Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-07-15


doris Bryce and Jusserand and Governor
hughes, with their wives and others in
their party. General Lcmieux
of Canada, Miss Helen Taft. the mem
bers Of the Vermont and New York
State tercenteuary commissions cx-
Governors Stewart. Barstow. McCul-
Tough, Smith, stcllney and Proctor.
Gov. Mead and Coz gresham Foster
TIE EXERCISES.
President Taft took his place amid
applause with the far-famed smile which
is SO widely known and occupied the
few moments Immediately preceding the
opening of the exercises in scribing
notes on his program of the days
events. Governor Prouty. who occupied
scat in the centre of the platform
next TO President and Mrs. Taft. first
introduced Ri. Rev A. c. A. Hall
bishop of Vermont saying that it was
most appropriate and fitting that the
days celebration should he opened with
prayer. Bishop Hall made a short but
eloquent prayer, IN which he offered
thanksgiving for the blessings of the
past and asked for their continuance in
the future. Governor Trouty then spoke
COY. PROCTY.
y formal addrc IS would not be in
order in the light of the fact that an
opportunity would bc afforded to hear
so many distinguished guests But It is
necessary. in Welcoming the guests. to
pay "A wcll-deserved tribute to the Yer
mont tercentenary commission Tor It's
very efficient work in connection with
the celebration, The city committees,
also have done great credit to them
selves and to tho city. It is two years
since the idea of the celebration was
first suggested and in that time no effort
has been spared to bring together the
most distinguished body Of men that
Vermont has ever gathered within her
boundaries. Success has certainly
crowned the efforts that have been
made for We have here our own FIRST
citizen and the representatives. Of two
great nations, England and France. In
conclusion Governor Plouty formally
welcomed the presidential party and
then introduced Mayor James +. Burke,
WHO said
MAYOR BURKE'S WELCOME.
Mr., President Invited Guests, Ladies'
and Gentlcmen:
To mo has been assigned the very
pleasant duty of welcoming you to Bur
lington, and in behalf of the citizens
Of our city ! extenu to you all most
cordial greetings.
The last three hundred years rcDres-
ent n period OF discovery, conquest and
development. on July-the-f fourth six
teen hundrcd-and-ninc, tho great Cham
plain discovered what l believe to be the
most beautiful of all waters, whose rip
pies respond to the gentle breeze and
receive the kisses of the sunlight. The
discovery of this beautiful lake is con-
sidcred of so much importance that our
own Vermont and the great Empire
state of New York have considered II
their duty to celebrate In fitting man
ner that event on its three hundredth
anniversary.
Three hundred years ago tho only
craft that moved over this beautiful
water was the light canoe Of the In
dian. To-day, floating palaces. propelled
by steam. have displaced the primitive
boat OF birch bark, Along these heauti-
full shores where stood the Indian wig
wan, stately cities and thriving villages
occupy the ground This very snot.
where this celebration now attracts Won
once was tho camping ground of the
Indian. on these very waters the most
important naval battle of the new world
that took place previous to the civil
War. was waged Along the shores of
this beautiful lake n high state Of civil
lizaton, tempered by uplifting Chris
tianity, has supplanted the tribal life
of tho savage and his superstitious Gus
tol :.
Speaking In broader sense. when
we consider the great progress made
by this great country Of ours. which
stands to-day. as | believe, without a
peer among the nations of the world
In all the things which make "A nation
great. II Is most proper that we as
remble as we do now, In honor Of the
grand results which time has brought
ms well as in recognition of tho far
away discovery. Taking part in this
celebration to-day, are soldiers of the
great English speaking nations of the
world whose predecessors on battle
fields of the past met In deadly con-
nict, but who to-day march side by
side, warm and fast friends. This
Continued on page III