Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1921-04-06

securing the armory, was the next
speaker. Mr.. Grout said that this
ceremony was fulfillment of one of
his dreams that he had had for the
advancement of the city. 1 am glad
for this building and l know that you
are, because it furnishes home for
our boys. Company L, V. N. G. is a
Newport institution and the record
read by Captain Buzzell is one that
should be rewarded by a monument
of this kind for their future use. 1t
is not only a home for Company l.,
but a municipal edifice for properly
housing city offices. I am glad of
this splendid auditorium where tbs
citizens of this city can gather from
time to time and discuss matters per-
tanning to the best interests of the
city. Newport was glad of the service
flag, proud of the blue stars thereon,
and we are also glad for the small
number of gold stars that were placed
upon it.
Mr.. Grout said in his remarks that
it was 26 years ago IN March that
he enlisted in Co. L, then having as
it's leader Captain j. F. Lambert.
The meeting place was in the Fields
opera house, located on the same site
as the present armory. At that time
/ enlisted under age, being only 16
years old. 1 was later promoted to
corporal then to sergeant. These pro-
motions I considered as great honors.
With this interest in Company L,
when the opportunity came one year
ago to muster in company, l was
glad to give of my services that in
the near future we might have one
of the State armories. 1t will be a
material benefit; it will be meeting
place for our people, young and old
at social events. 1t will stand for the
industrial to look upon this structure
as a spirit of patriotism and devotion
for those who went across, also those
who stayed at home and labored for
the cause.
The Rev. Norbert LaChance of ST.
Mary's church, the next speaker, said
that he felt rather young in the city
to appear before you, having only
recently located in the city.
However I am pleased to be in your
midst and to find the mutual good
feeling that exhists in Newport In
admiring this beautiful building it
seems one can not help noticing the
striking resemblance that EXISTS be-
tween it's exterior and the organiza-
ton which it holds. One forms an
idea by the outward appearance, the
same as when entering a real coy
home, although it may be very poor
home, the ideas are always formed
of the character of the family. Thus
a visitor to the city forms his ideas
about that city by the outward ap-
pearances and surroundings. This
structure is an onward march of the
march of the taste and dignity
of our city. And if it fulfills the
ideals laid down in military disci-
pine, giving the young men the re-
quired recreation high ideals OF life,
honesty and selft respect, it will
be money we'll spent. There is a cry
ing need to safeguard and protect
our young men. This can be great
ly aided through an organization of
this kind. 1t is not only important
to train the body physically but to
train the heart and mind. If through
proper training and associations our
boys will learn to love their new home
in the armory, it will keep them from
attending illegal amusements. In his
closing words he gave the officers of
the company his best wishes and
urged the people to work with them
hand in hand. Trusting it would be
meeting place for the betterment of
society.
Ex-Governor Josiah Grout received
a call by phone from Governor Hart
ness Monday night stating it would
be impossible for him to be present
at the opening exercises and asked
the ex-governor to represent him,
which he consented. The ex-governor
said he was proud of the building in
our midst; that it was useful; that it
would promote good citizenship and be
an honor to the city and state alike.
Company L, into whose custody this
building is assigned, you are the cause
of this building, for without the COM
pany there would need be no armory.
Company l. commands an armory
finished in every respect and because
of it, cost what it may, the citizens
will cheerfully pay their part. I be-
lieve in a home for Company L, it
will help make a man of a boy; it
elevates and dignifies humanity in
passing through military discipline.
At the age of 10, as I passed into
the ordeal, 1 began to feel the lack
of military discipline and felt the
power of dignity, and honored the
one receiving it. Some Of our pre-
sidents have came from the army and
the war which they passed through.
You may float the flag and cry peace,
with Is or 20 wars going on today,
to satisfy the nations, greed, but there
will be no peace until the better
nations of this world are better pre-
pared for war.
The second annual Military ball
on Tuesday evening marked the clos
ing dedicatory exercises of the new
armory. 1t was the most brilliant social
function ever witnessed by people of
Orleans County and surrounding towns
So eager were the people to witness
the affair and enjoy the music by
Lient. Ferdinando's ten-piece or -hestra
that when the doors were thrown
open at 700 o'clock, one hour before
the opening of the concert, large num-
bers were found waiting to gam ad-
mission. Fifteen minutes afterwards
the seating capicity of the balcony
was nearly taken and at o'clock
every inch of standing space was TAX
en- and crowds occupying the two cor
ridors trying to gain admission. Spec
tators from the balcony never gazcd
upon a more brilliant scene which the
dancers presented as they glided across
the great ballroom, entwined about
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