I am quite used to having my speeches punctuated by steam-whistles. I am sure that you realize here in a large degree the benefit of a policy that keeps the American market for the American workmen. [Cries of "Good!" and applause.] I try to be broadly philanthropic in my thoughts about the human race, but cannot help thinking that an American workman has a stronger claim on my sympathy and help than any other workman. [Applause.]
I believe that our institutions are only safe while we have intelligent and contented working classes. I would adopt constitutional methods—any administrative method—that would preserve this country from the condition into which some others have unfortunately fallen, where a hard day's work does not bring sustenance for the workman and his family. [Applause.] I would be glad if there were not a home in Troy—not a home in the United States of America—where there was not plenty for man and wife and child; where there was not only sustenance, but a margin of saving that might make the old age of the husband and wife and the life of the children easier than this generation has been. [Cheers.]
[BENNINGTON, VERMONT, AUGUST 19.]
Dedication of the Battle Monument.
President Harrison and his party reached North Bennington at 8 o'clock on the night of the eighteenth. He was met by the following Committee of Reception on the part of the city of Bennington: Gen. J. G. McCullough, M. S. Colburn, J. V. Carney, S. B. Hall, and A. P. Childs; also, Dr. William Seward Webb, and Col. Geo. W. Hooker, representing the State Entertainment Committee. As the President appeared he was greeted with rousing cheers by the large crowd and escorted to the residence of General McCullough, whose guest he was.
The following morning the distinguished visitors reviewed the grand parade in honor of the centenary of the admission of Vermont into the Union and the dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument. Col. W. Seward Webb, President-General of the Sons of the American Revolution, accompanied by a mounted Grand Army Post, escorted President Harrison to the Soldiers' Home, where Gov. Carroll S. Page and all the living ex-Governors of Vermont greeted him. The presidential party to review the parade consisted of sixty guests of the State, and included Secretary of War Proctor, Attorney-General Miller, Gen. O. O. Howard, Governor Russell, of Massachusetts; Governor Tuttle, of New Hampshire; Senator Henry L. Dawes and ex-Gov. A. H. Rice, of Massachusetts; Senators Edmunds and Morrill; Senators Wm. E. Chandler and J. H. Gallinger, of New Hampshire; Congressmen Grout and Powers; Adjutant-General Ayling and Hon. John King, of New York.
The parade was the most brilliant and imposing ever seen in the State. A feature of the decorations was a magnificent triumphal arch, the turrets and embrasures of which were filled with young maidens clad in brilliant colors, while on the top of the arch were 125 little girls dressed in white, with flowing hair, singing patriotic songs. In the loftiest turret was a gorgeous throne of gold, occupied by Miss Lillie Adams, personating the Goddess of Liberty.
After the review the presidential party was escorted to the grand stand at the monument, where 15,000 people assembled.