History of Saginaw county, Michigan; together with ... portraits ... and biographies ... History of Michigan ...

340

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

Tile singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner," with an additional
stanza ly Mr. Warrie, was one of the happiest efforts of a great
multitude in tile musical world. All seemed so imbued with the
spirit of the time that each one present took a part in the rendition
of this magnificent national hymn. To the original four verses a
fifth verse was written for this occasion, as follows:
And now, though its honor is shrouded in gloom,
And its stripes with the blood of its brave sons are tarnished.
Yet the traitors shall meet with a merited doom
And the flag of our country with victory be garnished
'Neath the folds then repair, as they wave to the air,
And show to the world that its stars are all there,
And the star-spangled banner shall evermore wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Rev. A. M. Fitch said he was on the right side of the question;
he never read a word or sentence against the Government and there
is not a single reason why he should not now step forward and
vindicate the justice of our cause, even at the sacrifice of blood.
He had heard the tales of the Revolution, and he believed there
was now the same incentive to action as there was then. The man
who would not defend the honor of his country should not receive
the smile of a single woman. The wives and children shall be
cared for while the soldiers are following their country's battles.
Dr. H. H. C. Driggs offered his services as surgeon to the troops
during the war, and a resolution of conditional acceptance was
passed. B. M. Thompson, Harvey Joslin, Hon. John F. Driggs,
Benlj. F. Fisher, Hiram L. Miller and A. A. Parsons addressed the
meeting, each dwelling on the responsibility of citizens. their
duties to the Republic and to human liberty. W. L. Webber,
chairman of a committee on resolutions appointed immediately
after tile organization of the meeting, read the following series:
WVIIFFREAS, Our country is now distracted by civil war, which has been commenced by rebels in arms against the Government, and we, the people of Saginaw
and county, without d stinction of party, have convened for the purpose of expressing our views in relation to the awful calamity impending over the nation; therefore,
Resolced, That political divisions among the people are solely with reference to
the policy by which the Government should shape its action, and arc entirely consistent with united devotion to the Government itself.
Resolced, That we regard the doctrine of secession, claimed by certain citizens
of the United States to exist, as a dangerous heresy, and as being no other or better
than revolution (rebellion) against the Government.
Resolved, That in our judgment, ignoring past difference oh political questions,
it is the duty of every citizen to give his support to the Government of the country, with such united firmness and loyalty as to show to the world that we are
wcrthy citizens of the "best government the world has ever known."
Resolved, That we duly appreciate the soldier-like promptness with which the
various military companies of the Valley have responded to the call of our Governor, and that we hereby pledge our honor as men to sustain the families of
such as go forth to maintain the flag of our country.
Resolved, That the Common Council of East Saginaw be requested to appropriate $2,000 for the support of the famiiies of those of this city who shall volunteer in
their country's service.