Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1914-09-11
MACDONOUGH CELEBRATION.
Centennial in Commemoration of Naval Vic
tory Held in Vergennes

Commodore Macdonough, big display
of fireworks representing the lombard
ment of ships, and countless rockets
and chains. During the day it is es-
timated that between 1000 and 5000
people were present.
The naval parade left the dock at
Vergennes at / As p. m. About 25
boats of all classes made up this pro-
cession, among them several from the
Lake Champlain Yacht club. Escorted
by the United States gunboat Manning,
the procession moved slowly down the
river to the site of old Fort Cassn.
The boats were tastefully decorated.
At Fort Cassin the Rev. Father
Vezina introduced Gov. Allen M.
Fletcher, as the chairman of the day.
After music by the Proctor band, Gov
ernor Fletcher introduced the first
speaker of the day. Senator w. Hill
of Buffalo, N. Y, as a distinguished
speaker. a man deeply interested in
inland waterways, and especially in that
deep water canal to be of such great
Importance to the people of the Cham
plain valley"
Senator Hill gave a most interesting
and scholarly address dealing with the
his torical facts connected with the cam
paign in the Champlain valley, when the
British were endeavoring to obtain the
control of the region. He told of the
building of the American fleet at Yer
gennes. of the defense afforded by Fort
Cassin and of the Battle of Plattsburgh.
President Joseph A. DeBoer of the
National Life Insurance company gave
ar interesting address in which he en-
phasized the Importance of the victory
of Macdononough at Plattsburgh and
eulogized Macdonough as the greatest
sea hero of our country up to the time
of the Civil War, or, as Ex-Governor
Hughes once said, cup to the Spanish
American War"
The final address of the day was
given by the Hon. Josephus Daniels,
seer tary of the navy. The theme of
/ Mr.. Daniels address was "Hero-wor-
ship and its Importance in the Ameri-
can Home.
In closing the secretary said, Il am
indeed proud to come here today in
honor of the foremost naval fighter
America produced in his day or gen
Grafton.
The naval procession then returned to
Vergennes where luncheon was served
in honor of the Lake Champlain Yacht
club and invited guests.
The three days celebration of the
Macdonough centennial in commemo-
ration of the naval victory at Platts-
burgh in 1914 in which the Green Noun
tain State played such prominent part.
ended Tuesday night amidst the great
est of enthusiasm and with the citizens
of Vergennes crowning the anniversary
as one of the most successful events
ever held in that city.
At o'clock in the afternoon a street
parade was held in which the State
militia, the United States cavalry from
Fort Ethan Allen the Nergennes fire
companies, fraternal organizations, the
= BOYS from the industrial school, beauti
J ful floats, automobiles and seyera
j bands participated.
The presentation of the living Flag
, by so children, under the direction Of
! Miss Ada Crosby evoked many compl
ments.
: Gov Allan M. F ectcher presided a
the official exercises of the day which
| began at 2:30 p. m. Prayer was giver
= by Rev. William H. Williamson of st
, Paul's Episcopal church. Secretary
of the Navy Josephus Daniels delivered
! the address of the day. Addresses
e were given also by Rodney Macdonough
: grandson of Commander Macdonough
: Senator Willard Salisbury of Delaware
Y Rev. John P. Chadwick of the New
, York commission and other prominen
4 speakers Secretary Daniels was at hi
: best He spoke of the present war il
n Europe and devoted much time % tn
n type of men that Vermont has sent fort
y in the past. The singing by 100 me
! and women won much applause.
/, The banquet in the city hall in tn
!. evening was attended by many promin
a ent men. Congressman Frank L
Greene was toatmaster. Judge Fran
d L. Fish, representing the Vernon
i Macdonough commission, was the pre-
e siding officer. Responses were mad
}, by Secretary Daniels, Thomas F. Cor
way, vice chairman of the New Yor
# State commission. and Lieut.. Gov
h Frank f. Howe.
'e At 6 O'Clock this morning the pre-
e clamaton of heralds added to tn
a celebration.
I