towns Many persons in carriages
which decorated with flags, and many others
bad come on foot with a good ten miles behind
them.
Soon after 10 o'clock the speakers and invited
guests under the escort OF Henry G. Bowen,
reached the park Preceded by band OF music,
the procession passed through several beautiful
avenues to the speakers stand This famous pa
triotic platform is in a sheltered nook beneath Mt.
Eliot, and has seating capacity of several thou-
sand. Never did the lake, with its further bank
skirted with fOrest-coyered hills and the park it,
SELF with il, chestnuts and oaks and its green
lawns and bright flowers, look so lovely. Flags
were everywhere, and bunting hung from
all the park buildings and in many of the trees.
From the speakers stand visitors could look on q
picturesque sccne-fOuntains playing. boats filed
with gay holiday seekers traversing the surface OF
the lake, and boys sporting in the water close to
the shore, while the everlasting cracker kept up
continual popping.
The speeches delivered on this spot have been
remarkable from the fact that 0Iany of the Lead
ing orators and statesmen of the country have
ioumeyed TO this little out-ofthe-way spot at tho
invitation of a venerable newspaper publisher who
sought in this way to provide entertainment for
the town. A list of the speakers in former years
would embrace the most celebrated men Of the
Nation. Last year Governor Mckinley, Chauncey
VI. Depcw and Senators Aldrch and IIawley were
the stars and the occasion was memorable one.
Every year a tree has been planted by some one
of those present; Major Mckinley oficiated last
year. To-day two elms planted by the as
scmbed guests; one to be called the Columbus
tree, and the other the Grant tree.
They were brought here from the gardens
of the German Emperor, having been presented
by him to John Elliot Bowen, TO be transpanted
in American soil.
Letters of regret were read by Clarence W.
Bowen. One from President Harrison said:
Acknowledging your invitation 10 Roseland Park
ex xperience had there In 1859 50 pleasant that
| shall hope at some time to renew IT,
Robert r. Lincoln, Minister to England, wrote!
thank you for the invitation to participate IN your
celebration Of the National holiday am unable to
accept it at this time but You hold 1t open for
i more convenient time In the future
John c. Whittier, the Quaker poet, wrote:
What splendid array Of great names has graced
thy celebration. There has been nothing like 1t In the
history OF the country
Whiteaw Reid wrote:
I can only repeat what | said at first, when you
honored me with the invitation to speak at your
Fourth Of July celebration this year. The imperative
work which my long absence has caused TO accu-
mulate leaves me quite unable to undertake any ems
zagement Of this sort this summer. Instead OF d.
minishing this work really seems more oppressive
than when met and 1t promises to take some
mcnths to dig l beg to repeat the expression OF
my high appreciation for the charming opportunity
you have offered me. and my sincere regret at my In
ability to improve it. Wishing you n continuance OF
your long brilliant in these patriotic gath
erings | sincerely your friend.
Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot, in his
letter said
wish YOU success and qualification at yotr Fourth
Of July celebration May the birthday OF the "A Amer, &
the day witness the prosperity and glory OF the Land
to which our dying country has been bound BY 50
water call the New world, as the of land Of
hope and land OF freedom.
Other letters of regret received were from
Julia Ward Howe, the Rev. Joseph II. Twichel,
the Rev. DR.. II. $. Macarthur, William liz
NlcElrOy, Henry Clcws, the Rev DIR. {. III. Park
hurst, Representative Henry Cabot Lodge and
John " Farwe of Chicago.
a brief address of welcome was made by Con-
gresham Charles A. Russell, of Connecticut. Ho
said:
somewhat more than 200 years ago there was
notable occurrence in Woodstoeks history. on q
rock on Plain Ill., far from this spot. Gathered
around him was peaceful congregation OF swarthy
abOr2inos and sturdy hrst settlers This missionary
RI NtW-E England
from that passage In Matthew which adds promise TO
was followed by presentation OF civil govern.
the authority, the saiety and the success OF an or
ganizcd aud law abiding municipality Thus early were
Established here religious and civil ordinances, and
the establishment nouIished and extended The spirit
Of the times has been formulated and given active force
In the Woodstock meetings. The trainings, the con-
vcnlons. Tie iubecs and ceeGrations and the mass.
meetings associated in the earlier days with old Wood.
stock Common. the later times with Roseland
Park. have made for this town reputation and em-
steady nerve Of American nationality is founded in
the country districts OF rugged New England
United States Senator Orville IT, Platt, presi.
dent Of the day, referred TO the fact that what is
said and done in a place gives character TO the
place, and that in turn, in after years. the place
gives character 10 what is said and done. This
town was originally named New-ROX Xbury," he
said. 1t was changed to Woodstock about two
centuries ago by Captain Sewell, afterward Cmet
Just CO of Massaclusetts, who came from Massachu-
sets lie gave three reasons for it: its nearness
70 Oxford rs Woodstock in England was near to
oxford; second. in honor OF Queen Elizabeth; and
;hird because of the notable meetings
which had been held at Woodstock In
England Undoubtedly he bad reference 10 tho
notable meeting Of Eliot with the Indians when
he named New-RoN bury, Woodstock. This charac-
Ter Of the place seems to have continued. What
the great. men who have been here have said
will last in history and this place is so connected
with what they have said that it will reflect their
sentiments and emphasize them ages after they
are gone Here have spoken Grant, Hamlin.
Wilsnn Window Matthews. buckingham; Logan