The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1899-05-25
The Soldiers Grave.

ARdlu lle udY dppIOdcHee upon WHICH
1t is the custom of veterans to visit the
graves of dead comrades and place there.
on the fresh, bright flowers of spring
to commemorate their heroism and
honor their patriotism.
The year that has passed since last
this Memorial day was observed has
been one OF unusual Importance. One
year ago the country was just in the
first days of war, the extent of which
no man could tell All was uncertainty,
excitement, apprehension and prepare
ton for war. Our young men were en-
listing for army and navy. Companies,
regiments and armies were being hur-
riedly raised, equipped, drilled and
rushed to rendezvous for service in
Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines,
AID for defensive operations on our ex
tensive coast line. Ships of war we're
being purchased and built or extern
ported from the merchant marine, our
| coast defenses were being strengthened,
our harbors mined, and all WAS being
done that a great and vigorous nation
could do to prepare for aggressive war
fare or the shock OF attacking armies
and nsvies.
In brief time 100000 men volun-
teered, were mustered into the service
armed, equipped, an immense fleet WAS
gathered and our country put on for
| midable war footing. The war with
Spain was brief but none too brief.
There was commendable display of pa
triotism and bravery, such as may
always be counted upon with entire con.
tidence in the people of our glorious
country. In this they have never failed,
and we believe they will never be found
wanting in any emergency that shall
arise in the future, near or remote.
The war with Spain was waged in the
interest of humanity and freedom. The
end was worthy one. The fighting
with Spain is over. but resultant con-
f1ict with portion of the Philippine
archipelago is on. This armed conflict
is, we hope and trust, near its end, and
the bright dawn of a lasting peace is,
we confidently believe, to be the early
heritage of our country, to our great
good and for the benefit of those island
countries that have come into our con-
troll by the fortunes of war.
The moment Dewey had carried out
his order: "Seek aud destroy the Span
ish navy in Eastern waters" the logic
of events committed the custody and
control of the Philippines to the United
States of America. The only way this
could be averted was by Dewey turning
the bows of the ships of his inyincible
fie ct away from Manila harbor. This he
did not DO. Perhaps he could not have
done it even were he inclined or ordered
20 do so. Our government could not have
| retired but by display of cowardice
that would have made us a by word and
lreproach In the civilized world. The
achievement of Admiral Dewey WAS a
blow Spain never rallied from. Its
moral effect would have been far less
had our government relinquished the
position secured in Manila bay and given
up the advantage and the prestige of
that great victory. A ioothold in the
Philippines, equivalent to a command OF
the situation there, was an advantage
that no nation, situated as ours WAS at
that time, would for a moment think of
yielding 10 an enemy.
This later war developed patriots of
another generation, for which we may
rejoice, but, at the same time il called
for the sacrifice of lives, which we must
regret. The same principle, love of
country, inspired those who volunteered
fight the battles Of the country in this
war as in that of the past generation.
The circumstances were different, the
impulse the same. They alike discharg
ell their duty to their country and alike
are entitled to full honor. Comrades in
each case will decorate graves of COM
rades and can join in this service, appro-
priately and heartily. We honor the
veteran of the war of 1861 none the less
by paying honor to the soldier of 1898.
We honor our country and the volunteer
soldier OF our nation for his patriotism
more, by honoring the soldiers of both
generations, that of the past in which
members of the O. A r fOuUht and
that of the present in which many of
their sons fought. All honor to the
volunteer soldiery of this great country.
There never we're Drawer men, there
never were more loyal in any country
upon earth.
Union XeferanS, Union.