Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-02-16

TRIBUTES PAID TO THE MEMORY OF
THE GREAT PRESIDENT.

Interest in the Lincoln centenary va,
manifested by the audience which filled
New Hall Friday evening to participate
in the exercises in observance of the
hundredth anniversary of the birth oil
Abraham Lincoln. The affair was I'M
der the joint auspices of William <
Kimball Post, G.. A. R., William K
Kimball Circle, Ladies of the G. A. R..
and Joshua L. Chamberlain Camp. s Of
V. The stage was becomingly adorned
with flags and bunting, and two p0r
traits of Lincoln stood on essels at the
right and left of the speakers table.
Walter L. Gray, Esq, presided at the
exercises. and called the assembly to or.
der at 7:45. A fervent and patriotic
prayer was offered by Rev. j. q. Little
The audience then joined IN singing
America, led by the choir, which was
composed of Mrs. 81. E. Wilson, Miss
Tolman, Mr.. Sessions and Mr.. Briggs.
Lincoln's Gettysburg address was read
by Chairman Gray.
Miss s. NJ. Wheeler sang, "Do They
Miss Me at Home?'
A very pleasing story of Lincoln and
the Confederate officer, in connection
with the Gettysburg address, was re.
viewed by Miss Rounds.
Rev. A. T. McWhorter spoke, especial.
ly for the benefit of the younger portion
Of the audience, of the causes Of the
war, the work of the private soldier, and
the present magnitude and glory Of the
Union which Lincoln saved to US, giving
some interesting figures by way of illus.
tration.
A reading by Clyde Hebbard, "Lin.
coins Boyhood," was the next number
on the program.
Vernon A. Curtis gave the Tribute to
the Flag"
"The Battle Hymn of the Republic
was sung by the choir.
Rev. T. N. Kewley called to mind the
fact that Lincoln was what he became,
not because of his environment, but in
spite of this real worth was an in
herent quality. Lincoln had keen ap-
probation of moral values, adhering
steadfastly to principle, and a deep trust
in God. He had colossal task, and
the influence of his work and his char
acter is far-reaching, to the present day
and for future time.
A number of selected tributes to Lin
coin, from eminent men, were read by
Miss Eva Walker.
Mrs. S. c. Ordway read "Oh, Captain
My Captain!"
Hon. James S. Wright reviewed quite
fully the character and career of Lincoln.
and asked this pertinent question
Zone hundred years from to-day, will
there be gatherings all over the land to
observe the centennial anniversary of a
Rockefeller or a Hartmann" Lincoln,
he said, was always true to principle,
and his pure character and his kindness
of heart made him the idol of the Ameri-
can people. He closed with tribute to
Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks.
Mrs. E. NJ. Curtis gave number OF
humorous stories of Lincoln, illustrating
his well known keenness and readiness
of wit, and his uever-failing good humor.
Rev. j. W. Chesbro said that there
was only one thing he would prefer to
taking part in these exercises, and that
was to 60 back to the days of 81 and do
his part in the conflict of that time. He
paid tribute to Lincoln as such figure
aS niSIOEy uds uot ciooWucio PfouuSou.
"Tenting Tonight" was sung by the
choir.
The last speaker of the program was
Rev j. Fl. Little, whose remarks were
earnest but brief, as the hour was get
ting late. He spoke as comrade of the
Grand Army to his comrades, and set
forth briefly three great elements in
Liucoln's life and character which made
him great: His sublime faith in God !;
his tender heartedness; and his loyalty
loyalty to country, to flag, to truth, to
things true and divine, to God.
Singing by the audience of "God be
with You till We Meet Again" closed an
interesting program, and one which can
not fail to be of profit to all, especially
to the younger generation.