The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1896-08-20
The Veterans Building Dedicated.
6aia Day at Windermere Park, Unity. An Ad.
dress by Congressman Milliken and a eooa
time Generally.

dress by Congressman Milliken and a eood
time Generally.
Inc dedication of the Clough Veterans
Charitable Associations new hnild;no Of
Windermere Park, Unity, last Thursday
drew together one of the largest assemblaees
that ever met in Waldo county. The weather
looked little threatening at Belfast in the
morning, consequently the attendance from
thls sectlon was not so large as it would
otherwise have been, but back from the sea.
shore the day opened beautifully and eyerv-
body who could started for Unity. The
hrst train from Waterville and way stations
brought the Waterville Band and two car
loads OF passengers, and the next train from
down the road brought three carloads
from Belfast, Brooks, Knox and Thorndike.
and neighboring points. Every town in
Waldo county was represented, and there
were large delegations from Waterville,
Bangor, Pittsfield and other places in Ken
nebec, Somerset, Piscataquis and Penobscot
counties. The number of teams hitched in
the adjacent fields and along the highways
reminded one of the big day at Monroe fair
or the old-time Northport campmeeting. At
~ o'clock, the time for opening the exercises,
there were no less than four thousand peo-
pie on the grounds.
After selection by the band and PRAYER
by Rev. A. P. Hatch DIR. A. j. Billings of
Freedom, President of the Clough Veteran
Charitable Association, introduced Miss
Helen G. Thomas of Unity, who, in behalf of
G. pj1lau of hot
presented the association with a large and
handsome flag. Miss Thomas said:
present this flag to the Clough Veterans
Charitable Association. The ladies being
very anxious to do something to help this
association, she said, could think of no better
or more appropriate gift than this flag. 1t
waves from the Great Lakes to the Ever
glades OF Florida, and from the Golden Gate
OF California to the rocky hills of this old
Pine Tree State. Take it and with it the
sincere good wishes of every member of our
Corps and as we all shall look to-day on it's
bright folds may the sight inspire each and
every one to nobler patriotism, deeper
and more unswerving devotion to God and
our country-one country, one language,
one flag"
DR.. A. j. Billings of Freedom, President
of the Association, made the speech of ac-
ceptance. He said:
In the name of the Clough Veterans Char
liable Association, l accept this flag and into
its care place it, for where could you find
keepers more faithful? Many of its mem
bers fought for it. and they are sure to care
1t. And now, comrades, turn to you, de-
tenders of the flag you love so much, and
say it is no wonder that added years only
increase the public appreciation of that pre-
eminent service which you have rendered
your country.
1t is not surprising that the ties which
bind together the hearts of veterans here
form fraternity unequaled, and tell if you
can why friendship should not exist among
you for your friendships We're forged in the
furnace of war (Applause), and your frater-
nifty was made through the touch of elbows
in front of blazing cannon. (Applause).
No matter if the veteran soldier is poor in
purse and humble in position, and it may be
somewhat ignorant, for many of them pass
ed their school boy days in war duties, he
has proved the possession of moral and self
sacrificing courage (Applause). Men may in
the mad rush of American life be guilty of
injustice to the veterans who secured the
stability and prosperity of our beloved
country. STILL boys the fact remains, and
We know that the men who saved the land
are its best citizens, the bravest and grand
est aristocracy. (Applause).
The veterans then saluted the flag, and
the band played selection, after which the
services were ad journed to the Hail. which
was filled to its utmost capacity, while
hundreds were unable to get in.
The services inside opened with the over
ture, "Poet and Peasant from Suppe, by
the Waterville Band, followed by prayer by
Elder A. P. Hatch of Troy Prof. r. B.
Hall. leader of the band, then gave as
cornet solo, "Will You Then be True?''
DR.. Billings then introduced as the
speaker of the day, Hon. Seth L. Miliken
and his appearance was greeted with loud
and continuous applause, a mark of the
veterans appreciation of his services in
their behalf. He paid we'll deserved trib-
ute to President Billings and Mr.. Gorham
Clough for the part they have taken in es-
tablishing this home, the dedication of
which is of double significance. 1t is dedi-
Gated to the men who, 35 years ago, gave
their lives to their country. The ranks of
the veterans are growing thinner year by
year, but in the organization of the Sons of
Veterans we have a nucleus which shall
serve to keep alive the reverence for our
country's defenders. The Grand Army of
the Republic is a patriotic organization; it
fosters love of country. Yet there are
still those who talk otherwise. He severely
criticised President Eliot of Harvard Col
lege for his utterances in regard to the Or
ganization, and said that the names and
valiant deeds of the Union veterans would
be held in cherished remembrance long
after such reviers shall be forgotten. The
work of these men of the Grand Army
from 81 to '65, not only saved our own coun-
try but it had its influence abroad. France
Brazil, the islands of the Pacific, and other
countries, have taken courage and adopted
Republican form of government. Had
you failed it would have set civilization
back 100 years, but your success set it ahead
200 years. 1t will be a sorry day for this
country when she forgets the boys who
fought for her preservation from 1861 to
1865. He has no soul worth saving who
sees in Bunker Hill monument only the
cost of the stone and mortar, or who is not
moved to patriotic feelings by the deeds Of
our noble heroes.
At the close of Mr.. Milliken's address the
band played the medley overture "Around
the Metropolis" arranged by Boyer.
Capt. Charles Baker of Belfast then pre-