Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

SPRINGFIELD, 1636-1SS6. 557
Judge Knoavlton. — The governor and his associate executive officers, bring-
ing the congratulations and representing the power and protection of tliis ancient
Commonwealth, our mother Springfield greets witli profound respect and defer-
ential loyalty. For our chief magistrate himself slie entertains a warmer feeling.
Since his home is in the family of one of her municipal daughters, she calls Jiiin
her son by adoption, and with parental pride claims a share in the distinguished
honor which he has won for himself and conferred upon his kindred. I present
you His Excellency the Governor.
Governor Robinson. — 3Ir. Preside/it, Felloiv-lnhahitants of Si^ringfield, and
all interested in the delights of the present occasion, — So gracious and cordial a
welcome as has been extended by the chief magistrate of the city can only be
met with the most grateful acceptance; and so, for so much as has been given to
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I do, witii the advice and consent of the
Executive Council, being present, here and now accept it all heartily. (Laugh-
ter.) It was a welcome that touched not alone the citizens of the present Spring-
field, but as well the residents in the numerous progeny of towns that started out
from the impulse of the first settlement and have grown and thriven almost be-
yond calculation or belief, and it reached even beyond these to the thousands
upon thousands, some of whom may have come back here to-day, and others,
who from distant homes are casting their hopes, and their thoughts, and their
aspirations, their longings and their loves, back here, to their home, and with you
are deeply sympathetic in the aspirations of tliis joyous occasion. And it goes
wider, I think, and it takes in the whole people of our beloved State, from one
boundarj' to the other.
How delightful, indeed, it is to gather with you at this anniversary of your
natal day. To run the thought back; to brighten in memory the evidences that
reach to the beginning of this settlement; to note the struggle and the contest,
the endurance and the patience, the fortitude and courage, that began this town
of Springfield ; to note the progress of your development ; to stand and waich as
generation after generation has come upon and passed from the stage, and now,
to-day, with prophetic eye, to look down into the future, and to imagine, as far
as we can, what it shall bring to this community, and what the fruitage sliall be
of the effort that we put forth in her behalf I One
may almost wonder, if tlie little
band of early settlers could witli mortal eye look in here to-day, what would be
their expression, and whether they would, after all, have so generous a welcome
for such an assemblage as the mayor has given. What if they were to look you
over in your dress ; look at you in your homes at these decorations consider
; ;
your follies and frivolities, your -waywardness and your wickedness and your