The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1901-08-16

val wrangle will soon be ended, and
that Capt. Clark will be at the head
of the American navy in the next
ten years.
Capt. Clark was given "a warm
greeting. He regarded it as unfor-
tunate that he, not being a public
speaker, had been chosen to respond
to the greeting by Gov. Farnham,
but could say that all were thankful
for his cordial words of welcome.
know 1 ought to do more than refer
to the way in which he and Gen.
Rogers, Col. Andross, Col. Stearns,
Capt Chamberlin and many another
of Bradford's sons distinguished
themselves, nobly serving in the war
to save the Union. But l cannot do
so in a fitting manner and therefore
will turn to a subject upon which 1
have thought much. 1t is source
of congratulation to us all that our
country has conferred upon a Ver-
monter the highest rank attainab1e
in the navy, a rank created for Ad-
mira1 Farragut and only given to
one other, Admiral Porter, Capt,
Clark then referred to Vermont's
grand work in the Civil war and
said our little state had not been
appropriately honored through any
of her soldier sons. But the oppor-
tunity yet remains, for a great SOL
dier born in Vermont still lives. He
then told of Gen. William Smith, or
as the fighting world knew him,
"Baldy Smith, - now II years old,
who so ably commanded the 9th and
18th army corps. He only has the
rank of the lowest field officer but is
deserving of much higher rank.
After Capt. Clark finished, Gov.
Farnham arose and said: I wish to
say word out of your regular pro-
gram after hearing the appreciative
words of Capt. Clark in regard to
Gen. VIM. F. Smith. second every
word that he has said most heartily
and l wish to say to the people of
Bradford that in "Ba1dy'' Smith
Vermont furnished to the army of
the Rebellion one of the pioneer gen
erals of that great struggle. Yer
mont is justly proud of him and
should insist that he be recognized
by the government in proportion to
his abilities and what he then ac-
conp1ished.
The morning session closed with
"America,' rendered by the audi
ence. The audience greatly enjoyed
the exercises. The hall was crowded
and very warm, but every person
remained in their seats till quar-
ter of one, when the session ended.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
The afternoon session opened with
Hail Columbia by the chorus.
Greeting in behalf of Bradford
Academy" was by Harry B. Martin,
president of the board of trustees.
He explained the systems and meth
DDS employed in the schools now.
In the old days there were II schaal
districts in town. Today it is cha
ed and we have the central to
school system. Instead of scho
attending school as he pleases
law compels him to attend % wed
in year. He spoke of the splend
condition of the Bradford schools
the village and outside, inviti
everyone to call at the bnildin
and inspect them.
Walter H. Johnson of Buffalo,
Y, not being present, Gen. Geo.
Rogers of Waukegan, ILL.,, was
to respond to this greetin
Mr.. Rogers said he was meetin
more of the Old Academy schoo
mates than he expected. Some wa
he seemed to remember more abou
his bad school deeds than he did hi
good ones. The meanest trick o
his life and one that the memory o.
had followed him everywhere was
when he stole a watermelon from IN
Rev. Mr.. McKeen. The boy whd
helped him do this afterwards went
to the penitentiary. He hadn't beer
there himself but if he hadn'
his wife with him he NIGH
have been arrested for bigamy with
so many beautiful Bradford women
around. He then said a good word
for the women. In his town of Wau
1egan there were IS saloons and tho
,ough men who managed them, conf
rolled the politics of the place. 1t
vas a shame, he thought, that WON
IN, educated and refined, are denied
he ballot. If this country ever goes
Town it will be because our intel1i-
rent women have not the right of
he ballot.
Our public library, said the presi-
lent, is one of our most valuable in
,titutions and in behalf of it Hon.
John B. Pickett will greet you.
Time brings about changes, said
Mr.. Pickett, and we trust that you
Who have not been here for many
ears see many changes for good.
70 change that has taken place is
more important than that which has
us our splendid library build
ng. As late as 1874 there was no
,ublic library in town. A few ladies
hen undertook to start one. Mrs. II
charles Jones, always active in this
york, was the librarian and the
looks were kept at her home. From