Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-08-17

{ ur priceless Inheritance.
Ethan Allen was an inspiring and
picturesque figure. He was, it is said
eccentric and ambitious" but he was
instinct with love of liberty. He was
foe of the oppressor and lover OF
home and kindred. He was a natural
leader of men. resourceful. bold in en-
terprisc. and courageous in execution
He was loyal to his people and unwa-
vering in his attachment to his cause
Nothing could tempt him. nothhis
could swerve him from his fidelity u
them. The dominant note OF ms ch'ir :
acter was illustrated in his bold anu
swift seizure of TioonderoSa, Nheii i.e
demanded the surrender of the Brltlsh
garrison "In the name of the Great Je-
lhoyaL and the Continental Congress-.
rbis ,uda, ions end fearless stroke for
liberty gave TO the name of Allen I'M
diving renown. Il appeals to the imag-
morton and gives its heroic author
permanent place among that Wonoer-
~, hand of brave men upon the from
lie, who laid the foundations of free
dom in the wilderness and opened the
wav Ia civilization and progress upon
the North American continent.
Thu. memory of the struggle of those
who came hither into the Wilderness
their privations, their sufferings AMI
their sacrifice, SHOULD inspire us with
high euGcIvor. BY contemplation of
what WAS done by Ethan Allen and his
immortal compatriots III the long ago,
we can better appreciate the incom-
nara Bile privile ges we cnjCy. and we can
be the better prepared TO enjoy them.
The men who fought here. those who
5ravely fought against nature and the
enemies Of Republican government.
We're libcrty-loving ana God-fearing.
They firmly believed In a government
rrcdCdicated upon the consent of tn"
governed. They devouIly believed in
the saving grace of the Christian
religion. ana they likewise believed THAI
the sure foundation of the state is in
educated citizenship.
The people Of Vermont whose au-
tonomy and territorial iltegrity. Ethan
did So much to secure and preserve.
have been ever conspicuous for their
devotion to high Ideals, to freedom and
good government. They seem to have
drawn from the unpoilutcG air of their
mountains good temper and sound
Judgment, right thinking and right act
ing. Thousands of the sons and dauSh-
tiers of Vermont have gone into tn :
West to develop that vast region. They
have carried with them as among their
most valued contributions, those habits
OF industry, frugality, self-relianc@.
love of home and love of country,
which they learned in the valleys and
upon the mountain sides Of this good
state. The currents OF her beneficeHt
influence reached far beyond her terri
torial limits. There is no state in al;
the great West which has not been
made stronger by the presence of the
children of Vermont.
This state has rendered the govern
mcnt conspicuous service in the field
whenever supreme occasion has re-
uuircd. The Green Mountain boys
superbly met their duty to their coun-
try in Ethan Aliens time. Since then
they have made good report of them
selves wherever the voice of their ma
ton has called them. whether in the
halls Of the Montezunt's or on south
ern fields, or in the far of islands off tho
sea. The sons Of Vermont have given
everyw here the best PrCOI of their de-
yotion to the cause of human freedom.
They have shown always those splendid
qualities which most distinguished the
American soldiery.
Vermont has not 0niY served well the
government in the fell but she has
served her we'll in hcr legislative halls
and in the cabinet chamber. Many o.
l. hn, n a
the wisest and foremost; they have
stood for those things which promote
in the fullest degree the Common well
fare and which most exalt the honor
and good name Of the republic.
1t is to tho everlasting credit AMI
honor of our people. surrounded with
comforts and pleasures, unsurpassed in
any country or in am age, with no
menace to their institutions, that they
should revert to the days when men
fought for liberty ana opportunity, and
pay grateful tribute to them.
At the conclusion Of the Vice Presi-
dents address an original poem was read
by Mrs. Julia C. r. Mari of Rutland,
and this was followed by a hymn sung
~ a male chorus. Congra tulations were
then extended by Sec Hitchcock. on be-
half Of President Roosevelt, by Gov.
l. Bell. on behalf of the state of Vermont,
hv Congressman ID. J. Foster, on behalf
of the city Of Burlington. by Congress
man Kittredge IIaskini on behalf OF tn"
National Society. Sons of the American
Revolution, and by Gov Mcf-anc on
behalf of the state of New Hampshire.
The exercises were brought to close
by the singing Of America"
Upon the return of the procession the
troops were reviewed at City Hall park
| W Maj Gen. James +. Wade. L. >. A.
ma the guests Of the occasion, after
,,u,ch they were dismissed.