The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1873-06-27


the duty Of carrying out the general objects
Of the meeting until formally relieved by
the duly elected officers OF the proposed as
sociation, and in the performance Of the
part assigned them, the committee earnestly
solicit the cooperation of all who are in
terested in the objects sought to be gained.
They respectfully submit the following ad.
dress
ESS.
COMRADES: 1t is in no spirit of vain
glory that we at this time revert to the
heroic achievements of that memorable
epoch in the history Of our country when
an army Of regulars and volunteers, insignif-
cant in numbers, penetrated to the heart of
a populous country with which we are
now happily at peace) nation skilled in
the arts Of war by oft-repeated revolutions,
and after series of brilliant engagements,
in not one Of which was our flag sullied by
defeat, dictated terms Of peace in their capi-
tai city, which resulted in the acquisition
by cur Government of the richest territory
on Gods footstool; elevating our nation at
once, and establishing it, we trust forever,
in the highest grade among the civilized no.
tions Of the earth. If it be true that the
value Of atree is estimated by its fruits, and
that great deeds are measured by their con-
sequences, the participants in that glorious
conflict Of arms may confidently leave to
impartial history, for the enlightenment Of
generations yet unborn, the bestowal Of a
just appreciation of their patriotic services.
But we feel warranted in alluding to these
services here, in the performance of the duty
assigned to us, in the hope of exciting an
honest enthusiasm and spirit OF fraternity
in the minds Of those who together risked
their lives in self denying Hardship and ex
posure to danger, and who ore now and have
been since the termination Of their military
service, wandering over the earth like the
lost tribes of Israel.
Your committee are hopefully impressed
with the belief that any form of organiza
tion which will attract our scattered com
rades into one body, however humble it
origin or imperfect in detail in its incipient
stages, will, il based on the broad principles
Of honesty and charity, develop strength
and efficiency and remain intact until tn
"tattoo" summons the last survivor TO hi
eternal rest.
l
1t will, we confidently hope, be the mean
Of reviving old friendships, Of collecting anC
preserving "reminiscences that would other
. wise be lost. and of transmitting to posteri
: tya "Roll Of Honor" of the names Of forme
. comrades who occupy neglected graves in
{ foreign land for from kindred and symps
thizing friends.
I In the proposed Association it is designe
! that the gallant officer whose genius an
. scholastic attainments enabled him to pls
, the brilliant movements of our army, O
) solve the intricate problems Of the foe, sha
8 meet on equal footing the duuntless privat
5 who perilled life aud limb in executing hi
t officers commands.
b The stiff formalities due to rank, howeve
!, essential in military life, are irksome, If nc
|, useless qualities in civic organization Ink
8 the one we propose to form, composed {
i minds now well matured by age and rehe'
# ton, and no man, we trust. will be deterre
o from cooperating with this Association !
its benevolent objects from apprehension
IS Of unjust distinctions based alone on formt
D. rank in the service Of the country.
y While your committee would not in th
o address assert principle calculated to d
IT tract from the well.earned fame Of individ
ais distinguished on special occasions, in Il
y performance of public duty where all we
ID ambitious for distinction, they would yet q
o. severate the solemn truth that the soldi
n who obeyed the lawful orders Of his superb
r, officer, whether such orders embrace Il
'g humble but necessary duty OF preparing
comrades daily food, or planting am
es death and danger the starry ensign of
10 country on the enemy's battlement
n whether pioneering through unbroken wilt
encountering hardship and privation,
ig Drawing the storms Of ocean amid sickne
it and disease, if he continued faithful to |
I'd trust until he obtained an honorable d
charge" from the service, he has wor
i'd priceless title to the respect and gratitude
N, his country; and he alone is unworthy
i'd our respect who would ignore the claim
n refuse through selfish motives to maintain
n in ell honorable ways.
ty Comrades, the lapse Of tweuty-seveu ye
TO- since the Mexican war began has sa'
nd thinned the ranks of the heroic band VIII
ht the. .lamented Commander-in-Chief declal
chad been baptized in fire and blood Q
err came forth STEEL" You may be separa
he from former messmates and companio