The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1896-06-03
CEREMONIES ON wHIG HILL.

The morning of May 30th dawned
amid the falling of gentle rain, but soon
the clouds broke asunder and permitted
the beautiful rays of the sun to cheer the
heart as we urged our loaded vehicles
towards the place of attraction and COM
memorative service, Whig Hill. On
reaching the beautiful grove in which
stands the NJ. e. church we found others
already there. Soon the grove became
moving mass of patriotic humanity,
many dressed in a manner indicating
their somber heart pangs of sad recollec-
tions. Others, and by far the majority,
were gaily robed in white, the emblem of
purity, and crowned with the beautiful
roses of early spring, while up from the
very heart of the old soldier went the ST.
lent yet visible alteration and thanks to
Almighty God, for the real earnest patri-
otto devotion to our flag and free institu-
tions as manifested in those who ere long
will be called upon to take our places in
the important events that go to make up
American history.
After forming for the march to the
cemetery we took position on the road
side for the purpose of counting them as
they passed by. First came the post
band in new uniform, then the various
Sunday Schools with their officers and
teachers as tile-closers; next came Eli
Berlin Post, then the X. o. Il. NJ. of
Hickory in uniform, followed by a long
line of ladies and citizens, keeping step
to the strains of martial music. Two
hundred and seventy-one passed in line
of march, while perhaps one-half were
not in line and were not enumerated by
us. We have beheld many thousands
maueuvering upon one great field, their
bayonets brightly cleaning in the sun
light, yet to us that sight was not so
grand as the one now passing before us
on the mission Of love. The program at
the Cemetery was carried out as usual
upon the part of the q. A. r., and in ad-
dition the service "Columbia" was beau
tifully and perfectly executed in honor
of our unknown dead by twelve little
boys and twelve little girls. Why those
tears, my comrades All yes, the terrible
roar of cannon, the bursting of shell, the
crashing of musketry, all mingling to-
gether failed to touch the heart as did the
sweet young voices of those little heroes
as they paid honor TO our unknown dead.
Back to the grove we solemnly wend
our way where in a few moments
sumptuous table is spread by the ladies'.
Some OF the old boys tried to make
themselves useful by showing their abil-
ity in properly arranging matters, but
we believe the ladies will, if not too
modest, agree with us in saying they
were poor help, only in the way, at best.
The supplies for the inner man were im-
menso, with a plenty TO spare. Altor
dinner the assembly was sounded and
the people became seated. After an adj
dress by Commander Mervin, Comrade
Rev. j. a. Hume of Pleasantyille was
announced for the annual address Of the
occasion. Comrade Hume after paying
tribute OF praise to our band, not only of
to-day but referring also 10 one year ago
at Meadyillo, on the occasion of the re-
union of the Northwestern Association,
passed on TO subject Of American patri-
otism exhibited from Lexington 10 APP
pomattox. This address was eloquent
from beginning 10 end Rev. j. Il. Hill
lard was the next speaker. Mr.. Hillard
is too well and layorably known among
us ali. hence we need not pass our mind