The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1907-10-24
AT VALLEY FORGE.
Dedication of Memorial Tablet to Maine
Soldiers,

OedlCatlon OF memorial Iaplet 10 maine
Soldiers.
VALLEY FORCE, PA, Oct. II. In
the presence of large assemblage of
men prominent in Maine and Pennsyl-
yania, monument to the memories of
soldiers from the State of Maine who
were at Valley Forge in the winter of
1777-177S, was unveiled this afternoon
at the historic camp.
George E. Fellows, president of the
Maine Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution, presided at the
exercises.
Governor Cobb of Maine presented
the monument to the Valley Forge
Park commission and it was accepted
by W. H. Sayen, member of the COM
mission. Gov. Cobb spoke as follows:
Mr.. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The whole country owes debt of
gratitude to the men and women who,
justly proud of their ancestry, have
done so much to perpetuate the deeds
and memories of those who participat-
ed in the struggle for independence and
constitutional liberty in America.
A definite motive inspired the great
commonwealth upon whose soil we
stand today, and whose guests in a
sense we are, to set aside, to care for
and to consecrate forever to a reverent
patriotism, this hallowed and historic
ground. A definite motive prompted
Maine to heed the request of the So
ciety of the Sons of the American
Revolution of that State, and to cause
to be erected here monument to CON-
memorate the faithfulness and valor
of the men who, living in what is
now Maine, left their homes and bore
their share of the hardships of that
memorable winter at Valley Forge.
The motive in each case was the same
and is thankful appreciation of the
sacrifices made for country and liberty.
So long as it exists and finds its sincere
expression in acts and ways like these,
so long will the fires of patriotism IL
lumine the path to true national grand
eur and the permanency of our institu-
tions be assured.
1t has often been the fate of one
generation to struggle, to suffer, eveL
to die for the triumph of righteous
principle, but their memory is indeed
blessed if calmer future shall vindi-
cate their cause, and if to their own
successors shall come the full enjoy
ment of the conditions established by
that sacrifice.
With this lesson in our hearts we
are here to pay our tribute of respect
and veneration to all those who made
the glories of this spot immortal
In behalf Of the State, of Maine,
present to you sir. as president of the
Valley Forge Park commission, this
memorial. 1t is neither magnificent in
proportion nor ornate in design, but
with it none the less are brought the
sentiments of a State proud of her his
tory and traditions, grateful to the
and of a people to whose patriotism and
loyalty no appeal has yet been made in
vain.
Hon. Augustus F. Moulton of Port
land, a former president of the Maine
Society of the sons of the American
Revolution, was the orator.
Mr.. Mouton'S address was chiefly
historical. He reviewed Names his
tory as a colony and described The win
ter at Y alley Forge and the events pre-
ceding it. He told of the Maine troops
who spent the winter there the most
of them as members of Massachusetts
regiments. According to the best in
formation Maine had 100 soldiers at
Valley Forge
\ special poem for the occasion by
Mrs. Elizabeth Pullen of Portland was
read.
AT VALLEY FORGE.
Winter declared the truce; from out the
North
The wind came as herald sent to bear
The white flag of the snowfall, crying forth
His message resonant upon the air;
And war was halted in its grim affair.
Yet subtle foes drew near the lonely place,
Beleasuering the camp among the hills;
Hunger and cold and death, men had to face,
And waning hope that with its wasting ills
The measure OF all misery fultils.
Neglected and msprized, how were they
sure
OF glorious ending to the weary test.
Or OF reward for them who should endure
The night watch, nor relax their strength
in rest,
Patient and firm at Liberty's behest.
The mighty cheftain with paternal hand
Held discomfort in leash, nor was dismay-
ed:
Himself the exemplar Of his faithful band
Through gloomy hours when by cabals
betrayed
The assembly of the States their help de-
layed.
Dark is the hour that presages the day,
Long is the winter night before the sun
Turns in hi heaven, and with kindling ray
The promise of the springtime is begun,
And golden fires along the horizon run.
SO IN the east appeared friendly light;
Llbertys sunrise tiamed across the sea,
Reviving patriot hearts to meet the fight,
lndomitable, and win their land to be
The home forever Of a people free.
No home is so pleasant, regardless of the
comforts that money will buy, as when the
entire family is il perfect health. A bottle
of Orino Laxative Fruit Syrup costs 50cents.
1t Will cure every member of the family of
cOnstip atiMu. sick headache Or stomach