Connecticut western news., 1914-06-04
VETERANS HEARD TAFT
Former President Delivered Memorial
 Day Address at Norfolk.

So1 FdIiCSS dh
 Memorial Day in Canaan was un- usually quiet owing to the arrange ment by which the veterans were fed in East Canaan and there was no gen. eral observance in Canaan. The vet erans started on their rounds of the cemeteries at the usual hour in the morning and decorated the graves of their dead comrades in Ashley Falls, Clayton, Canaan Valley and East Ca naan. At the latter place they were generally entertained by the people, though the scarlet fever quarantine prevented the singing by the school children, as planned. --.
 In the afternoon the party of veterans embarked ill automobiles and went to Norfolk, by special invitation to par ticipate in the ceremonies there, at which the principal feature was the address by former President Taft. There were 1000 persons assembled in Monument Park, for the occasion. Mir. and Mrs. Taft, who were the guests of MT. and Mrs. Fl. H. Bridgman while in Norfolk, were escorted to the park by a column of veterans, Boy Scouts and the Norfolk Guard,' headed by the Winsted band. Three hundred school children sang Hail Columbia. Y The speaker was introduced ill fitting terms by MT. Bridgman, who said that this was the first time in its history that Norfolk had ever, had a former President in its midst. tS-
 MT. Taft spoke for about half hour. Among the things he said were: ,.t
 "To those men who went forward and faced death from bullets and dis \ ease this day is an appropriate day to decorate. Thus, we are to express our gratitude and have them know that in these material days, in these days especially five or ten years ago, when it seemed as if everybody was chasing the dollar, we still have in our hearts a deep gratitude and feeling of thank fulness to those men who survived, those men who died, all of their efforts having brought about the result which enabled this country to go on and mani fest greatness in all things.
 E ''It took us a long time to recover One of the great troubles was the loss of dead and wounded, not the only loss that the people had to suffer, however.
 Following in the train of the war is the corporation; is that neglect by the people to keep the republic pure.
 Ne mad that financial disaster in 1873. II that year we were burdened down l with greenback currency issued because It was thought necessary to overcome the financial burdens of the war. In 1878 we obtained hard currency and ] ph ysicaI expansion followed. Growing out of that came corporate control of poIitlcs until we began to fear the dan
 ger of plutocracy. But people have arisen aud corporations have been put Jack ill their places and we are now n wing on to greater and higher things. We are grateful for an increasing frater- lal spnl,. We have halted to great extent in the chase of the dollar. We have not given up business; we are solng forward; but we do believe that men and women do not need to devote themselves to these selfish thoughts. ''
 Referring to the condition of affairs in Mexico, Mir. Taft said:
 My prayer is that we may not be exposed to war that may lose many lives, sacrifice much treasure and prove great burden on the country, but , which may be national duty. This prayer is that war may be avoided, through motives of christianity and peace on earth, good wih to men," MT. and Mrs. Taft arrived in Norfolk in their automobile, from New Haven, about 12 o'clock. They ate luncheon at the Fox Hill residence with MT. and Mrs. Bridgman. Saturday night an in- formal dinner was given at which a number of friends were present Sun- day Mir. and Mrs. Taft attended the Church of Christ with their hosts and began their journey home in the after noon.
 , When the address was concluded, MT. Taft mingled with the veterans and said word of cheer. The Boy Scouts were introduced and shook the former executives hand. Singing by the child ren and music by the military band fol- lowed and when it was announced that MT. Taft was ready and anxious to shake hands with as many of the press ing throng as he could, there was a gen. eral though orderly advance to the side of the professor. His genial smile opened the heart of Norfolk.