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

SPRINGFIELD, I636-1S86. 609
whom he used to reverence and love ; and here the heart will overflow with
emotions."
Gen. H. C. Dwight, of Hartford, said : —
I regret exceedingly that our honored Governor of the Commonwealth of Con-
necticut is not present to respond to your very complimentary toast to Connecti-
cut, the State he honors, serves, and loves so well. In his name and for this old
Commonwealth I thank you for your cordial greeting, your neighborly interest,
and kindly good-will. Connecticut heartily reciprocates them all. and congrat-
ulates the ancient town of Springfield, on this her anniversary day, on her
prosperity and success ; on what your city represents to-day, — enterprise,
energy, happiness, and wealth, — one of the many pleasant, bright, prosperous
cities of our sister Commonwealth of Massach'usetts.
Connecticut has now in her borders some of your former territory, and though
not naturally covetous, 'tis a pity when tlie line was drawn including Enfield,
Somers, and Suffield in Connecticut, it was not put far enough north to have
included your whole town. In fact, we could include the whole of Massachu-
setts, so kind is our regard and so great our love for you.
The same spirit was in your founders as in those of our beloved State, — the
spirit of liberty, of government by the people, of freedom of worship, of free
education, animated them, and the same spirit actuates them to-day. The people
of Massachusetts and Connecticut have the same characteristics,— those of energy,
industry, frugality, generosity, and inventive genius. The hum of their industries
is heard, the products of their skill are known around the world. In war both
have proved their valor through these two hundred and fifty years. In peace
both have gone hand in hand to the highest success ;
no bickering nor enmity has
been known, but as neighbors we have both gloried in the success of the other.
The white flag of Massachusetts and the blue flag of Connecticut are both com-
bined in the flag of our glorious, united country, each star shining as brilliantly
as when first placed in the flag of our Union ;
and so may they shine, made more
and more brilliant by the honor and righteousness of their people till the " perfect
day." The town and city of Springfield may well and gladly welcome home lier
children, wherever they may be. Happy those who have never wandered from
her pleasant firesides ;
happy those who have so pleasant a home to return to, wel-
comed by a happy, prosperous people, who have worked for, deserved, and
earned success. We of Connecticut come with good wishes, and strong, hearty
desire for your continued prosperity and success. May your future be in ways
of pleasantness ! As
in the past two hundred and fifty years, so in the future