Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-05-30
VOICES OF THE PRESS.
Memorial Day Observance.
NChica 20 Tribune

"
Grand Army of the Republic and the
students of the university. The latter
had arranged for a Memorial Day boat
race between crews from Wisconsin
and Syracuse universities. The former
protested vigorously against such a
performance at Madison on a holiday
established for special purpose. They
won the fight and the day of the boat
race was changed.
The governor Of Kansas again
brings the subject into prominence by
his Memorial day proclamation in
which he calls special attention to the
state law which makes it mis-
demeanor to hold any carnival, circus
parade, ball game, horse race, or any
other sporting entertainment on May
80. The Widespread publication of the
dispatch from Kansas is likely to lead
to much consideration of the character
of the day; observance throughout
the country.
Memorial day is entirely unlike any
other holiday celebrated in the United
States. In most cases there is a dis
tinct note of jubilee and Qualification in
our holidays. Bunker Hill day in
Massachusetts stands for triumph
Independence day recalls victory
Thanksgiving day since the world be-
gan has been n day of rejoicing over
great bountics. Labor day was de-
signed to proclaim the dignity ana
glory of the toilcr. The celebrations
of birthdays of distinguished leaders
carry with them the idea Of gratula-
ton. Christmas and New Years are
associated everywhere with joyous
ness. There is not one of these where
there is incongruity between the real
idea Of the day and every form of sport
which appeals to large numbers to
| make the occasion more fun Of happi-
ness.
Memorial day was established for a
different purpose Its early name,
Decoration day, seemed too limited in
| its meaning. But the decoration Of
the graves of the soldiers of the re-
public is one of its special character
| istics. In every village and hamlet in
the north, in every town and city
where mound is heapcd over
soldiers resting place some one on
Thursday will scatter flowers Often
4 long procession of children attends
| the survivors of the grand army, and
are taken to teach these children what
such participation in a pleasing
ceremony really means.
The best speakers in the nation are
glad to lend their elOquence to the oc-
| casiOn. The story of the wars of the
republic is rctold and American
patriotism receives fresh impetus from
| this annual meeting Of cOmmcmora-
| ton. In 4 recent controversy in Eng
land over the propriety Of flying the
| flag over schOolhOuSeS Il critic said
| that it was an American custom that
| was needed in the United States be-
| cause of the constant influx of immi-
grants. who must be taught patriotism.
while the people of England needed no
| such stimulus. There is something Of
truth in that notion. There is, like
wise, danger lest we forget"
Surely it is worth while for the
people of the United States to give up
| the ordinary routine of life. the mad
rush for wealth, the distractions of
| society. and the attractions of sport
| for just one day in order that they
! may recall the devotion of the men of
! other years who preserved the nation
| for this generation to enjoy. 1t was
| the most terrible conflict Of history.
| For four long years 700 men a day,
weeks days and Sundays, were lost in
| tho fight for the union. For four long
| years on the average $2,500,OO0 was
spent every day to preserve the HERTZ
| age of the fathers. If every man,
| woman. ANA child in Chicago were
| marshalcd in mighty army it would
| not be so large as the host which
followed the flag from Sumter to APP
| pomattox. When the war was over
| and the reckoning was made 1000, 900
! men We're dead or had lost q limb or
| health that the union might live and
| that government of the people, by the
| people. and for the people should not
| perish. Sdch sacrifices deserve re
| collection. Memorial day should not
be diverted to sport. 1t has too
I col 10, =,