The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-11-16
EXERCISES AT MONUMENT

At the close of the parade, all the
occupants of the carriages took their
places upon the platform, which was
handsomely decorated with banners
and two large American shields, one on
either side Of the entrance to it. The
young boys and girls from the Orphans
school also We're seated on the plat
form, and number of seats were al
loted the members of the Womens Re
lief society. the Ladies of the Grand
Army of the Republic circle. the Ladies'
Aid society and the Ladies of the
Union Veterans union. The committee
of Grand Army Of the Republic men in
charge Of the day also had seats on the
platform.
Rev. P. j. McManus. Rev. DIR. S. C.
Logan and Rev. DR.. William Simpson,
OF the Asbury Methodist Episcopal
church, We're among the representativ
of the local clergy who We're present
during the exercises. These We're
opened by the invocation by DR.. Logan.
opened by the invocation by Dr. Logan.
Commander Stevens, who was acting
as chairman. then announced that all
present We're requested to join in the
singing of the star Spangled Banner"
While the glorious anthem was being
sung, the monument was unveiled.
MONUMENT PRESENTED.
County Solicitor Fl. l.. Taylor was
then introduced by Chairman Stevens.
and in the following terse speech he
entrusted the memorial shaft to the
custody of the Grand Army of the Re-
public on behalf of the hoard of county
commissioners:
Commander Stevens, OF the Grand Army OF the
Republc
In behalf OF the taxpayers of Lackawanna
county, the commissioners respectfully present
To the Grand Amy oI the Republic This benu'i
ml monument commemorative OF the brave deeds
of the soldiers and sailors who entered the battle
field in behalf oi human rights.
While the pre- sent commissioners officially had
hothing to do with its construction. its design
and the selection uf the location, nevertheless,
il gives them pleasure To Join the multitude in
dcdi"ating structure worthy OF the sclf.sacriilce
and heroism OF those who fought Tor freedom,
that equal rights might be secured for mankind |;
the commissioners, therefore, respectfully con-
sign Tor all time TO the care and saia.kceping
ol the Grand Army the soldiers and Sailors
monument now 10 he unveiled.
Commander \. b. Stevens, in behalf
of inc Grand Army OF the Republic
accepted the custody of the monument
He said in part:
County Commissioners OF Lackawanna County
and Taxpayers
In behalf oi the Veterans association thanh
You. We know that the majority of taxpayers
are willing To pay iOr this grand gilt, although
aware that there are some dissatisfied
parties. All men are not loyal now, any more
than they were in the days of the Civil war
This monument las been entrusted to us by
the people. but only be custodiaIs a
short while. Therefore we want TO cntrust II
to the loyal women, knowing that they will
forever protect IL and take care OF il.
And what does this monument represent? II
represents more than Gettysburg and Antielapl.
Il Il a remembrance OF all the battles of the
revolution and rebellion; it is remembrance
4 the greatest army that the world has ever
known. An army, just in achievement and per.
sonal character, composed OF the best oi men.
This monument with its sublime memories should
ever be beacon light TO civilization, progrcs.
and freedom. You honor in this monument the
m'n who dashed up the valley OF tho Shenan
toaN with Sheridan the men who stood al
Gettysburg.
And since the war our great patriotic organ
izitiOm. the Grand Army Of the Republic, ha:
been formed and has proven that peace as vel
as war has its victories. The veterans will sooI
Ia gone. But the dead soldiers will continue .te
speak to the living ones and teach an ennoblina
Lesson. show me brave and true soldier am
l will show you an honest man, q man who
would not take bribe or sell his honor.
This monument as a lesson Of patriotism vii
take it's place In the hearts Of you all and i
ds,tinea to be constant reminder to postsrit,