Reviews, Notes and Comments 547
Senator Fess then delivered an eloquent
address on
the origin and achievements of the
government of the
United States. He paid a glowing
tribute to the Revo-
lutionary fathers and the framers of
our institutions.
This he followed with a survey of the
progress under
our republican form of government. His
address was
received with frequent applause by the
attentive and
appreciative audience.
Mr. Henry Williams recited the famous
message
of Logan to Lord Dunmore. Mrs. Orson D.
Dryer
spoke briefly and effectively paying a
fine tribute to the
Indian chieftain Cornstalk whose
village was within
sight of the Logan Elm.
Two poems, one by Mrs. Rachel E. Hughes
and one
by Colonel W. L. Curry, were read. They
are as
follows:
OUR PATRIOT FOREFATHERS
BY COLONEL W. L. CURRY
Today around this Logan Elm,
With wonted zeal burn Freedom's fires;
Today we crown anew the sword
And musket of our patriot sires;
And down Time's vistas seems to come,
Clear and distinct, from far away,
The long, shrill roll of Freedom's drum,
Which eager beats the battle fray.
And as the mists of Time dissolve,
We catch the glint of blade and gun,
Which did a burning question solve
Upon the sward of Lexington;
Ah, from the dim, heroic past,
Replete with actions of renown,
We hear the murmurings of the blast
Which tore a jewel from a crown.