Springfield weekly Republican. [volume], August 25, 1910, Page 12, Image 12

About Springfield weekly Republican. [volume] (Springfield, Mass.) 1851-1946

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12
AN ADDRESS BY GOY PROUTY
AT WILMINGTON OLD HOME WEEK.
PROFESSIONAL DAY A SUCCESS.
Election of Officers of Permanent
Organization Mark Close of Inter
esting: Exercises—One Death Mars
the Festivities.
Special Dispatch to The Republican.
Wilmington, Yt., Friday. August 19.
Wilmington with its large number of
homecomers celebrated to-day, professional
day, which was equally successful with the
exercises of the previous five days. The
day was delightful, the air warm and brac -
ing and another large audience assembled
GOY GEORGE H. PROUTY.
fSpeaker at Wilmington, Yt.. Friday. 1
in Memorial liall to meet the governor
and other distinguished guests. Like the
previous days there was an air of-rimppy
enthusiasm on every hand and everybody
enjoyed the music and the speeches. U.
E. Butterfield of Wilmington presided,
the exercises being preceded by a con erl
by the Shelburne Falls military band. Rev
Adolph Aubert of the local Baptist church
offered the invocation, which was followed
by Col J. H. Colliding, who gave a little
history of the successful Wilmington sav
ings bank. Miss M. K. Dunn of New
York gave two recitations, which was fol
lowed hy Dr S. F. Dunn of Wilmington,
who spoke in behalf of the physicians.
Dr Paul Butterfield of New York spoke
of the two plagues, tuberculosis and can
cer. declaring that the remedy was sun
light and air for the former, while science
was struggling to combat and stamp out
the latter. The secretary read an mtei
esting letter from F. M. Crosby of Minne
sota in regard to the soldiers that were
furnished in the battle of Bennington,
August 16, 1777. from the town of Wil
mington. It was expected that Capt Clark
of Greenfield would be present this even
ing, but a telegram was read stating that
he was at Stowe, Vt.
Gov George H. Prouty was warmly re
ceived by the audience, his remarks being
confined to the needs and necessities of
Vermont He expressed himself as lacking
sympathy for the suggested scheme to
provide Vermont with trunk line highways
by bonding, preferring, as he expressed it,
the gravel road to the macadam, and pro
gressive road commissioners who should be
continued in office so long as they were
capable of furnishing good roads. He also
spoke of the necessity of better schools,
commending the industrial school of Yer
genoes, which taught practical things to
the children placed therein. He referred
to the profession of the farmer, whose
vocation is quite as important as that of
either the lawyer or the physician, but re
gretted, the fact that 40 per cent of the
population of Vermont removed from the
state. It was a problem to know how to
keep the sons and daughters at home, and
he highly commended the people of Wil
mington for their patriotic and loyal ef
forts to perpetuate old home week as a
means to induce the young people to re
turn to their native state. He believed
that the tide was turning back from the
West, and that sooner or later the old
homos would be occupied by those who
had left them for homes in the West.
Judge E. W. Gibson of the municipal
court of Brattleboro followed the governor,
paying a deserved tribute to the memory
of Windham county's eminent lawyers and
j edges, of which Wilmington had had its
full share, including eight judges and as
many more prominent lawyers in the high
est courts of the nation. Rev Flint M.
Bissell said that it was the countrv towns
that were formulating and molding the
lives of the young men and women who
make up the population of the cities. He
did nor believe it possible to stem the tide
and reduce the percentage of removals
however much it may be regretted, but
the tendency was cityward, and so it would
be to the end. Judge E. L. Waterman of
the supreme court of Vermont, as a former
resident of Wilmington, spoke of his early
career here and his associations u-irh such
men as the late Charles N. Davenport and
Stephen P. Uagg. Judge O. L Shafter
having removed just before his coming to
the town He referred to the fact that the
best’jurors in bis experience came from
the town of Wilmington, and that it was
not infrequent that two or fhree ministers
should be included in a single jury court.
A resolution continuing Wilmington’s
memorial association was unanimously
adopted by the audience, the idea being to
perpetuate the spirit and loyalty of the
sons and daughters of the town jx, , ltl
association having for its purpose the cele
bration of old home week in ipo,, -j-j'
following officers were ehoseu- President
Martin A. Brown of Wilmington- vi.-r
---president. Charles D. Spencer of Klnl
burne Falls, Mass ; secretary. Chandler
M. Russell of Wilmington; treasurer Don
O. Butterfield of Wilmington; executive
committee. Charles A. Winchester of New
York city. William X. Dickinson of Wil
listou V D„ Arthur H. Stearns of Brook
lyn, William A. Davenport of OreentieM
Mass Rollin S. Cl,ibis of Brattleboro:
Mrs Alice Gorham ( raw-ford of Ulrica "o
Rp.val N. Cushman of New York. R~ v
Flint M. Bissell of Wilmington. Fred \
F J*& °f Troy \ V. ; Cyreu H. Lawton
of >ew lork, Arthur W . Childs of Man
chester. V H. f Miss Grace Whipple of
Brookline. Mass.. Miss Maudie L Stone
of. New lurk. Forrest 11. Barber of Wil
mington, Miss Mabel Med bury of Hart
ford. Ct.. Park B. Swift of Athol. Mass,
Frank Crosier of Readsboro, Vt., Charles
H. Pnrmalee of Wilmington, Mrs H F
Whitaker of Cambridge, Mass., Mrs Grace
Lyon of Brooklyn, X. Y.. Ross Rowker
of Bridgeport. Ct.. Tyler Whipple of Bos
ton. I-rank H. bitch of Wilmington.
In the afternoon the Woman’s Chris
tian temperance union held a most inter
estinp meeting in Memorial hall. It was
opened with an invocation by Mrs W’. M
Lisle of Brooklyn, which was followed
hy a song by Mrs A. Aubert. Mrs Mary
Morgan of Shelburne Falls gave the in
troductory address and there was sing
ing by the children. Mrs W. W. Wicke*
of Brooklyn, X. Y.. gave a short address,
as did Mrs Ella A. Boole of Brooklyn
and Miss Alice D. Butterfield of Rrattle
boro concluded the program with a song.
This evening marked the close of the
memorial exercises which have been suc
1 eessfully carried out in every detnH while
the weather has added to the enjoyment
and pleasure. To-night's program consist
ed of the showing jni the faces of old
residents on the screen in Memorial hall.
The stereopticon views were in charge of
C. M. Russell, who also portrayed the
wonderful voyage of the Oregon. Roll in
S. Childs, who introduced the people to
Gov Prouty at a brief reception, giving
a novel and intensely interesting sketch
of the home life of the subjects. The only
incident marring the week’s festivities
j "as the sudden death last night of Mrs
Hannah Haynes, widow of Phileatus
J Haynes, one of the old families of Wil
mington. Mrs Haynes attended the re
union exercises in the grove Wednesday
and was in the enjoyment of her usual
health until seized by heart failure. She
leaves one son, the last of his former
large family.
A register was opened in the hope of
securing a long list of names of old resi
dents and thus be able to keep in touch
with them at all times. Among the visi
tors may he mentioned Warren Cushman
of Nebraska. W. N. Dickinson and family
of North Dakota. Henry D. Whitney and
family of Hartford. Ct.. Mr and Mrs W.
A. Davenport and six children of Green
fold, J. T. Sari. ‘U* and .Tudson F. Sar
s-o.jt of Pcnnsylvaifa. Mrs D. A. Rissell,
Mi and Mrs Fred A. Flagg of Troy. X.
Y.. and Mr and Mrs A. W. Childs of
Manchester. X. 11.
Monday was farmers' day and they came
from nearly all the surrounding towns to
enjoy a basket picnic in Railroad grove,
where the band “discoursed sweet music” all
day. Some came to be instructed by promi
nent agriculturists, such as F. Warner Wig
gin of Quechce. Yt., and O. L. Martin, the
Vermont state commissioner of agriculture.
A. 1,. Adams, master of the grange, presid
ed. and a mixed chorus furnished excellent
songs. Eva K. Parmelee recited “The Pied
Piper of Ilamelin.” The afternoou was
crowded with speech-making and exchange
of greetings. It was a genuine farmers' day
and it was very evident that they appre
ciated it, and they strove to make the occa
sion one of pleasing interest to the home
cornel’s and all present. Baseball furnished
amusement for some.
Not only have the sons and daughters
come back in largo numbers, but iu many
instances the whole family has returned to
share the events of the week. Lawyer and
Mrs William A. Davenport came up ip their
automobile from Gre on field, accompanied by
their six children, and the Sargents of Penn
sylvania came with the whole family, it
being their.first return to their native home
for more than 40 years. Others were the
('ashman Bakers of New York, and other old
time families which were prominently asso
ciated here in the affairs of the town years
before their sons and daughters were born.
There were lawyers, judges, physicians,
merchants, artisans and farmers, all vying
with each other to make this a memorable
occasion.
Weather favored the veterans who held
their reunions in connection with
the old home week festivities yesterday,
and while the atmosphere was cool
the rain held off until after 10 p. m. so
that the attendance at the ball in the
evening was not impaired. It was vet
erans’ day and soldiers from Shelburne
Falls. North Adams, Bennington. Yt., and
other places gathered to hear war-time
reminiscences. The Windham county vet
erans also held their reunion and were
met about noon at the railroad station by
the Shelburne Falls band, which has been
furnishing music whenever necessary dur
ing the old home week celebration.
A parade was formed and with the band
at the head the soldiers were escorted to
old Floral hall. A dinner was served the
hungry veterans soon after arrival aud
then adjournment was taken to a camp
fire at Memorial hall, where several short
addresses were given by various guests.
Tol Kittredge Haskins of Brattleboro
spoke on soldiers' pensions and Mr Bugbee
gave some interesting reminiscences. The
band interspersed the talks with selec
tions and recitations were also enjoyed.
Soldiers, ex-soldiers, their wives and
families then met in the evening for the
grand ball.
WAR WICK’S OLD HOME DAY.
targe Attendance—lnformal Program
—Sports and a Rail.
A cloudy morniug developed into satis
factory weather Thursday and the town
of Warw-iek was the scene of another
gala old home day and reunion. Though
seven miles is the nearest that any rail
road approaches the old hill-top town, the
attendance is never affected and yester
day just a s many people were in attend
ance as have ever enjoyed the good things
prepared in the way of entertainment by
the town. Every kind of a conveyance
was pressed into service from an automo
bile down to tiie most antique turnout
of long ago. and the whole family were
up bright and early and on tlieir way
for this yearly attraction. There were no
new features in yesterday's program, but
none- were necessary for the day w-puld be
enjoyed if no ‘‘specialties’’ were set forth
at all. The greetings of former school
and playmates and the family reunions
were well worth the day.
There were many sons and daughters of
the old town present including residents
in many western states and people from
New Hampshire, Vermont. Connecticut,
New York and Rhode Island and the
towns in the near vicinity, Athol, Orange,
North Orange, Tully. Erving. Farley, Wen
deli. Greenfield and Roj-alston. The peo
ple came with well-filled lunch baskets.
The morning was spent largely in exchang
ing greetings and at noon all were pre
dated to enjoy luncheon under the towel
ing trees of the common. The women of
the association gave coffee and tea and
throughput the day the N'orthtield baud
played selections. The American flag, pre
sented to the association by Benjamin \V.
Putnam, a former resident, was thrown
to the breeze and the association formally
accepted the gift. It is a beautiful silk
flag and measures 10 by 20 feet.
11l the afternoon there were athletic
sports on the ball grounds and a hall game
between two picked nines. At 1.30 the
musical and literary program was given
in the town hall which included for the
most part short talks by residents and
former residents. In the evening the day
was brought to a close in the town nail
by a grand Gall which lasted well toward
the morning. Bryant's orchestra iff Or
ange furnished music for the dance. Al
though Warwick’s oldest citizen, Snb’n
Kellon, was not present, he received many
callers during the day and everyone re
ceive] a hearty and welcome handshake.
Mr Kelton is 90 years old and this sum
mer has been assistinig daily in the hay
field of his farm on the border of War
wick. lie has accepted ihe cane which was
offered to him last year for being the
oldest citizen, thinking that he is now obi
enough to use it. His reason for not ac
cepting it last year was that he did not
think he was old enough to be entitled
to it.
Wtlllnnishnrg Old Home Week Pro
am ins.
The old home week programs have ar
rived and were mailed to the old resi
dents Tuesday. Besides containing the pro
gram. there is a short outline of the his
tory of the town of Williamsburg, giving
tile most interesting details concerning the
town's growth. The cover is ornamented
by « half-tone cut of the main street in
Williamsburg village. On the second page
the short narrative about the town lo
gins. and there are two small half-tone
cuts of village scenes in Williumslnirg. The
next four pages refer to the program lhat
lias been outlined. The seventh page has
the remainder of the historical sketch and
has two views of Haydenville village, one
a bird's-eye view and another portraying
the Mill'river canal, facing upward from
the bridge near the post-office. Although
the pictures are small, they convey an
THE RPRTXGFTELP WEEKLY REPUBLICAN:THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1910.
excellent idea of the two villages to an
outsider. The eighth page is reserved for
notices and other details. Bishop Henry
W. Warren's declaration that “Dear old
Massachusetts is the best place to raise
menfcnd women" is included here. The
cost of printing this program will amount
to over MO. _____________
REUNION DAY AT NEW SALEM.
GATHERING OF ACADEMY ALUMNI.
Election of Officer* for 1911.—A Day
of Informal Greftlnxii.—Literary
Exercise*.
From Our Special Reporter.
New Salem. Thursday. August IS.
There is an event the third Thursday
of every August which many people do
not allow themselves to forget, and if, by
chance, they cannot attend in person,
their thoughts go to the annual reunion
of New Salem academy, that old acad
emy which for years has been turning out
its classes of young men and women. To
day was again the date of the annual re
union. of the time when former students
of 50 or more years ago gather at the
old school, exchange their salutations, re
new old acquaintances, form new ones,
and go away refreshed and really invigor
ated by the day of pleasure. And what
a beautiful town is New Salem and how*
finely was the site of the old academy
chosen 114 years ago! It is true a new
building replaces the old school, new as
sociations are coupled with the academy,
hut the old landmarks are there yet, the
original bell still tolls out its call to school
and duties, the same beautiful view is
to be gained from almost any vantage
point on the hill, and the school is still
doing a splendid work for those young
men and women who may desire an edu
cation at New Salem.
Years ago, further back than many peo
ple can remember, the alumni association
of the school established the third Thurs
day of August of each year as the one
for the annual reunion. Never has it
been changed. Many places have from
time to time decided upon different meet
ing-times for their particular* association
or event, but not so New Salem. Only
Warwick persists in having its old home
date conflict with the New Salem reun
ion. The affair to-day is well worthy of
a place alongside its many and delight
ful predecessors and there was a full and
happy program. As usual, the reunion
gathered together people from all over the
country, as graduates of the academy are
everywhere, and former pupils always de
light to come back to the scenes of their
educational triumphs and failures.
During the early morning it was gather
ing time, and automobiles and* teams
brought many into the village from all
points. There was a time when automo
biles were not seen on the hill, but now
several arc owned in tlfe town. Volume
31 of the “Reunion Banner.” edited this
year by Miss Frances Ballard, was on
sale as usual and It contains a host of
interesting things. Miss Ballard has put
much work and thought into the publica
tion. There are many interesting con
tributions from former pupils and gradu
ates. Many copies are sold each yea?.
The reunion was held in the pretty church I
which stands on the hill, and just across i
the way are the old and new academy
buildings. The old idea of having the
school and church near together was well
provided for at New Salem.
The morning session opened at 10.45
and Henry W. Beecher, a graduate of the
academy, gave the address of welcome.
He was pleasant and interesting in his re
marks and gave a cordial welcome to
everyone, whether directly or indirectly
connected writh the school. Starrett’s or
chestra of Athol played a selection and
then came a short address bv George R
Paige of Athol. Miss Mildred Moulton
of Hudson gave a reading entitled. "Read
ing a letter," which was encored, after
which a committee was appointed to re
tire and arrange the list of officers for
the year 1911, for they are aiwnvs look
ing into the future at New Salem re
unions.
During the noon hour many lunches i
were taken from their hiding places and j
spread in the grove while others took ad- !
vantage of the bountiful dinner served by i
the committee in charge in the vestry.
Many would have enjoyed seeing Daniel
Davis, 102. of West Royalstou at the re
union. He is the oldest living student of
the academy. But the distance from his
home is too long for the trip. He had an
interesting contribution in the Banner.
During the noon hour there was an op
portunity for the executive committee to
greet many of the visitors. This commit
tee T£°s, s ' stec !. k. W. Flagg, chairman,
R. E. Stowell, H. W. Fay. W. A. Spooner,
H. D. Freeman. John Marshall, Mrs Har
riet P. Bullard, Mrs Lena C. Cox, Mrs
Grace H. Whitaker. Mrs Florence B. Bal
lard and Miss Ruth P. Ballard.
At 2 o’clock the gathering was again
called to order by President Paige. The
music by the orchestra was followed bv a
reading by Miss Moulton and then came
the address of the day bv Rev Francis
E. Tower of Albany, X. Y., a graduate of
the academy and a man who has been
very successful in his chosen work. Mr
Tower took up the problems of education,
of the modern school and academy and
other interesting side lights of the' work
of the school. He gave interesting rem
iniscences of his days at the school of
years ago and made happy references to
the old days at New Salem. Mr Tower
is one of the successful sons New Salem
has sent out to do a life’s work and he
was warmly greeted by many former class
mates and friends. Miss Moulton gave a
reading, “The Morning Vale,” after which
came a series of short addresses. These
are always of an interesting character and
are looked forward to by everyone. Alfred
Eaton of New Salem was the oldest alum
nus at the reunion. He is 93 and in ex
cellent health. •
Leon Stone of North Prescott, pla-jing
baseball this afternoon for New Salem,
was badly injured by being hit by a batted
hail in the right eye while sitting near the
batter. He was attended by Dr Perrv
Marshall of New Salem. r J*he morning
ball game between New Salem and Lev
erett after many disputes, was finally won
by New Salem, 9 to 7.
Among the people present from out of
town were, Dr M. L. Chamberlain ofßev.
erly, Walter Eaton of New York city
Frank Brooks and family of Hartford, Ct.’
George Porter and family of Chicago,’ HIJ
Mrs W. E. Piper of North Dana,’ Mrs
Emma Fuller of Belchertown. Eliza M
Haskins of Amherst. F. L. Morrison of
Leverett. Miss Mary Sibley of Worcester
Mr and Mrs G. R. Paige'of Athol, Miss
(~ C. Douglass of Greenwich. Mrs N C
Knight of Abington. Miss Winifred Robin
son of Springfield. Mrs M. R. Sturtevant
of St Louis, Mo., Mrs G. B. Fales of
Troy, X. Y., Miss Mary Fales of Troy X
Y., Mr and Mrs O. T. Brooks. Hubbard
Brooks and Ralph O. Brooks, Mr and Mrs
J C. Hill and Mr and Mrs W. I, Hill of
Athol. Mr and Mrs D. F. Carpenter of
Littleton, X. H„ Mr and Mrs Warren I).
l<ee of Athol. Mrs T/ri* Haskell of Or
ange, M. R. Sturtevant of St Louis, Mo,
Inura A. King of Montague, F. W. Pow
ers of Weston, 11. W. Beecher of Orange
burg, S. C., W. R Larkin of Waverly
Mae B. Pcckham. Spellman seminary’
Atlanta. Ga., Mrs Eliza T, Shaw of Wor
cester. Almond Smith of Athol, Miss Mnrv
Piednhie of Athol, John Swan and Joseph
Barborino of Athol.
The new officers elected for 1011 were;
President. Willis E. Sibley of Worcester;
vice-president, W. H. Hemenwn.v of Shutes
bury; secretary and treasurer, E. F
Stowell of New Salem; committee of nr.
rangements. R. E. Stmvell. Frank Cogs
well, H. W. Fay, W. A. Spooner, 11. D
Freeman. John Marshall, Mrs Harriett P
Bullard. Mrs Leon 0, Cogswell, Mrs Leon
Grace H. Whitaker. Miss
Helen Hanaon, Miss Ruth P, Ballard;
editor of Reunion Banner. Miss A. Fran
ces Ballard.
Among those called upon for short
speeches were J .A. Shaw of Worcester, a
j former principal of the academy; Prin
, cipal J. A. Cl)yds of New Salem. Willard
Putnam of New Salem, M. R. Sturtevant
of St Louis. Me., 0. T. Brooks of Athol
I and several others. Principal Childs stat
! cd that the new hooks containing the com
ing year's courses of study will be issued
in a short time. .T. A. Shaw told of the
days he was in charge of the academy
ami gave reminiscences. Willard Put
man. chairman of the school board, told
some plans for the future. It was said
during the day that probably the history
of the academy would be printed within
a year or two. The attendance at the
bight of the day was about 500, which is
the usual minion number.
It was voted that a committee of three,
consisting of Eugenp Bullard, Willard
Putnam and Daniel Ballard, all of New
Salem, should have charge of the prep
aration and issue of the history of New
Salem aerfriemy. Other speakers were
Rev A. V. House of Worcester, formerly
of New Salem, and Superintendent of
Schools C. L. Clay of North Dana. The
afternoon ball game between New Salem
and Leverett was won by New Salem, 11
to 4.
THE 34th REGIMENT REUNION.
BUST OF COL WELLS UNVEILED.
Interesting: Gathering: at Greenfield—
Address by Cnpt Goodrich of Fitch
burg.
The survivors of the 34th Massachusetts
regiment Thursday afternoon at their an
nual reunion unveiled a bust of their hero
colonel, George Duncan Wells, beside his
grave in the peaceful Green River ceme-
v .,‘ ; ]
BUST OF COL GEORGE D. WELLS.
[Who commanded 34th Massachusetts regi
ment.]
tery at Greenfield. The bust, which is of
bronze, is the Work of Richard H. Reecliia
of Boston and was presented by Sergeant
E. B. Smith of Westfield. It is to be tak
en to Winchester, Ta., and a duplicate
will be set up beside the grave of Col
Wells at Greenfield. Cap* .George E.
Goodrich Of Fitchburg made the .address
of the day, the unveiling of
the , bust at the.. OejjjiajArjV. The exercises
at,the grave .were oitdtfeft/by Bev William
R. Stocking nf Willtamstown. who' offered
prayer. Mr and. Hutchins
of Deerfield gave a ’ cornet duet, ‘‘Flee as
a Bird.” " /
G. W. Corey of ..Bouthbridge made the
presentation speech, which was largely
reminiscent of Col Wells. Mr Corey spoke
of the desire of Sergeant Smith to do some
thing to commemorate the leader who had
made them ail not’ only better soldiers,
but better citizens. At the conclusion of
the presentation speech the silk flag that
up to that time had hidden the bust was
removed and the afternoon sun, falling
through the quiet branches of the grove,
lighted the nohle countenance with its
flowing hair and beard. A. B. Fay of
North boro, president of the association,
accepted the bust on behnlf of the reg’l
rnent in a gracious speech. Dr Charles
C. Foster of Cambridge, surgeon-general
of the state militia and a nephew of the
colonel, rend a short account of the life
of his illustrious uncle. The exercises
were concluded by the singing of “Amer
ica,” with cornet accompaniment by Mr
and Mrs Hutchins,
A Tribute to Col Wells.
The address by Capt George E. Good
rich of Fitchburg, which was a tribute
to the character of Col Wells, follows in
full:—
The 34th regiment, Massachusetts vol
unteers, organized in Worcester in August,
1362, and on the loth of that month left
for the front, arriving at Washington, I).
C., two days afterward. We were fortu
nate in having for a commander of this
regiment Col George D. Wells formerly
of Greenfield, but more recently of Bos
ton. nnd who bad just been assigned to us
from the Ist Massachusetts regiment iu
which he had been its iieutenant-colonei
from date of its organization in May, 1861,
and had seen much hard service and fought
with them in many hard-fought battles
in the early part of the war before join
ing us. Col George D. Wells enjoyed the
distinction of being thorough in his knowl
edge of the duties of his position and be
ing also a very, strict disciplinarian; it
was but a few months before he had his
regiment in a most thorough state of effi
ciency and well prepared for the series of
battles and campaigns which in its future
made it so famous as one of the best of
fighting regiments. It is numbered among
the 300 of the 3200 regiments of the
Union army who lost 10 per cent or more
of their entire number in killed or died
of wounds on the battlefield and was often
mentioned by officers high in rank and au
thority at inspections, reviews and pa
rades. as being the most perfect in its
movements, its dress and general appear
ance of any regiment they ever hail seen.
During much of the time in the latter part
of 1802 nnd spring of 1864 Col Wells was
absent from the immediate command of
Jhe regiment, being detailed as command
er of the post or of brignde or on court
martial duty. On being relieved of these
special duties in April, 1864, and again
assuming command of the regiment he is
sued a special order, which read as fol
lows:—
Headquarters 34th Massachusetts Infantry,
April 25, lho4. Special order No 40.
The colonel upon returning to Ih* regi
ment congratulates It and himself upon the
able and efficient manner In which it has
been rommandeij during his nhsence, nnd the
faithful devotion to duty of Its officers, and
the admirable conduct of the men It has
been his chief happiness to see It growing In
grace arid good works, and winning golden
opinions In every quarter. He does not quite
know vet whether It is the best regiment In
the Fnited Stares servlee, but he does know
that It shall he. By order of George D
Wells, colonel, 34th Massachusetts Infantry!
A C. Walker, acting, adjutant.
The battle of Newmarket was fought
May 15. 1864, under Gen Slgel. Tho 34th
under the immediate command of our
colonel here fought its most disastrous
engagement during its term of service Ouf
loss was very heavy, over 200 in killed
and wounded. Among the killed was
t apt William E. Bacon of Worcester, a
young officer of, 21 jesrs. who during the
fight showed great heroism. He was a
great favorite of Col Wells, tlje battle
was a defeat for our forces, but we did
not run. On the retreat, we kept in line
of battle always, ever and anon halting,
I turning, about and giving them just “one
I more shot.” A few days after the battle
) the colonel formed us into a hollow square
! and made remarks concerning our recent
j defeat. He alluded to the splendid work
; of our regiment, our formations, advance
and retreat, our perfect work all through
the day and said: “You can now under
stand what it was all for, the long, hard
drills and practice marches which I used
to exact of you. It made you soldiers;
just what you proved yourselves to be the
other day.' Then, touching upon the sad
ness of the loss of so many of our gallant
young comrades, as he spoke the name of
that fearless young officer previously al
luded to (Capt William E. Bacon), he,
too, like many others of 11s who were al
ready brought to tears, gave way in this
grief, and wept like a child. We now
witnessed the tenderness of the heart of
our beloved commander.
At the battle of the Opeonan (or Win
rhester sometimes it is called) the 34th
regiment were heavily engaged and lost
108 men in killed and wounded. Col
Wells was in command of his brigade then
and thereafter, and in making his report
to the adjutant-general of the state, says:
“The officers and men of the different
commands behaved magnificently. I desire
to call special attention to the gallant
conduct of Maj Pratt and his regiment in
the last charge. 1 have to regret the
death of Capt George W. Thompson of
Co 0, for a long time commanding the
34th regiment and a most valuable and
gallant officer. ’
The battle of Fisher's Hill, to which
place the enemy had retreated, was fought
September 22.' and was another glorious
victory for the Union side. Our regiment
was again under the command of Maj
Pratt and the battle was won by the same
means as at the Opequan three days be
fore—by gaining their left flank before be
ing discovered. Co! Wells, commending
the brigade in his report, says: “I cannot
speak too highly of the extreme gallantry
of the officers and men of the brigade. So
far as this brigade is concerned. I feel that
the success is due more than in any other
battle I know of to the individual heroism
of the men in the ranks." The field was so
vast and the confusion so great that the
officers could do little but encourage their
men and set them examples of energetic
courage. An accident which happened after
the day’s work was done threw a gloom
over the entire corps of which the 34th
formed a part. As the officers gathered to
exchanged congratulations upon the success
of the day, a stack of arms on the line of
the sth New Fork artillery from some un
known cause fell, causing one musket to be
discharged, the ball from which st**tok Maj
H. W. Pratt, commanding the 34th Mas
sachusetts, passing through both of his legs
just below the knees and causing his death
two days afterward. Thus the service lost
a gallant and tried officer and the command
a bold leader and steadfast friend, of whom
Col Wells writes. “I do not review a more
gallant or efficient officer.”
After the death of Maj Pratt, Capt An
drew Potter assumed command of the regi
ment. and he detailed First I.ient Goodrich
as his acting adjutant. Aft#* the march
up the valley to Harrisburg, V'a., September
23 to 25, and the return march beginning
October 6 to near Strasburg, Va., our
forces were soon encamped on the north
side of Cedar creek. Here on the 13th day
of October, 1864, at just the dinner hour,
12 o'clock, the camp was surprised by a
shot from the enemy, the same striking near
the spot where Co! Wells and his staff were
at their dinner. A second shot from the
same direction and to the same place caused
a hasty exit from that location. Instantly
the order was given by Col Wells to his
brigade to fall in, which they promptly did.
The officer commanding the division caused
the assembly to be sounded, and without
delay the Ist brigade (ours) and the 2d
brigade (Col Harris) were ordered to move
out and ascertain the strength of the enemy,
whose fire was from a point of about lik
miles distance from our camp. The enemy
were posted on an eminence between Cedar
creek and Strasburg, Va. To all appear
ances only a couple of batteries and a light
force of infantry in support were there. But
their forces were partly screened from view
by a piece of woods on our right. Our
brigade was finally brought up in line be
hind a stone wall, the cover of which afford
ed ns some protection. The brigade on our
right was screened from our view by the
piece of wood.
After we had been in conflict what seemed
quite a long time, the commander of the
division, from his position in the rear,
seemed satisfied that the enemy were in
strong force and sent an officer to each
brigade commander, ordering him to retire.
The officer sent to Col Harris delivered his
message and he safely drew off his brigade.
The officer sent to Col Wells to have him
retire never reached him. and we continued
on with our firing till long after Col Harris
on our right had retired. It seems that the
enemy noticed the apparent confusion in
our. forces, and at once sent in a strong
force on our right in the place that we sup
posed was still occupied by Col Harris's
brigade, and made an attack upon the right
of the regiment. Capt Willard and Capt
Elwell, commanding our two right flank
companies, immediately swung around the
three right companies to meet this new at
tack, and Col Wells, then near the left of
our regiment, noticing the confusion on our
right, galloped rapidly to that point to
ascertain the cause. Perceiving the situa
tion, he turhed his horse and started down
the line to give some order, when he was
struck with a rebel bullet that gave him a
mortal wound. Swaying in his saddle, he
approached the center of his regiment, and
sliding from his horse into the arms of the
acting adjutant and others, was laid upon
the ground. We tried to have him he lifted
into his saddle aieiain and be led off the field,
but he only replied: “It is no use, gentle
men ; I cannot. Save yourselves. Retire!
Retire!”
The acting adjutant took from his person
his watch and money, which were thereby
saved from the grasp of the rebel soldiery,
who soon had Mm in charge. The horse the
colonel rode during the hattle was ridden
off the field by the acting adjutant. The col
onel survived but a very short time after
being wounded. A flag of truce was sent
into the enemy’s line the next day for the
body of Col Wells, which, being given up,
was brought into camp and with none but
necessary delay was sent forward to his
family in Massachusetts under the charge
of Lieuts Macomher and Ripley.
In making his report upon this engage
ment, Maj Potter, commanding the regi
ment, speaks of Col Wells as follows: “Thus
fell one of the ablest officers in the service
at a time when the honor he so long de
served was about to be bestowed upon him.
His name will not be forgotten when Mas
sachusetts shall have occasion to recount
her costly sacrifices and the deeds of her
brave sons." We had learned to love our
colonel because of his ability as a com
mander and his bravery on the field of bat
tle, inspiring us with the confidence and
courage that marie him proud of the regi
ment. The death of Col George I). Wells
was a sad blow to the men under his com
mand. Maj Potter was made lieutenant
colonel of the regiment, and William S. Lin
coln promoted to colonel, in place of Col
Wells, killed October 13. 1864, and ably
commanded the regiment until after the
surrender of Gen Lee and until Col Lincoln
assumed command, April 26, 1865. at Rich
mond, Va. Our muster-out rolls were made
out to date June 18, 18(35, and on that date
we left Richmond for home, arriving at
Readville, Mass., June 19, 1865, where we
were furloughed to go to our homes, to re
main until such time as we could he called
together to receive our final discharge and
pay, which took place at Readville, July
h, 1865. Then the 34th regiment passed
into history.
In the words of Col Lincoln: “It re
mained that only the white flag of the state
entrusted to our keeping should be returned
to the executive of the commonwealth. Its
tattered remnants were endeared to us by
the sad but glorious memories of New Mar
ket and Piedmont and Lynchburg, of Win
chester and Fishers Hill, Stlckley Farm
and Cedar Creek, of Hatch’s Run nnd Fort
Gregg, of High Bridge and Appomattox
( ourt House. It was sanctified to us hy
the blood of Rgcon and 8. F. Woods, Walk
er. ®pd Thompson, Pratt and Dempsy,
Charles I. Woods and Wells, and all the
other heroic dead of the command. Unsul
lied ss when flint committed to our keeping.
it was given to the honored hands-pf him
from whom we received it."
Reception and Election of Officers.
After the exercises at the cemetery
there was a reception at the Mansion
house, at which the late colonel’s sister
shook the hand of each of the comrades.
She was assisted in receiving by Dr Fos
ter. The ont-of-town members of the
regimental association were met at the
Greenfield station yesterday morning by
the local committee nnd a drum crops
and escorted by them to the Grand Army
headquarters. President Fay presided at
the business meeting which followed.
Prayer was offered hy the chaplain. Rev
Mr Stocking and Secretary .7. G. Allbe of
Springfield read tile records. A noni
mating committee brought in the follow
ing list of officers which was chosen for
the coming year: President, Henry El
liot of Brooklyn, N. Y.; vice-presidents,
H. H. Clark of Springfield and ,T. H.
Lombard of West Brookfield; secretary,
.7. G. Allbe of Springfield: chaplain. Rev
W. R. Stocking of Williamstown: ex
ecutive committee, P. S. Hatfield, P. J.
Matthews and John Moore, ail of Spring,-
field; trustees. C. A. Porter of Windsor
Locks, Ct.. H. H. Clark of Springfield,
Dexter Bingham of Westboro, P. S. Hat
field of Springfield. O. W. Prouty of Had
ley. H. Hitchcock of Brimfield, Alfred
Dibble of Westfield. G. W. Corey of
Southbridge, George Bliss of West War
ren, and Dwigiht Cleveland of Baldwin
ville. It was voted to hold the next an
nual reunion in Springfield and the 50th
anniversary of the forming of the regi
ment, which comes two years from now,
at Worcester.
Subscriptions were solicited for a perma
nent monument to be greeted at Winchester
to commemorate the 34th regiment. To
ward this fund Dr J. R. Fairbanks of Am
sterdam. N. Y.. gave SBO. and other sums
were contributed. Arthur Storrs of Worces
ter and Rev Mr Stocking were appointed to
draw up resolutions on the death of Cephas
Walker, late of Worcester, who was for
merly president of the association. The
bust was set up at the Grand Army head
quarters during the evening, in order that
it might be viewed by the comrades and
friends before being sent to Virginia, where
>t. will be placed near the scene of Col
Wells's last battle. When the 34th memo
rial is erected, it is planned to have the
bust incorporated iu it.
The attendance Thursday was about 100.
T. J. Bancroft of Redfiekl, S. D., the last
man to leave the field at Cedar creek, was
present yesterday, having come on from his
home in the West for the regimental re
union.
49TH REGIMENT AT ADAMS.
Forty-Third Annual Hen igloo—Elec
tion of Officers—To Meet Next in
Cheshire.
The 43d annual reunion of the 49th
Massachusetts infantry was held Thursday
in Adams. It was 27 years ago that this
regiment first gathered at Adams, and
yesterday there were 75 or more members
present with their wives. Before the
business meeting there was a general re
ception in the town hail, at which several
of the veterans of George E. Sayles Grand
Army post of Adanjs assisted in the re
ceiving. Robert B. Harvey of North Ad
ams, president of the association, called
the meeting to order. Routine business
was transacted, after which there was
a roll-call of members who have died dur
ing the year or whose death had not pre
viously been reported.
The invitation of Albert Farnam of
Cheshire to hold the next reunion in that
town was unanimously accepted. The fol
lowing officers were elected: President, Al
bert S. Farnam of Cheshire: first vice
president, William L. Cranston of Pitts
field; second vice-president, Charles H.
Wells of Hancock; third vice-president.
John Stevens of Berkshire; secretary and
treasurer. James Kittle. Mr Kittle has
served for 37 years consecutively, and
was given a rising vote of thanks for
his service. The following companies re
ported members present as follows: Co
A. 8; Co B, 19: Co C, 5: Co D, 4; Co
E, 6; Co F, 4; Co G, 15 (more than half
of the number living); Co H, 1; Co I, 6;
Co K, 8.
After the election of officers dinner was
served in the Memorial building, after
which the afternoon session was resumed.
There were addresses by ex-Senator Thom
as F. Cassidy of Adams, President Rob
ery Harvey of North Adams, Senator Al
len 11. Treadway of Stockbridge, Pelton
B. Miller of Pittsfield, Capt David Rem
ington of Springfield, and several others.
The afternoon session closed soon after 4
o'clock.
TRIENNIAL AT BERNARDSTON.
Over 300 Power* Academy Alnmnl At
tend Reunion.
Over 300 graduates and former students
and teachers of Powers institute attended
the triennial reunion of the school at Ber
nardston last week Wednesday. The re
union was held in Bernardston town hall,
where a dinner was served by the women
of the Unitarian church. The afternoon
was largely given up to informal speaking
by the visitors. The election of officers
was held at the business meeting in the
fotenoon. The results were as follows:
President, E. A. Newcomb of Greenfield;
treasurer, 11. A. Slate of Bernardston;
corresponding secretary. Miss Edith Bar
ber of Bernardston; vice-presidents, C. E.
Ward of Buokland, Harry Franklin’ of Am
herst and F. H. Brown of Greenfield; ex
ecutive committee, Mrs Harry Perry
of Topeka, Kan., Mrs Lucy Cutler
Kellogg nnd 1. B. Snow UT Green
field, Frank Hills and L. Dwight Slate
of Bernardston. The morning session
was opened at 11 o'clock by Mr Newcomb.
The salutatory address xvas delivered by
H. B. Hale of Bernardston, and Thomas
Allen of Montague, formerly principal of
tlic institute, sang. There were addresses
also by Mrs Lucy Cutler Kellogg of Green
field and Miss E. C. Jenness of Harpers
Ferry, Va. Miss Jenness was a former
teacher at Powers from 1872 to 1879,
and is now teaching in the college at
Harpers Ferry. A list of former mem
bers of the academy who have died since
th° last triennial reunion was read by
Sirs H. 1,. Crowell.
After the dinner, which was served on
the lower floor of the town hall, there was
speaking hy the former pupils at the
school. Charles E. Ward of Buckland
gave an address, which was followed by
remarks of a less formal nature. Others
who attended were F. S. Brick of May
nard, principal of the institute from 1892
to 1896. Mr and Mrs Lueien Coy of Ches
ter, Mrs N. 3. Cutler of Greenfield. Mrs
Mary Weissbrod of Greenfield, Miss Mary
Woodford of Plainfield, H. C. Chapin of
Florence, Mr and Mrs J. B. Whitmore of
Holyoke, Mr and Mrs Charles Denning
of Hartford, Mrs Sarah McLeod of Am
herst. E. H. Cottingham of the university
of Wisconsin, and George Ward Cook of
Best on.
The number of former pupils who have
died during the past three years is 37.
Among the number are Dr J. B. Laidley of
Conway, Dr J. B. Lamed of Northampton,
A. J. Hamilton of Athol, U. T. Darling of
Leyden, R. N. Oakman, Jr., of New York,
Mrs Kate Newton Wiley of Omnhn, Neb-
Dr H. E. Packer of Greenfield, Marshall
Reed of Vernon, Vt., and Miss Martha An
drews of Shelburne. The 12th triennial re
union will he held in 1913.
The French academy of sciences re
ceived recently a communication from the
astronomer, M. E. Ksclaugon, discussing
whether the earth really did pass through
the tail of Halley's comet May 19. Ills
conclusion is that there was contact only
with the extreme lower part of the
“queue,”
NEWS OF SCHOOL AND COLLEGE.
N. W. HARRIS’S NEW OFFER,
Of Aid so Becket toons Men and
Women In Scouring on Education.
An important announcement is made to
the young people of Becket through the
following letter received by the local
school board from N\ \Y. Harris of Chi
cago:—
chairman. H. it. Mollneux.Esq.,
hsq., School Committee of the
7 own Of Becket. Mass.
through your honor
-17 iara J to withdraw my letter of February
; a " rl the amendments thereto, and
<« b *K tute therefor this following offer of aid
t?,t“ e , young men and women of Becket in
obtaining a liberal education for a term of
i «i»^ ears * commencing September 1, 1910.
i contribute for each School term in ad
vanee the sum of $5 per week to each voung
nar?va°A+ S ol £. an ™’ ho ls a resident and a
nnl ? ecket ’ Mrss., and who resides over
nnS 2 ihe railway statlons.of Becket
SSJL Middlefleld, while in attendance at the
i r 001 at Westfield, Springfield, Pitts-
Exeter V’ ' he Phillips fcxetfr academy at
xinm.fi’Ti ' Mount Herraon hoys school,
sh» U m»m? r , moa ’ Mass - provided that he or
cent do Ho llll a 1 average of at least 80 per
Itii. ea ch term of said schools, aud
, attor - v ar >d creditable deportment,
each ~ a See ““tribute toward the expense of
or (he ß ; ' e rosldent young man and woman
Becket the sum of $3 per
WOHamV' u attending college at Amherst,
~Vi' Harvard. Yale scientific, Northern
“ty. Evanston, 111., any state univer
scbooi of te Dormal school; the Boston high
sfitnfo or commerce; the Massachusetts In*
" , technology, the Massachusetts agri-
F s T' trailp , schoo! at Worcester,
Eastman business school at Poughkeepsie
eon‘‘-P’ M <™»t Holyoke college, Wei
lesley ctdlege, or Vassar college, for any part
ne, f o°MH ß ,l. eo ““ enclnK September ll mi>,
payable at the oomineneemeut of each term,
providing that the student shall make a sat
°r her 9turties an ' l
an'? SUV.I&To ‘a 6 st^FulTa^
It being my native town. Please see that
proper notice Is kept posted In all of vouf
school-houses. Thanking you for your kind
attention, I am. yours respectfully,
N. W. Harris.
DR ALEY FOR MAINE PRESIDENCY,
Well-Known Indiana Authority- oit
Mathematics Invited to Succeed Di
Fellows.
The presidency of the university of
Maine was tendered to Dr Robert Judson
Aley of Indianapolis, state superintendent
of instruction, by vote of the trustees at a
special meeting in Portland, Me., Satur
day. The resignation of President George
Emery Fellows, tendered, last June, goes
into effect September 1. Mr Aley is an
authority on geometry, algebra and mathe
matics in general. He was born in Coal
City, Ind., in 1863, and was educated at
Valparaiso college and Indiana university
From 1888 to 187)1 he was professor o i
mathematics at Indiana university He
was on the faculty of Lelnnd Stanford,
Jr., university from 1894 to 1895, and has
been editor-in-chief of an educational pub
lication. He is the author of a number
of bocks.
ROCKVILLE WANTS COLLEGE.
Resident Offers Site for Proposed
Women’s Institution.
A site for the proposed women’s collego
in Connecticut has been offered by a Rock- 1
ville resident through the business men's
association. The benefactor desires that
his name and the site be kept a secret to
be revealed only in the event of its ac
ceptance. The site is within the city lim
its. is high, dry and healthful and has
many attractive advantages. The board
of directors of the business men's asso
ciation has empowered H. C. Smith, the
president, nnd Secretary William A. How
ell to tender the site to the wojnen wlio
have the movement in hand for founding
the college. Hartford, Meriden,.. Berlin.
Wiilimantic and other places Tta’ve offered
sites. All offers of sites must' be hand
ed in by September 1.
CHOOSING SCHOOL OFFICIALS.
To the Editor of The Republican}--
The writer, a school official of a noth e«
state, sojourning near this city, had an
opportunity to observe intimately the man
ner in which school superintendents were
chosen iu four eastern Massachusetts cit
ies in the past four weeks. There were
many applicants for each place, as al! were
desirable positions. In each case the final
choice was made on the merits of the few
men to whom the fields were narrowed, as
the judgment of the board members dic
tated. with no intimation of politics or oth
er influences that frequently enter into
such a decision. It furthermore appeared
to all who had a chance to know the facts
that there was no suggestion as to the fu
ture course of the men wli'p were select
ed. The facts are a commentary on an
excellent tendency in school affairs in
Massachusetts.
In three of these cities there are five
members on the board and in the otheg
nine members, most of them being lead
ing business and professional men of their
communities. There is a sharp contrast
between the mode of action in these cities
anfl that in a Rhode, Island city a few
months ago. when pot only politics and
personal motives of members and candi
dates figured, but influences of book pub
lishing bouses were pro a-merit x.
Springfield, Augu.it .18, 1810.
VISIT HARVARD AND WELLESLEY,
Antronomtenl mid Amtrophynica]
Society In Session at Cambridge.
President Lowell of Harvard attended
Thursday a meeting of the astronomical
and astrophysics! society of America,
which has brought to Cambridge nearly
100 of the foremost astronomers and astro
physicists of America and Europe. Tiro
scientists inspected the equipment of the
Harvard astronomical observatory, after
which they journeyed to Wellesley and
visited the Wellesley college observatory.
At the morning session the Halley's comet
committee reported that many observa
tions bad been made in different parts of
the world, but that without a consider
able expenditure of money the records
were not in such form'ns to give conclu
sive evidence. The question of expending
more money on the completion of the rec
ords was taken under advisement. Nom
inations for tiie ensuing year were made
Thursday and voted for Friday as
follows; President. Edward C. Pick
ering. E. B. Frost; first viee-presl
dent. G. O. Comstock. E. B. Frost: sec
ond vice-president, W. W. Campbell, E.
B. Frost, W. J, Humphreys: treasurer,
C. 1,. Doolittle, Frank Schleisinger.
The PMlroties* of lngletldr - Sehnol.
Mrs Sarah Sanford, widow of William
Dimon Black, whose death, the 13th. at
'Cowes. Isle of Wight, England, lias been
briefly noted, was chiefly dear to the town of
New Milford, Ct., for her benefactions iu
connection with ingleside school. AH Saints’
Episcopal church in New Milford was
built by Mrs Black's parents f w her
school and is used by the stndents of the
school. Mrs Black was born in Now Mil
ford nearly 70 years ago, daughter of
Judge and Mrs David 0. Sanford. Her
husband was formerly a member of the
firm of Ball, Black .V Co of Now York.
After his death in 1889 she founded in
1892 the girls’ school ns a memorial to
his public spirit and Itis desire to fur
ther the improvement of New Milford
The school has about 100 students and
numbers among its alumnae women of this
city nnd vicinity. The wonderful per
sonality and beautiful enthusiasm of its
patroness have given the school a wide
popularity through a considerable section
of the country.
The Amazon valley. Brazil, in one vear
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