Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1895-02-01

CdNt II hONi Wullt NOu nave dillOI8 YOU
living witnesses to show what men have
been willing to do for their country. The
veterans will still maintain the principles
for which they fought and will teach all
men to honor the great nation which they
saved and the flag which represents it.
f. II. Miller was here introduced and
sang, with the accompaniment of the band
Two Grenadiers'
EN-GOv. Fuller and other Speakers.
Col. Hooker next presented ex-Gov. Full
Ter as perhaps the best friend of Grand
Army men to be found in the state outside
their own ranks.
Gov Fuller claimed that the kindly feel
ing which he bore for the boys in blue was
shared by all the state. in which there had
been no want of patriotism from the days
of Allen and Warner down to the present.
The changes which have come throughout
the state and the department have not
changed the love and esteem of the people.
In the state the boys who wore the blue
have been leaders in all affairs, and have
met bravely and solved wisely the ques-
tions arising in times of peace, often as
perpleXing and important as the questions
of war. Good men and true have com
posed our citizenship, and Old Glory
waves and will wave with out "a laurel
dimmed or a star lost.
1artermaster Gel era Burst of Illinois,
who accompanied Gen Lawler, was then
introduced with one of Col. Hooker's char
acteristc hard rubs, but gave an effective
volley in return. He spoke briefly. eX-
pressing his delight at being present, re
ferring to the noble man, Gov. Yates who
occupied the Illinois gubernatorial chair
| during the war, with graceful compli-
ment to NermOnts war governor. To the
people, not to the comparatively few men
who made up the army, was due the credit
of the country salvation. He closed with
an appeal for the tender consideration and
aid of the people for the men whose ser
vice was so freely given
Comrade T. Benton Kelley of Rutland
was hen introduced to sing "The Old cof-
fee kettle the audience joining in the
chorus, after which Col. j. II. Goulding
spoke for the Woman Relief corps. refer
ring after a few pleasantries to the hest a
ton and misgivng with which this organ
ization OF loyal women was at first recog-
nized. and paying an earnest tribute OF ap-
probation and gratitude for the source of
strength which it had proved 10 be, not
only IN supplementing but in building up
and carrying on the work of the Grand
Army.
Rev. c. O. Days remarks had a definite
moral point, such as the Brattleboro mem.
bers of the audience have learned to expect
from him. He spoke pleasantly of the
/ personal interest which he had come TO
/ have in the military. since his appointment,
two weeks ago. n chaplain of the First
/ Vermont regiment, and then went on to
say that the events of the past wear, and
; those even now passing before the public.
had proved beyond a question that the
military was the ultimate reliance of the
country. This was the most realistic camp
fire he had ever attended or imagined.
From such a gathering there goes ont into
the community an impetus for good morals.
for patriotism, for good government. The
true spirit of the campfire and of the soldier
is that which can enjoy the cheerfuness,
the fun, OF a social gathering. but which
has its weapons of warfare at hand for in
slant use. Mr.. Day hoped to live to see
/ the day when military drill of the BOYS of
the state will be universal, both for their
| physical good and to teach them the value
/ clean bodies. clean mouth, pure spirit,
and willing hands.
/ Rev. F. j. Parry distinguished his part
/ in the program oy the pointed way in
/ which he ''got back" at Col. Hooker for
his Introduction, saying that Hooker
method reminded him of the story of the
deaf old man who heard only imperfectly
the proposition of a debtor TO his creditors
that they divide his body, that being his
only available asset When the PROPOSE
| tion was explained to him the old man said :
"Well, | am the largest creditor. and | will
take his gall In the serious part of his
remarks Mr.. Parry dwelt mainly on the
lessons taught by the Grand Army, and the
flag, and the spirit in our national life
which they represent.
Past Commander Hugh Henry. after
also paying Col. Hooker back in his own
/ coin, devoted the body of his remarks to a
fervent eulogy of the Woman's Relief
corps, and the influence eXerted hv its
members as a body, not only upon the
Grand Army, but upon the cOuntry-an
influence as yet but imperfectly realized.
Comrade Kelley led the audience in sing
/ ing 1--WE are the boys after which Col.
Hooker brought forward Comrade Cannon.
the new department commander, who made
a favorable impression by the modest but
happy way in which he parted the col
onel's nonsense about allowing him to
come on to the platform "only upon con
dition that he should not open his mouth"
The gavel then fell, the campfire was de-
clared adjourned, and the band played.
while the great audience, as the clock
struck II, slowly made its way outdoor
This was the largest indoor audience
ever gathered in Brattleboro and the Grand
Army men pronounced it the largest ever
seen at any Vermont encampment. The
quietness and attention with which the
three hours and more of speaking was lis
tened To was remarkable, and was com
mented upon by all as the gathering broke
up.