The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1903-06-11

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mortal day; each year marks its in
creasing Importance, each recurrence
unfolds new ground for gratitude, and
each year adds fresh luster to the vic
tory. The custom of decorating graves
with flowers is not new. 1t is as old as
love and flowers. No one could origi-
nate the idea. 1t is the overflow of a
broken heart and unceasing gratitude.
To the Grand Army of the Republic,
is due the credit for the Memorial Day
we know. May 5, 1868, Gen. John A.
Logan, Commander-ln-C Chief of the
Grand Army of the Republic, issued
an order commanding that the graves
of union soldiers be decorated on May
3Oth. This was the first concerted effort
to fix day and custom. 1t came from
your commander; it was addressed to
you. Gen. Logan, among other things
in the ORDER said, eff other eyes grow
dull and other hearts cold in the solemn
| trust, ours shall keep it well as long as
the light and warmth of life remain in
u.s. The country very quickly and
heartily responded to this command.
Our own State was not behind. The
nearest exercises to Freedom were at
kendalps Mills, now Fairfield. Gen.
| Seldom COnnor, afterwards Governor,
now Z. S. Pension Agent, delivered the
address, and S. S. Brown, now of Water
Vile, then of Freedom, made remarks.
Similar orders were issued by the Com
mandar-in-C Chief in 1869, and the hope
was then expressed that henceforth Me
mortal Day would be observed. That
hope has been realized, and the Grand
Army of the Republic set i'll motion
beautiful custom that will never perish
as long as patriotism survives.
The founders of the Grand Army of
the Republic little knew the ultimate
force and value of the brotherhood of
the soldier and sailor: of the many ex-
| cellent achievements it has attained i'll
the times of peace: Memorial Day
alone would be enough to commend it
to all right thinking people. The cradle
of the Grand Army of the Republic was
a soldiers tent. During Sherman's ex-
petition to Meridian in February, 1864,
Mai. b. F. Stephenson and Chaplain
W. j. Rutledge became terminates and
close friends. They often spoke in cheer
full anticipation of the time when the
hardships of the field would be ex-
changed for the shelter OF home. Chap
lain Rutledge suggested the idea that
when the troops were finally mustered
out. it would be we'll to form an assocl-
alton to preserve the friendships and
memories of the past. They never lost
sight of this purpose, and met by ap-
pointment in March, 1866, at Spring
field. Ill.,, to consumate the plan. The
first Post was organized at Decatur, ILL.,,
April 6, 1866. Maj. Stephenson was
Commander and the ritual was printed
under his supervision. A State Conven-
ton was held at Springfield June u,
following, and the first National Con-
vention met at indianapolis, Ind, Nov
ember 20 1866. Mai. Stephenson was
chosen COMMANDMENTS Chief. While
Illinois may justly claim the birth place
of the Grand Army of the Republic, to
Maine falls the credit for that powerful
auxiliary, the "Woman's Relief Corps
AS early as 1869, the ssBosworth Relief
Corps" was formed at Portland, for the
purpose of aiding the "Bosworth Post"
Like the Grand Army of the Republic,
it soon outran the confines of the State,
until now there are Bolt Corps, with a
membership of 143,42S. While tins
measures in figures the strength OF
loyal women, who can measure the
value of their kindly sympathy, their
visits at the bedside of suffering Neter-
ans, their tender care OF the widows
and orphans, their loving work IN In
Vulnerable channels OF usefulness
which willing hands and hearts found
open? In the recited purpose OF the
Relief Corps, we find they have plighted
themselves to keep forever sacred
Memorial Day; to aid all members in
distress; to aid sick soldiers, sail
ors, and marines, and in conclusion,
that beautiful and broad purpose OF
doing all in their power to alleviate
suffering.
l have been deeply impressed, and not
little embarrassed, by the significance
of my presence here today in this very
novel role. Very little new can be said.
The best minds in America for more
than quarter of century have paid
beautiful tributes TO the survivors OF
the great American conflict. The artist
and the sculptor have contributed theil
!. parts to commemorate your deeds. Still
/ would do myself injustice and be I'M
fair to you as a Grand Army Post, it
suppressed the gratitude that came to
me when my old neighbors at home
asked me to assist III Jne exercises VI
this day; and say in all candor, there
is no place on earth where l would
: more cheerfully contribute my mite
than here at my own home which have
never outgrown, and which grows dear
er and dearer as the years come and 60
}. "Mid pleasures and palaces wherever
Be it ever SO humble there's no place like
home"
As | came North, however, and
, thousand memories, as varied as the
clouds are many, formed passed before
{ me, l could not fail to recognize the
anomaly of one born several years aftel
the war attempting to address you or
this occasion SO eminently your own
There is something in man that dis
+ tinguishes between right and wrong
between neglect of duty and perform
ance of duty. Doctrinaires may bubble
t over a name for it, but we call it con
science. That indefinable something
: never deserts us. 1t asserts itself il
: happiness it helps in grief. We never
, see it, but we always feel it. The con
J ciousness of having fully and fearlessl,
discharged your duty to the nation ant
: to yourselves is your reward. All any
. one can say is but sounding brass ane
IA:- t~o1 eod m