Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-06-06
UNWILLING OF MONUMENT.
Attended with Pomp and Ceremony
Arrangements Successfully Car
ried Out-Notab1e Observance
of Memorial Day.


of the soldiers monument given to
the city by Mr.. and Mrs. Robert E.
Lewis on last Tuesday, May 80, the
exercises being held in connection
with the observance of that much
revered national holiday-Memoria
day-when are remembered the deeds
of valor and heroic sacrifices of so
many of our brave countrymen in de-
fense of their native land and beloved
flag. In honor Of such and as a last
ing tribute to their memory our city
is now graced with a splendid monu-
ment, thanks to the public spirit and
liberality of the worthy couple above
mentioned. The monument stands
proudly in the center of the city park,
where all eyes may view and admire
its beauty of symmetry and exquisite
handiwork
The Memorial day services proper
being over in the morning, the after
noon was given up entirely to the un-
yelling and dedicatory ceremonies.
The perfect weather Of the early hours
continued throughout the day thus
aiding materially in the carrying out
of the extensive plans
AS a fitting recognition of the holi-
day, the city was becomingly attired
in the national colors, profuse dis
plays of bunting, flags, etc, flying
from the business houses and public
buildings. while many residences we're
also draped in like effect. Business
generally was suspended during the
afternoon and from the neighboring
| towns and surrounding country came
swarms of visitors to mingle with the
! townspeople in celebration of the
event. Added interest was lent by
| the presence of Hon. Edward Scofield.
governor of Wisconsin, and Hon.
David S. Rose, mayor Of Milwaukee,
| the former attended by the following
members of his staff: Colonel W. j.
Anderson, private secretary; Adjutaut
General G. r. Boardman. Assistant
Adjutant General ". II. Patton, Col
onels W. j. Boyle, A. H. Hollister.
W. c. Ginty, W. NJ. Farr, w. c.
Brumder and II. H. Coleman.
At 2 o'clock the procession was
formed at West Main and Church
| streets. 1t was composed according
to the published order and was nearly
! a mile in length. It was by all odds
| the finest parade of the sort ever seen
here, and under the able marshalship
OF Quartermaster General Albert SOlli-
day, assisted by the division command
ers and aides-de-camp, proceeded over
the given line of march in perfect form,
the city park being reached at about
8 O'clock.
Here the program as published last
week was carried out, the participants
occupying seats on the large platform
facing the monument. After the open
ing announcement by A. E. Needham,
president of the day, and the rendition
of 1.-The Stars and Stripes Forever by
the Sinnissippi band, Rev. George C.
Weiss offered prayer and Governor
ScOfeld then delivered his address.
The governor met with a hearty vel
come, especially by the soldier boys of
the Oconomowoc company, who, with
the cadets from the Northwestern uni
Versity, acted as a guard around the
monument. America" was then
sung by the grand chorus, directed by
William Sproesser, followed by the
unveiling of the monument by
Mrs. Lewis, her six little maids
pulling the cords which held the
canvas. As this was accomplished an
enthusiastic outburst of applause came
from the vast sea of humanity which
covered the entire area of the park
and the sun cast it's effulgent rays on
the imposing, speechless shaft that
yet spike so eloquently its purpose.
Rev. Mr.. Weiss followed with an ad-
dress wherein he presented the monu-
ment to the city on behalf of the
donors, and it was thereupon formally
accepted for the city by Mayor CRUDE
After the rendition of .The Star
Spangled Banner" by the chorus, the
oration OF the day was delivered by
Mayor Rose, his fine voice and splen-
did delivery being heard to advantage
all over the park. The mayor was
introduced as one who enjoyed the re-
putation of being the most eloquent
speaker in the state, and it was quite
the general opinion that it was no ex-
aggeration to say as much. When
Mayor Rose had concluded the Inde-
pendent band played columbia, the
Gem of Ocean," and Miss Blanche
Webb read in her happy style the
Memorial Ode," after which the
monument was formally dedicated ac-
cording to the impressive ritual of the
Grand Army of the Republic, the Off
GERS and members of O. D. Pease post,
No. 81, conducting the services.
With the playing of ''Dixie" by the
Northwestern university band the
exercises wereat an end and the gather
ing dispersed.
1t is hardly necessary to here ex-
press the intense gratitude and thank
fulness of our people to Mr.. and Mrs.
Lewis, the donors of the monument,
for their magnificent gift to the city
and their free-will offering to the love
of mankind. 1t was truly noble act
on their part and speaks volumes
for their public spirit and philan-