The Van Buren press., 1896-05-23

beneath the soughing branches of the
stately monarchs of the forest the bodies
of the honored friends and neighbors
who gave up their lives in defence of
our homes and fresides in the eventful
days of 1851 S. At this spot had been
erected a stand for the orators of the
day, which was carpeted and banked
with rare and choice cut flowers.
After solemn dirge had been SPLEEN
didly rendered by the band, Gen. D. w.
Moore introduced Rev. G. w. Flowers,
rector of Trinity parish of this city, who
invoked the divine blessing through an
appropriate prayer prescribed in the
eloquent, beautiful ritual of the Episco-
pal Church. After the invocation Hon.
Oscar L. Miles was introduced as the
first speaker. Col. Miles towering
ability and eloquence are so widely
known that it would seem superfluous
for THE PRESS to say one word in com
mendation of his matchless, masterful
effort. Suffice it to say, however, that
every word, every thought expressed by
the distinguished speaker met with a
cordial reception and responsive echo
from everyone who heard and his per-
grafton was greeted with most generous
evidences Of hearty appreciation.
AT the conclusion of Col. Miles
speech, in which he cordially welcomed
the visitors to the city on behalf of the
Daughters of the Confederacy, the band
rendered another choice selection in its
own inimitable style, and then Hon.
Joseph M. Hill, a learned and distin-
| pushed barrister of Fort Smith, was
introduced and his appearance on the
platform was the signal for the most
generous applause. Mr.. Hill is pleas
ing speaker, man with richly stored
we'll balanced MUD, and of no ordinary
reputation as an orator, although it
cannot be justly urged against him that
he is given to the spread eagle, -
Fourth of July style SO common and 50
catching in this day and time. In brief
it may be said that Joe Hill comes up to
the ideal, as a public speaker, in the
estimation of the American possessing
old fashioned every day common sense,
and he does not aspire to play second
fiddle in aping the mannerisms Of the
latter day, sky scraping platform
speakers. He has an individuality that
cannot be changed or obliterated by full
some praise or fawning and fattery of
those whose praise is but an expression
of the lips alone. Mr.. Hills speech
was a gem from every point of view
and his utterances sank deep into the
heart of each nearer, especially the old
soldier, and touched chord that awak-
ened memory of the eventful scenes of
the past. 1t was just such patriotic
utterance as only the Gneal descendant
of an illustrious line of soldiers and
statesmen could give expression to, and
the unanimous verdict was that the
speaker was one who knew his hearers
and was in hearty accord with their
feelings and sentiment.
The address of Mr.. Hill concluded
the exercises of the day and, after an
appropriate selection by the band, the
ladies and gentlemen proceeded to
decorate the graves, the resting place
of each honored hero receiving a choice
floral tribute. This ended Decoration
Day, 1896, an event that will long be
cherished jim fond remembrance by
each participant, and each went to his
or her home feeling that the time had
been we'll spent.