Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-06-02
At KINGS MILLS.
Non. RS. Partridge Of White6eld, Delivers
tho Memorial Day Address.

VI. a. X. at the kings NILS cemetery
before a large audience. He said:
Mr.. Commander, Ladies and Gentle
men:
Twelve fleeing everchanging months
have come and gone and placed appro-
PIRATE burdens and duties upon the
| shoulders of each one of us. since las'
we met on a similar occasion. In this
well-kept cemetery. This accumulat-
ing hammered granite, this upiilted
lettered marble. these carefully selected
and exquisite flowers. these miniature
American flags, these men ana women
here assembled, all In one harmonious
concert speak words Of tenderness
affection. respect, and reverence, no'
only for kindred, friends. and falleh
heroes, whose mortal remains peace
fully repose beneath these mounds ana
beautiful flowers. but for your soldiers,
and the entire Grand Army of the he
public, a part OF which, ! am proud to
say you are. Memorial day INDUCES
| in no idle or meaningless ceremonies.
The sun in all his splendor and majesty
shines not upon day of more impor-
lance to American citizens than Mem
orial day. Memorial day opens the
book of American history and reads an
account of those important events
which transpired in this country from
| 1861 to 1865. for our instruction. benefit
and guidance II repeats to us the
struggles, the cost in blood and treas
ure, which were absolutely necessary
to prevent this union from dismember-
ment. this government from distruc-
ton. and the flag of Washington from
l lt...x at.x.r- l..
| to distroy the dear old flag. and to per-
pituate American slavery the South
sent into the Rebellion 100000 brave.
| stalwart soldiers ON the other side
| Northern patriotism was aroused ana
Northern men sent into the Civil war
2 .6G6. 500 as brave patriotic soldiers
| as ever stood upon tented field. FOR
| four long years war. retnorsetess war
| wrought its mission Of human des-
truction, On the one side sabers
gleamed. muskets ratified. and cannon
Numbered. proclalming secession or
death ON the other side the union
army. the boys in blue marching
under the protecting folds Of the star
| spangled banner. challenged battle and
proclaimed to the South and to the
world that the union shall not be dis
solved. the flag shall not be lowered.
In the awful struggles Of the war.
hundreds Of thousands Of Northern
men who had lett pleasant tiresides,
fen in the defense OF the union. At
Fredericksburg f2.00o fell. At Chancei-
louisville. IL 900 AT that terrific battle
of battles--Gettysburg. $3.50 brave
patriotic boys in blue fell to their death.
Sun above the dim of battle. above the
carnage of war there arose the North
ern war cry The union must not be
dissolved" During those awful con-
diets, from the heavens there came an
inspiration from the immortal Wash
ington and jefferson. breathing the
encouraging words. The union. ii
must and shall be preserved" Along
the telegraphic lines bounding from
the lips of that patriotic President
Lincoln from the armies of Grant and
Sherman, and Hancock. from the swift
saddles of Sheridan. from the ponder
Gus naval ships of Admiral Farragut.
and from the towering church spires of
the North arose in response Ia the echo:
Yes. the union, 1t must and shall be
| preserved" In Gods good time Sc
cession reelcd and fell to rise not again
have elapsed since the close of the war,
and peace and prosperity have blessed
our nation and people: now that since
the war education and religion have
made more rapid strides than ever be-
fore: now that we are enjoying the
highest state of civilization. Is 1t not
time would respectfully ask.
that we shall have war no
IL ha, ,l,t
trat!on pacific, white winged arbitra-
ton shall henceforth succeed relentless
war and peacefully settle those great
questions and propositions which are
submitted to war with its uplifted
sword? Is it not time that we should
write in letters of flaming gold across
The folds of the star spangled banner
these words: "On earth peace. good
viii to man." Dear old flag. how be-
loved by every American heart. Thy
course is ever upward and onward.
Thy name is victory. May you, the
flag of Washington, the flag of Jackson.
the flag of Grant. the flag of that
patriot OF patriots, Abraham Lincoln.
the flag of the Grand Army of the Re
public. the flag of 10000. 900 of free and
intelligent people continue peaceably
to wave as the symbol of liberty.
equality and justice as long as human
institutions are established Soldiers:
Soon these glad reunions here
viii be forever past,
These broken ranks that close the rear
VIII cross the ford at last:
But on the worlds illustrious page
OF heroes tried and erue.
VIII live enshrined from age to age.
The glorious boys in blue
1t is the earnest wish and hope of the
humble man who stands before you
| that in the great fulfillment of time,
you and the departed heroes whose
graves. today, you so affectionately
and reverently decorate with flags and
flowers may hear the welcome words:
Safe in the shining portals,
To reign forever more:
Your warfare now is ended.
Rest on the blissful shore.'
MIR. Partridge delivered the Memorial
address at Somerville in the afternoon.
1t was an eloquent effort and it's de-
livery occupied 80 minutes.
10 BE RELEASED.