The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1894-10-31
A Memorable Occasion.

The anniversary exercises of the Vermont
Historical Society were held in representa-
tives' hall Thursday evening before large
and distinguished audience which included
Governor Woodbury., Lieutenant Governor
Mansur, Speaker Stickney, Senator Justin
8. Morrill, and many members Of the house
and senate. Hon. Hiram Carleton, president
OF the society, presided Prayer was Of
fered by Chaplain K. NJ. Haynes A life
size portrait of Senator Morrill, was unveiled,
and Judge Carleton read the following let.
ter from the artist. "To Judge Hiram
Carleton president. Nv Dear Sir | beg
leave to present to the Vermont Historical Al
Society the portrait of Senator Justin S.
Morrill,, which | hope will be accepted as a
mark OF the high appreciation of his great
services to orr whole country and of the
respect and affection in which he is held by
the people of the state of Vermont. Re-
spectfuIly yours, Thomas w. Wood"
Hon. Charles Dewey then offered the fol-
lowing resolution, which was unanimously
adopted: " Whereas, the Vermont Historical
Society has been often honored by Mr.
Thomas w. Wood with marks of his
practical interest in his labors, and
he now renews that obligation by pre-
senting to the society his painting of
Justin s, Morrill,, the present senior
senator from Vermont in the senate of the
United States, be it, therefore, resolved
that the society do hereby gratefully accept
the Wood painting of Senator Morrill, with
sincere recognition of its donors interest in
the history and men OF his native state 4;
that in this valuable addition to its histor-
ical memoirs, the society believes itself to
possess work that will perpetuate the
memory of two distinguished Vermonters
its painter and its legislator; that in APP
probation of this appropriate historical gift
the society by its president convey to Mr..
Wood its sincere thanks and the further ex-
preston OF its regards, and Of the hope that
he may long live to extend the influence Of
his art which has so often and so strongly
shown itself in works like this of loyal dis
interested citizenship"
Loud calls for Wood" were heard,
and in response Mr.. Wood rose and
said Mr.. President, this resolution is
rather overpowering to me, not to the
senator, and as I am not public
speaker, but painter, beg leave to call
upon the distinguished senator to answer
for me. Senator Morrill, was received
with loud applause as he rose and said
" 1t is rather an awkward position in which
/ am placed. / have heard of a man who
was nominated for president of the United
States, and one of his neighbors inquired
who he was. When he ascertained that he
was the candidate, Why, said he, that
will do very well for one county, but come
to spread it out over the whole country
seems to me it will be rather thin Now,
it is true that have prepared a brief state
ment to present 10 the president of this So
ciety and to a few members, but come to
spread it out over this whole assemblage
seems to me it will be rather thin" SEN
ator Morrill, then read the following care
fully prepared paper:
SENATOR MoRRILL's PAPER
Mr.. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Englishmen and other foreign visitors say
that America has no antiques. OF course
they never saw me and l shall assume that
our historical society is not now attempt
ing TO refute this charge as a calumny when
all we ever claim in behalf OF the new