Memorial Day

The return of Decoration Day revives the m st solemn and sacred memories connected with our lato struggto for life an 1 liberty. The principie oí loyalty is revived with increased activity and we remember the dark daya wben treason placed its bloody hand upon the fair throal of Freedom. Personal safety was scarcely thought of in the great rush of loyal-hearted men who thi-ew tliemselves into the ranks of her defenders. Men- the good. the stront:. the brave- went fortli aiul immolated lliernsolves npon the altar of Liberty. o:' of the graadest mass meetings that ever eonvened in our beautifu] city was that whicli occurred upon the Sunday that brought tl;e news of overwhelming defeat at the battle of Bnll's Run. Oh, how the heart of the whole nation thrilled with intense feeling and devotion to the cause, as the terrible truth was thrnst upon as that the war which began with only tlireats, was a bloodn earneet - sanguinary war that would now admit of no compromise, lit a speedy aadthoroughsubjugation. And llie cali for men and money met witli such a response from all parts of the country tlisit all other nations fairly held theii breath with astonisliment. (Jpon that never-to-be-forgotten Sabbath, above referred to, the people congregated from all over the city and county en masse. Speeches were made, prayers were offered, patriotic songs were sungs Wá ínonoy rioured out without stint or measure; widows and prphans even contributing their share without a momenfs hesitation. How little we dreamed ín that early stage of the conflict what a fearful ordeal our devoted country was about to pass through! What foes to contend withi What oppositiofl at home and abroad! What sickening and casualties and eases and difficulties were heaped upon our men at every step. How dark and unpromising the future! IIow vain the loss of life and treasurel The beautiful cities desolated. The country laid waste. The immeasurable loss to life andlimb. The families haart broken. The wives and children left without ïeir natural support and protectors. Iow like a vast panorama the scène ïses before us and br'mgs it all back, nd it is well that we do remember it! Also how would it be possible to prize s we should the blessings that again rowd about us. And now all we can o, to prove our remembrance of llie m'mense sacrilice that was ma ie for s, is to briug our words of eulogy, our rateful thanks, our flowers, our songs, nd our tears to consécrate the meuioies of these. "Brave héroes of ours, AVhile we cover them over with beautiful flowers." Mes. N. H. Piekce.