Terre Haute Weekly Gazette, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 2 June 1881 — Page 1

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Morton Post No. 1 Conducts the Beautiful Floral Tribute

To the Two Hundred and Fifty Boys in Blue who Sleep in tfoodlawn Cemttery.

The Services at the First Baptist Church Last Night

The Ritual of the Pott the Long Soil Address by Rev Sweeney

The Procession To-day and Address by Col V- Hudson V'J *.I

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ritals, camps and battle fields have tho innumerable company of those who muster today upon the parade ground of Heaven. Comrades, salute the dead!" The men here all impressively saluted the dead.

Commander—Attention! Uncover I Be seated! The commander then said: Friends, as Commander of this Post, I welcome you in the namo of my comrades to this public service. Thus, Decoratiou Dav is the memorial ot stalwart bravery, of patriotic heroism, of national faith. It is the freedom day of a race emancipated from bondage and a nation redeemed from iniquity. It is dear to every soldier. It deepens in our hearts the memory of our brave and Our beloved—the Grand Army of the Immortals—and this memory makes precious to us the bad^e of the Grand Army of the Republic which wt wear upon our breasts.

May we join so reverently in these exercises that what we call a decoration day may be to our dead their day of coronation".

Oomnriiider Armstrong's remarks were distinctly and impressively given. After music by the choir the Commander said: "The Chaplain will invoke the Diviui' Blessing."

Dr. Elder, Chaplain of the Post, offer ed prayer. Commander—Post Attention! Adjutant, for what purpose is this meeting called

Adjutant—To pay our tribute of respect to our late Comrades. Commander—Have you a record of their services in the cause of our country and in the Grand Army of the Republic?

Adjutaut—Commander. I have. Commander—-You will read it. Adjutant Ross here read as follows:

GRAND AKMY OK THE REPUBLIC. HIKERS. DKPAKTMRNT OF IND., ADJUTANT GliNKRAI/8 OFFICE.

IndianAi'Oi.is Aran. 3rd 1881. General Order No. 8.1 It becomes a duty to announce with due reverence the loss .to tins Department of the following named Comrades by transfer to the Grand Army in Cutnp or Rest.:

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Frank White, Post 1, Terre'Haute, Lt. Cel. 17th Iud Vols, Intantryaud Brevet Brig., Gcn' J*

Jas. A. Modesitt, Post 1 Terre Haute, Co., C, K)th lml. Infantry. R. A. Kin sr. P»« I. Terre Haute Co., C, 11th Ind Infantry.

James K. Stevens, Post l,Terre Haute, Co.. D. llth Ind. Infantry. David Davidson, Poat 1, Ttrre Haute Co. C. llth Ind. Infantry. 12. 1. Sums Post 1, Terre Haute, Co. E,81st Ind. Infantry.

Chas. Caldwell, Post 1 Terre Haufo, Co. E, 31st Ind. Infimtn-.

Z. H. Brown, Post 1 Terre Haute, Oo. H. 71st Heavy Artillery. O Stewart, Post Haute Co. E, 7tk Iowa Cavalry.

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CIIO* HONDAY'M DAIL\

The First Baptist-church the most beautiful in the city—was selected as tinplace

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the formal service in honor of

the dead members of the Grand Army, "who died during the war or since and sleep in Woodlawn cemetory. Scats •were reserved in front for the members of Mortou Poet No. 1. The altar was beautifully dccorated with rare cxotic and fragrant cut flowers, the generous contribution of the ladies cf the church.

The Pont entered in two columns in charge of Commander W. II. Armstrong, who, with Adjutant Clifford Ross, conducted the memorial service. The men remained standipg with heads covercd when the following was said: Comman ier—Attention! Morton Post No. 1 Department of Indiana. Grand Army of the Republic* The Adjutant will read memorial service."

The Adjutant read orders from the National and Departmental headquarters, which have already received publication in these •alumna.

Comiuimdcr—Oledienco is a soldier's duty. It is not, however, merely obedience to the orders read that we assemble here. The uoble*t impulses of our hearts prompt us to do what the orders from li-sadquarters command. This day eummemorates a valor on Bea and on land, that is illustrious. This day is eloquent with a patriotism which did not speak only from the lips. This day is sacred uy the almost visible presence of these who out of prison pens and hos-

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.Tno. G. Turner, Post 1 Terre Haute, Co. A, 1st Ind. Infantry. K. G. Murphy, Post 2 Brazil Co. A 6th Iowa Vols.

Henry H. Filer, Pest 2 Brazil, Co K. 2nd Ind. Cavalry. Wm. Tiller Post 2 Brazil, Co. 2nd Ind. Cavalry

Wm. 8 McColloogh, Post 2 Brazil Co. D, 115th Ind. Infantry. Wm. H, Ryker, Post 7 Crawfordsville, Co. B, 120th Ind. Infantry.

Saml. N. Black, Pftst 7 Crawfordsville, Co. B. 120th Ind. Infantry. Louis Humpheir, Post 8 South Bend, Col. and Medical Director U. S. Vols.

Wm. White, Post 10 Annapolis, Co. A 35th Ind. Infantry. These veterans are dead. They sleep, in the land and under the Flag of Free dom. "under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearftil willow and the em bracing vinos. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careleeB alike of sunshine or storm each in the window less palace of Rest.

The following was also read— TERRE HAUTE, May 28 1881. Commander Pont O. A. Ilia ahswtr to your call in the papers for the relatives and friends to send in the names, date of death, rank &c. of the soldiers buried in Woodlawn cemetery, I send that of my brother Capt. Jno. P. Blinn A. A. G. 1st. Brigadier 2nd Corps 2nd Division Army of the Potomac. Died July 13th 1868 in the field hospital at Gettysburg, mortally* wounded near close of second day'a battle while rallying troops to retake cannou. It was his 14th battle, "one for each of the old states (as Judge Long wrote in his Threnody of him) and gave his life in this, the victory for our country."

He fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Winchester, and Cheat Mountain. lie answered tho first call for men and had honorable mention for his bravery, gallant conduct and efficient service, with the love and respect of all who khew hilll

Yours Respectfully. CIIAHLOTTN E. BLINN.

Commander. The record is an honorable one and as the memory of all faithful soldiers of the Republic, should be cherished and their record preserved, I direct that it be placed in the archives of the Post for future retcrence."

The chaplain read the ritual, responses lieing made by the members, and closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Mrs. A. L. Gould sang, besutlfully, a solo. Rev. Mr. Parry prayed and the choir sang "Onward, Christian Soldier."

KBV. Mil. SWBKNKT.

"Very full notes of Mr. Swecnoy's address wore taken but the press for space to-day, prevents their being published. Saturday's issue will contain it. v.

After the address, which was intently listened to, the whole congregation was invited' to join in the singing of "America" and the doxology.

Tfceoerrice ended with the concluding ritual of the Grand Army. TCVDAY.

The rain last night wan of no especial value to the wheat or strawberries, being little more than a sprinkle, but it did lay the dust and rendered street marching less uncomfortable*. -r S 1

THE rAUADE.

This afternoon Uhiet General E. Girdncr organized the procession with right resting on Oth and Ohio street The line of march was east on Ohio to Seventh street, thence north to Main street thence west to Fifth thence north to Locust thence west to Third and thence north to the cemetery,

The procession movod in this order (is per previous announcement:

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1st—Police, beaded by Chief Runnel 1, mounted. 2nd—The chief Marnhal mounted. 3d—The full L. (I. Ringgold Band. 4th—Escorting Column, composed of the following companies: Indiana Legion, Light Guard. ifoKeen'a Cadet* and Governor's Guard. 6th—Hager Veterans, or Morton post No. 1 Morton Post No. 1, Grand Army of the Republic proceeded by detachments of Old Moldiers representing all the regiments that went from this place, bearing the Old Battle Flags of their Regiments.

Oth—All Veteran Soldiers Joining the Procession. 7th—Disabled Soldiers and Votaransof the Moxican War, In Carriages. 8lh/—Carrioges containing Post, Department and Past Post Officers, Bpeakors and Chaplain. 9tn—His Honor, the Mayor and City Ofiloers and Cou ncll, in oai rlages. 10th—City Fire Departmentllth—Voluntary and Benevolent nssooia« tioh. YT' 12th—Decorated Wagons, .i» 18—Citiaens in carriages and ou foot.

Captain Drcusike in command of the Light Artillery was situated on the high ground on north Third street near the I a St. L. track and commenced firing a salute ot thirty-eight guns, as the procession started to move. At the clote of the exercises they also fired a second salute of thii teen guns. f'-ipf*»••*-

TUB KliOKATi DMl'LAY. lift

It was feared there would be no flowers. The roses wero nearly all killed last winter, and very few of those that .•survived are yet iu bloom. Still, Mrs. Farrington, chairman of tho committee, with the assistauco of Messrs. John and Lawrence lleinl and iheir accomplished wives, together w'lh the aid ladies whose names are given below, have been able to make ten beautiful wreaths,» few crosses and

FIVK HUNDftBD BOffcqnWf.

There were two hundred and forty graves last year, to which num'oer about ei^it Or ten motet be added. Two bouquets were placed on each grave.

The work of preparing the flowers was done in the basement ot the First Ward school house. The ladies. ddscrving the credit of attending are: Mrs. G.E. Farrington" A. Reiman

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Jno. Wolfe, Post 1 Terre HaOto, Co. C, 82nd Ind Infantry. 8. A. Sears, Post 1 Terre Haute, Co. C, 21st Heavy Artillejy.

W. M. Cochran

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B. 0t. Hudnut

J. O.Jones Simeon Cory J. B. Armstrong R. "W. Rippetoe T. W. Stewart Baml. W. McKeea Lou Manning

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Tillie Byrnea

Geo. Hayward Xise A. McKeen Modesitt Mamie McKeen

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L. F. Purdue Eliza Warren R. L. Ball fei" Emme Lang^(. A. J. Crawford Jennc Stetlee L. A. Burnett Charlotte Blinb C. B. Brokavy

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B. F. Havens Maiy L. Duy Llllie Hess. AT THE CKMRTCBT. The long march over, the procession went to 8th Avenue in Woodland cemetery near the grand stand. The stand is a much better position than last year, being north of the circle and in a pleasant shade The beautiful appearance of the cemetery was the subject of universal comment, and Mr. llaley and councilman Geo. E. Farrington who has taken an especially aitive .interest in the cemetery committee, were everywhere praised for the improvement. It is hoped that those who visit the City of the Dead today will do as little as prmnible towards trampling down the yraw and flowers.

The grand stand was decorated with dags and flowers and near it the beautiful canotnpli dedicated to the unknown and unreturned dead

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Commander W. H. Armstrong opened the seivice making the following remarks "Comrades, the duty of to day is of impressive significance. We meet to honor our dead and to deepen our reverend for their worth tostfcngtlieu among ourselves the bond of fraternity by recalliug the memory of experience common to us all to encouragc a more generous charity for our comrades who arc sick or in distress and for the dc3titute wards of the Grand Army to renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and our flag, :ind to emphasize in the minds and hearts of all who may uuite with us, the privilege and duty of patriotism.

Comrades, it i3 expected that throughout our services cacli one will manifest the most courteous and reverent decorum. Let our soldierly department be such that wo may worthily honor the graves we decorate, the memories we cherish, the flag we salute aud the Grand Army to which we belong."

The choir under Dr. Elder's leadership sang "They Died for vou and me." Post Commander W. E. McLean delivered an address as follows:

To-day is the festival of our dead We meet in this silent campiny ground of our dead to unite in honoring the memory of our brave and our beloved, to enrich and ennoble our own lives by recalling a public heroism and a private worth tliat are immortal, to encourage by our solemn service a more zealous and stalwart patriotism. Festival of tho dead! The nation bends in sadness today, we?ping over the graves of her fallen heroes, heroes fallen in defense of of the Union of these Slates, in defen&e of tho supremacy of our flag, aud it is fit and appropriate that you, my comrades, and you, our friends, should turn aside Iroin the toils of labor, from the Bhops, competitions of trade and from tho struggles ot professional life, to pay a just ana a flitting tribute of rospccl to the memory of that gallant host whose patriot soufe went up to the great God of battles from many a bloody Tattle field so nobly won or so bravely lost. Tho fall of so many thousands of our countrymen in battle is a grand and a solemn fact. I may say it is the grandest and most solemn fact in all our history as a people a fact full of the moat weighty considerations for us and for those who shall come after us. A nation who would preserve its liberties, who would transmit those liberties unimpaired to posterity, cannot recur to memory too olten to their gallant dead by whom those liberties were won or maintained. 1 will go farther and say that a people who would fail to embalm in their heart of hearts, in lasting remombrance, those who fell fighting in their cause, are unworthy to be called a free people. To go out in the green fields of nature in this tranquil summer season to cover the craves of the fallen with the fresh and fragrant liowers of spring —the roses, the violets, the lilies of the valley—is no act of vain sentiment it is an act profoundly religious and full of patriotic significance. Let us recall the toils of thoee who sleep in this beautiful city ot the dead, their sufferings, their heroism, their supreme fidelity in camp, in prison pen, on the battle field and in hospital, that tho flag under which they fought and from the shadows of whose folds they were promoted may never be dishonored, that the country for whose union and supremacy they surrendered life may hail the fervent ana enthusiastic devotion of every citizen, that as we stand by every grave as before an altar we may pledge our manhood that, so help us God, that the memorr of our dead shall encourage and strengthen in us all a more grand and more lofty patriotism.* KS*pi^

Commander Armstrong delivered an addreis of welcome which is the same as that at the church last night and which is published in that part ot this ropon. (SIM

DEOORATISO THE GRAVES.1 Detachments bearing flowers moved out, placing two bouquets on each of the 250 graves. In the meantimethe military remained resting on arms and the band played a dirge. The decoration of the cenotaph is done by the ofUcer of the day, Mr. Burgett, who spoke as follows:

In your name my comrade, I scatter (or deposit) these memorial flowers upon this grave (or monument) which represents the graves of all who died in the sacred cause of our country. Our floral tribute shall wither. Let the tender fraternal love for which it stands endure until the touch of death shall chill the warm pulse aud beat of our hearts."

Comrade C. A. Power then said— Comrade*, by this service, without distinction of race or creed we renew our pledge to exercise a spirit of fraternity among ourselves, of charity towards the destitute wards of the Grand Army and of loyalty to the authority and union of the United States of America, and to our glorious flag, under whose folds every union soldier or gallon grave is the altar of pakriotiam."

Oomrsds—"Amen" Commander^ Balute the dead.

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VOL, XVIII.—NO. 25. TERRE HAUTE, IND.—1THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1881. $1.50 PER YEAR!

Laura Overholtr.

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THIS PEUVIC£S. y.

Officer (Jno A. Bryan) Recover Arms! Order Arms! Fire! The salute was fired over the cenotaph.

Mrs. Gould sing "The Battle Prayer' her sweet voice having added charms out in the open air and under tho canopy of heaven.

THE ADDRESS OP TH DAT

was theu delivered by Coi. R.N. Hudson who used the following words:

Comradu cf the Grand Army of the Republic—Ijadist and Gentlemen: Beneath the blue sky above us—amid the beauty and fragrance of nature, springing into renewed life all around us —shadowed by the luxuriant ioliago of overhanging irces—cooled by the fannings of the passing breeze—surrounded on all sides by nature's tribute of green leaves and beautiful flowers whose fragrance perfumes the air as a breath from heaven, and awed into reverence by the solemnities of the sad occasion, we assemble ht*rp to-day to return our annual thank olft rloc to the nation's heroes and the nation's Ifcad.

We thank those dead soldiers who today sleep beneath these flower-covered hillocks for having a country of freemen and universal liberty. We honor their memories, for in the hour of tho republic's struggle for continued existence they left all the endearments of home, went to the field of battle, and amid the thunder of war laid down their lives that the natiflb might live. No soldiers ever died in a boiler or better cause. Nothing in the annals of Greek or Roman story excels in 'exalted patriotism the heroism of the £oldievn whose graves are all around ii*. We owe to them to-day, and tho children and the men and women who come after us in all future time will owe these cntomtcd soldiers a debt of gratitude which it will be difficult to entirely pay. Our thanks cannot reach the cold Drecincts of tho grave, but above their resting places wc can, as the annual blossoms of spring return, strew the virgin flowers of May. Wo cannot enter the portals of our dead comrades and whisper the accents ot praise into the dull ear of death, hut the first lessons learned bv the children of this republic will bo of their heroic achievements, and the historic muse will sing their praises forever. As long as America brings forth free sons and daughters who love their country and its free institutions, so long will the memories of tho soldiers who sleep in this sacred spot be held in

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rateful remembrance. Iu their narrow they sleep the long dreamless sleep. Days have come aud gone with them forever. Forever what a boundless, fathomless, endless, timeless and incomprehensible word. "Tiiq breesy call of iucenso-breathing morn,

The Swallow twittering from the ftraw built ahed, The cock's shrill clarion, or the cchoing liorn, No more ahall rouse them from their lowly bod." ,X "EVrt* them more the biasing hearth shall burn, Or busy house-wife ffly her evening care No children run to list their Hires roturn, Or climb his knee* the envied kise to share."

The bugle call no more arouses the blood to action, and the command of "forward inarch" falls upon the "dull, cold ear of death," and is answered only bv the hushed stillness of the grave, tfut we can scatter flowers over them, and the angels can bear their fragrance to the realms above. "Whoever, with an earnestsoul,'.

Strives for some end from the low wSrtd afar, flH Htlll upward travels, though he miss the goal And strays—but towards a star." 3'

The time will not aye must not come in the history of this Republic, when the heroic deeds of those, whose graves scattered all over this broad land are to-day being covered with flowers, will te forgotten. They are the heritage of the American people and must be kept in everlasting rememberance- And if the time by misfortune should ever come when this people will forget the honors due to those who laid down their lives that the Nation might be preserved. then the days of tho prcHt Republic and of free institutions ou uruih can bo numbered, and the triumph of despots, kings, emperors, and tyrants fs fast sppro aching.

About twonty years ago, amid the profound peace which the country had enjoyed for many years there burst, like a clap of thunder from a clear sky, the cannon's peal of war. Far-seeing men stood appalled before the approaching conflict. Brave men rapidly adjusted their private affairs, and prepared for the field. The young men of tho country looked into the faces of the old, ana asked for counsel. The old, admonished by the hushed stillness which proceeded the storm, knew not what to counsel. Women pressed more fondly to their heart their offspring. Sadness, and gloom, and despondency were everywhere. Morning came and went, weeks passed by and no adjustment could be effected. "Compromise after compromise was proposed and failed. At last, every resource failing, the wager of battle was resolved on. That wus a fearful momeut in the life of the republic. The great issue which our fathers predicted, was upon us, and in it the last great struggle in which free government on earth was to be forever established, or forever everthrown. Many of you remember the sleepless anxiety of those days. The life, the property and the future of every man, woman and child throughout the broad land was at stake. The old flag which had floated in triumph over the battle fields of the Revolution, had to be held aloft, or forever trail in the dust. Four millions of human beings, held in a bondage which enslaved both body and soul, lifted up fher shackled hands fdd asked that they be given the rights which belong to human Mings. Fate, with its unerring finger pointed to the slow meting index on the dial of time, and proclaimed to the world that the moment had at last arrived, when this country

had to be all free or all slave The inexorable logic of events announced this startling fact. Further postponement was impossible. Treason staiked barefaced and audacious in the councils of the Nation. Tho isue was made up and closed and the rumblings of the distant storm came up black and forebordlng from the south.

As the storm approached closer and closer, this great fact become more and more apparent. There was nothink left but tooettle forever this issue by fignting it out, and cur comrads who now lie around us in their graves, rushed to the field, and fighting (ell.

How they suffered during the long march in the dull and cheerless camp and on the hard fought battle fields, no poet'" pen can ever fully relate. Amid the summer's heat and winter's cola In sunshine and iu storm they never faltered in their duty to the flag, and the cause To think on these scenes saddens the heart, but not to think is impossible. The memories of those stirring events through which our comrades past, and in passing gave their lives a sacrifice on the altars of their country, are the Nation's ewels which must ever be kept sscred. be recollection of those days is as securely fixed in the history of coming time, as are the courses of the stars. When all the monoliths, erected to commemorate tho glories of past ageo shall have mingled with the dost which surrounds them, and the pyramids along the hill shall have mixed with the sands of the de3ert, the deeds of personal heroism, and the history ot the great iiues settled by the war of tho rebellion, will be lisped with the first accents of the pratt ling child, and rehearsed sround the fire sides of the old. A war which gave freedom to 4,000,000 slaves and firmly established the freest and best government on which the sun ever sbone, can never be blotted from the memories of men. The soldiers who participated in such Important events, are secere of immortality. They were a part of the momentous struggle which secured to us and to our

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children personal freedom and universal liberty. The forgetfulness of time can not wholy obliterate tho memory of their achievements.

No conflict, growing out of the different systems of labor can ever divide this people again. Sectional lines are now blotted out forever. The disturbing uestion, about which the fathers of the epublic were so anxious, Is happily determined and settled. There Is now, no where beneath the shadow of tho stars and stripes, a master or a slave. The Federal Constitution no more recognizes "the peculiar institution." All men living under its influence are froo. Those who breathe the air on the Atlantic or Pacific coasts on the great lakes of the North or the Gulf in the South are free men. \11 men before the law are free and equal. The avenues to happiness aud wealth are open alike to all.

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All this is the result of the war, and for it we have to thank our living comrads, and the dead heroes where aulet beds of death,we to dar strew with flowers.

We are apt to overlook the caedit due the common soldier, and shower all the gratitude, honor, fame and thanks on the great captains of a war. It would be an anomaly in the affairs of men, to have a war fought out, by the officers alone. And it would be equally anomalous that a battle could be fought by the soldiers alone, and without officers. It requires both to accomplish neat achievements, and both are equally entitled to the honor and the thanks of the nation No man ever did more individually, or ever can do more for his country, than he who lays down his life to save it. That is the greatest sacrifice a patriot can make on the altars of his country. No leader, no matter how exaulted his genius, can do more. Generals Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, the three most celebrated leaders of the war, could have achieved nothing, had they not been followed by a soldiery, whose courage and determination quailed at no obstacles, aud surrendered the cause for which they fought, under no state of circumstances. Defeat would have been certain, no matter how exaulted the military genius oil our Generals, had it not been for the indiTldual, rsonal pluck of the common soldier. officers were ever followed by a braver race of men, and the glory growing out of the great war, Is due as much to the common soldier as to the officers.

We are too apt to say, when speaking of our great generals, "He put down the rebellion."

No man put down the rebellion. It wss put down by the united, combined and consolidated effort of all the million of men who went to the field. I have never been able to understand why the General, who with his glass sweeps the field, and by his command directs how the battle shall be fought, is entitled to more credit and praise, than the private soldier, who, obeying tho command, rushes into the contest, and tights the battle to a victorious conclusion. And much more should there be poems sung to him, who amid the roar, and storm and thunder of the battle field, gives up his life that his country may live. There is nothing greater, grander or more worthy of all human praise, than this.

The war in wiiich our comrades tell was in the interest of a higher christain civilization. Before the rebellion ao American citizen could not express his sentiments on all questions with freedom, in all the States in this Union. On the question of human slavery—that greatest of all questions—a statutory loek was put on the mouths of citizens and they were prohibited from the exercise of the freedom of speech. The law made human liberty sectional, and the freedem of speech confined to a very narrow region within the bounds of the Republic. Even in Indiana, a free citizen was prohibited from assisting a fellow man to the enjoyment of his natural rights, or in ins efforts to reach a land of Hbsrty. The

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accursed institution of human slaver perm It had entered the open door* of the Republic, and shut them against universal freedom. It laid itsmeameric hand upon the great freedom loving heart of the Nation, and paralyzed its pulsations. It

had leated all the relations of

shamed the age in which we live, and Insulted the God of Justice. Free menof Indiana, trembling beneath tin overwhelming influeuce of this peculiar institution,"shamefully lodked eaeh other in the face and suffered manacles to bes put on human beings. A provision of our constitution prevented an Industroua and frugal colored man from procuring a home for his wife and children within the borders of the 8tate. Nothing, even in Indiana, was open to him but a life of toil. So debauched was the public mind on this question, that pior to 1860 there was scarcely one man in the State, who had courage to speak out against it.

In those aark days of northern cowardice aud southern audacity, the great Northwest preoented to the American people the great leader la public opinion, In the person of Abraham Lincoln. He came from the bullrushes, the wisest of men. He stepped to the front, the oostsplend!d embodiment ot common sense, in this age of individuality. He announced the great axiom in human government, that a people could not bo half free and half slave, but must be entirely the one or the other. At his bidding this issue of human libeity, was at onoe made up. There was uo further avoiding it, nor was there any desire to further avoid it. Slavery beckoned the freedom loving people of the Republic to a contest in the flela, and the challenge vras accepted, dm There should never have been any doubt as to the result. There is no Just God above us, if human slavery IA recognised by any of Mis Divine statutos.

Upon the first bugle call there came In from every mountain and valley, from every prairie aud plain from every hamlet ana city from every work shop and office, the brave sons of the Republic.

They came shouting the battle cry of the Union and universal freedom. Many assembled here to-day passed through the carnage of the battle field of those days. In those silent graves, which we cover with the first flowers of May, embalmed in the memories of a great and

fattle.

rateful people, sleep those who fell in

Thanks to the soldiers who fought and died there is now, in the vocabulary of American citizenship, no tuch words as master and slave. No human being in the vast boundaries of this Republie is a slave to any other human being. An American citizen to-day. standing erect in the image of his God, is the peer of all other men, and recognizes no master, but the Ruler of the stars. Sucn can be said of the citizens of no other government on this earth. All other governments give some of its citizens advantages over others. In all other governments there are classes prerogatives inherited titles, and laws which enable one portion of the people to rob another portion of their natural rights, and pull down one class in order to build up another.

Maintain forever, fellow citizens, this established doctrine of the government, that all men are absolutely equal before the law. And should any man, or set of men, in the coming future, attempt to change this governmental principle, moot bim or them on the very threshold, and fight, as long as you can pull a trigger or draw a sword. We must never surrender the doctrine of personal equality before the law, until the whole world, catching the Peomctbean fire *rom our altars, becomes a republic. No pea pie ever lived under a freer constitution or a better government. There is no' oppression, but the citizon can find a law guaranteeing a complete redress. There is not a single burden which hango heavily upon our shoulders, nor is there an exalted position in the management of the general Government, which can not be reached by any citizen who makes the proper effort ana has the proper qualifications.

Comrades: The time is fast approach ing when there will be none of us left Ui strew flowers over the graves of our comrades in arms, at the annual return of this day. Every day makes our members less. Soon Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and all the great generals of the war, will pass into that spirit life, at whose

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ortals they so often and so fearfsssly stood. One by one we will follow them, and into the hands and keeping of those who come after us, will be placed the celebration of this day and the preaervation of the free institutions of our beloved country. Msy we cherish the hope that the time will never eome when the sons and the daughters of the Republic will forget the annual return of "Decoration Day," or the sacrifices made by the soldiers of the late war, to give ^'4 them a country where personal freedom I is onjoyed, and universal liberty common to all men.

Our task is done—our duty has been performed. We go from this sacred spot, some of us, never perhaps to return in life. The flowers of May the green beneath us, snd the rich roliage which now overshadows us, will tinge with more beautiful colors at the approach ot autumn, and die beneath the cold blasts ot winter. But another spring will follow the winter, and as the stars in their coarse, will come the 80th day of May. May its annual return always brinz back to the recollection of the young and the old, the patriotic duty of the observance of this hour. And away in the far off future, when the faces of these little children are furrowed o'er with time and their locks whitened by the passage of many years, may the return of this day be hailed with as mucli joyousness, and celebrated with as much earnest and im patriotic enthusiasm as we observe it %m now. -mm.

After the speech, the choir sang "Christian Soldier" and the whole crowd present joined in singing "America." The benediction was pronounced by Rev, S. F. Dunham and the meeting dispersed gratified with the manner in which the day had been observed.

Rev. John W. Sullivan, D. D., a wellknown Methodist minister, died at the heme in Jeffersonville, day before yesterday, after a long illness. Mr. Sullivan had been resident of Jeffersonville for more than thirty years, and had been a member of the Indiana conference since 188S. He was in active service up to thn year 1870. when he was elected chaplain of the Indiana southern prison.

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