Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1899-06-01

vi our COuntly, anu HppiopiiooO VACi
cises have been held in their honor.
Our own town has been no exception.
Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p. m, in ans
wer to published call, the M. E.
Church was filed by people from all
walks and stations in life, met for the
common purpose of giving thanks to
God for our deliverance in the dark
days of the rebellion, and for religious
service in honor of our cOuntry's dead
defenders. Rev. Hinkhouse, Rev.
Shlpman, and other ministers occupied
seats on the platform. Rev. Smay,
minister Of the Evangelical church,
preached the sermon. 1t was strong,
vigorous and patriotic and was great
ly appreciated by the veterans and
public who heard it. We herewith
give Il few extracts:
The very first entire day of mans existence
was made the basis of IL memorial day. For
God "blessed that day and sanctiled it, because
that in it He had ceased from all His work,
which He had created to make" And tho six
JHOuSdlIu StdIS libNV pdtSt, VIC sun h'Np hoIy
Sabbath in memory of Gods seventh day from
1.-THE beginning" or the very first day of mans
first week of created existence.
When in the course of human civil
cation, families expanded into tribes, and tribes
combined into nations, 1t was but natural, that
the great events OF national development gave
rise to great national memorial days
1t was that same spirit which insplr-
ed those noble boys of the COS as, from city and
country, from hill and dale, from forest and
prairie. they rolled up the grand chorus answer
1--WE are coming Father Abraham, three hun
drcd thousand strong" The same spirit that
has driven Spanish oppression from the west
ern hemisphere The spirit that rang out that
first Fourth Of July day, and although the Old
bell was long ago disabled, ITS tones still ring
out, clearer, deeper louder as the years roll by,
"PrOClaim Liberty throughout all the EARTH and
to all the inhabitants thereof"
You may choose il you will the
grandeur and pOmp of old world militaryiSm
with its Reputation of the American comStitu-
ton and declaration; but us for me, give me the
grand volunteer army and navy OF the republic,
with its spirit of liberty, fraternity and equality
ready and willing, ut moments notice to
fight for the right, but just as willing and ready
to disband and return TO their homes, there to
enjoy in peace the results of their lifes labor.
No nation has greater reason to hon
or its soldiers slain on the field of battle. They
never fought for plumber, conquest or gold.
From the revolutionary war of 1916, down to
the IilspanO-American war of 1895 80, the Am
erican soldier has taken up arms solely in the
interests OF humanity, fighting either for the
establishment and maintenance OF free inStltu
tiOnS or for the liberation of oppressed people
and the eXtentiOn of the hi SSingS of the most
advanced and enlightened forms of civil gov
eminent.
The soldiers of the civil war laid down their
lives to blot out human slavery and to preserve
the union as the very life of liberty. The world
tremDled in the shock for the universal interests
were at stake. And the patriotic blood shed on
those southern fields, and the green mounds of
the dead are hal!Owed by the greatness OF the
achievements of those Titanic armies.
There are fresh mounds among the graves OF
our dead During the past year, some of the
old veterans have SuCcumbed to the inrOadS of
disease and weakness contracted IN those
memorable campaigns. And some of these
fresh mounds remind us that we have since last
Memorial Day passed through another war, and
break the oppressor's yoke, and to spread the
principles for which our government stands.
At the call oil the nation, and at the call of God
they went forth. For if God ever directed ii
nation, he directed the United States IN the war
with Spain. Not only the president and his ad-
vSOrs. but the whole nation, 1elt the hSher call
to duty.
Tuesday, Memorial Day proper, came
with storm aud sunshine intermingled
and thus considerable of the program
was disarranged. The parade and
march to the cemetery had to be aban-
doned Large crowds Of people were
in town from all parts of the country
to respectfully give attention to the ex
ercises. At 80 the veterans formed
and led by the Audubon brass band
they marched To the church. The
building was crowded To lis full capac
ity and many were tuned away for lack
of room Even the band could not en-
ter. j A Nash presided. The music
was by IL chorus of about twenty voices
and was most excellent, surprising
any thing III that line hudubon has
had for Il long Tina. The pieces were
patriotic and hcttling the occasion
and were rendered in II way To greatly
affect the audience.
The speaker was Col J J. Sirahnam,
clerk of the United safes coIrL for
the southern dis rict ct Iowa. The
Audubon q y. r. people expected
much from Gov. Steadmau. Ills fame
his reputation us II companionable man
had proceeded him, but he exceeded
expectations. He spoke with animation
and ami enthusiasm that WAS contagious.
The church building, little accustomed
to applause, echoed seveaal times with
the demonstrations of approval that
could not easily be repressed. The he
rOes of 1861 were given eloquent trib-
utes. The war in defense of the other
great wars Of the VOID and the volun.
teer soldier of the north WAS made the
hero of the age. The speaker called
attention to the fact that patriotism is
still alive in this country, that the old
metal rang ont true one year ago, and
graphically and eloquently sketched
the history of our recent war, and
scathingly denounced those who today
oppose their country in time OF war.
He said by the grace of God and VIM.
Mckinley we will hold our own in the
Philippines, advancing liberty and
christianity there. At the en- of the