Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1913-06-06
DECORATION Day.

A heavy rain early in the morning
made it impossible to carry out the
program as arranged At.ten O'Clock
the band commenced to play and
there was a gathering in front Of the
Court house and the q. A. r. and W..
R. 9. formed sin line of march" and
with a brave escort wended their way
to Forest Hill cemetery. The roads
were bad but the sacred ground was
never more beautiful. Rain drops
sparkled like jewels on the grass
which was at its greenest, SO the
quantity of lovely flowers found a
resting place among favorable sur
roundings.
The decorating of graves is most
solemn impressive ceremony and as we
reverently place flowers on the rest
ing places Of our loved ones, we al
most feel their presence surrounding
US and wonder if they really know.
Martial music quickened the pulse
beats early In the afternoon and this
time a large crowd mbled and
filled the Opera House where at three
O'Clock special memorial program
was rendered. Rev. Hunt made
the opening prayer which was follow
ed by singing Nearer NV God to
Thee" all standing and joining.
Then Mr.. Wright introduced Rev.
Lewis who gave short address. He
spoke touchingly of the wives, moth
ers, daugh hters and sweethearts and
the sacrifices they had made for the
cause of liberty He embellishes his
speech by reciting several beautiful
poems, tributes to those dear, brave
women, and those who know Rev.
Lewis power of oratory can appre-
ciate how much all enjoyed his speech.
Post Commander Van Fleet called
the roll of those comrades who had
passed away during the last year,
Jerome Hawn, Arthur Linn, and
Oscar S. Clifford. The Adj't gave
their military history and they were
mustered out Three vacant chairs
were draped In mourning and white
flowers we're on them to signify the
new life, pure and beautiful.
Judge Asa Forest was called upon
to eulogize Comrade Jerome Hawn.
He gave a much interesting history
Of the price Of liberty and especially
spoke of the part Mr.. Hawn's ancest.
ors had In obtaining it,an uncle being
one Of the signers Of the Declaration
Of Independence. He reviewed Mr..
Hawn's life since he came to Canton,
his In fiuence for everything for
the betterment Of his chosen home.
That he was always ready to serve
the people and he was good citizen.
Judge Kennedy followed Judge
Forrest and his subject was Arthur
Linn. First he spoke of patriotism.
He was In Canada on the Queen Is
birthday, when every loyal BrittaD
was celebrating and flags flying from
everywhere. How the sight though
beautiful did not inspire him because
only the American flag can make the
heart blood of an American beat
faster. Then he spoke of the patro-
tism OF Arthur Linn, which led-him
into the army when mere lad, so he
served his country three years be-
fore he was eighteen years OF age.
Then from the fullness of his heart
he eulogized the man and neighbor
he had known and loved for years In
most beautiful and touching words.
Judge Brown was next called upon
and Oscar s. Clifford, his friend and
associate in social, business and
political life was the subject Of his
address. He spoke of him as a citizen
a soldier and statesman, man
loved and honored by everyone who
knew him man most approachable,
lof incorporating honor whose word