The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1875-05-20
VICE-PRESIDENT WILSON.
He Declines a Public Reception
at the Hands of Our
Citizens.
The Serenade and His Speech at
the Planters House, Last
Night.

Mr.. Wilson's coming was somewhat un.
expected to our citizens, and, although the
people were watching for his arrival some
time this week, they did not think he would
come alone and unattended as he did, and
consequently when he arrived in the city
yesterday morning, at 1880, there was no
one at the depot to receive him, and he
drove quietly to the Planters Hotel, where
he took up his quarters for the night.
When it became known that he was in the
city, large number of private citizens
called upon him at his rooms, where he
held an informal reception, it having been
previously announced that it was not his
wish to have any public demonstration.
During the forenoon he walked
around in company with one or
two friends, and called npon Col. Anthony
and Miss Susan 3. Anthony, at their resi-
dence on the North Explanade. Shortly
after, ex-senator Caldwell drove him about
the city in his carriage, and at noon he had
an audience at the hotel with Gen. Pope,
Gen. Miles, Gen. Robertson, Maj. Beard, The
officers of the Fort, and various citizens. In
the afternoon he drove to Fl. Leavenworth,
visiting the principal places of interest. A
salute of seventeen guns was fired in his
honor. In the evening he was serenaded
by the Fifth Infantry band, and in response
to repeated calls, appeared upon the west
ern balcony of the hotel, where he was in
troduced to the populace by Mayor Aber-
nathy. Mr.. Wilson spoke in substance as
fellows:
My FRIENDS / am exceedingly grateful
to you for this kind and fattering reception.
l am also glad to be in Kansas and in
Leavenworth once more for day, to stand
upon the historic ground where the first
great blow for the suppression Of slavery
was struck. 1t is eighteen years ago this
month since was here before. l rejoice to
see the evidences of such prosperity among
you. Kansas has been a bloody battle
ground, and previous to the beginning of
the great civil war, the eyes Of the entire
country were fixed upon her. The first
dark days of the rebellion, when
the struggle for freedom and right was
rending the country, followed by dark
er, bloodier days. have passed away. The
great system Of bondage has gone down to
rise no more. Now, in this free republic,
every citizen, no matter where born, of
what nationality, color or blood is equal
before the law, and stands upon the same
ground with all. Since the creation of the
world, no forty millions of people have
ever appeared before the world with rights
70 we'll defined as We. All this has
,een accomplished by toll, labor
md blood, and pepetuated by patriotic SEN
iment and united action, During the last
eighteen or twenty years Kansas has MAIN
aimed, in peace and war, the same love for
liberty, peace and justice that has ever dis
inguished her, and which must be main
aimed in years to come, with the same |
and fidelity. No people can
stablish and maintain them who are not |
rave, hopeful, trustful and true, and who |
10 not believe in God and the brotherhood |
# man. Compare the condition of the |
Torld with that of the United States. A
nan can be more of man upon our soil |
han upon any other nation of the globe,
nd his position can only be sustained but
" vigilance, fidelity and patriotism.
Daring the last few weeks l have been
listing various portions of the country /
lad never seen before and it seems to me
hat better sentiment prevails in those
arts. although il was the inhabitants
1 those sections who brought min and
loodshed upon the nation. While / hold
hese men responsible, magnanimity, patri-
tism, and Christianity demand that We
houid forgive ana forget. Here In Nan
rssdom was first tatsn dnrisg the dsP p Of
So, sc, 80 and IS, there were Christian
len and women, as there were in Massa-
husetts, praying and working for the
light, and 1 believe their prayers helped
D carry forward the power of peace and
1t is as clear as the track OF
he sun across the heavens that we are one
eople, and that men of every race and
dior possess equality in everything.
have no speech to make to YOU tonight.
have been travelling neither officially
or politically, but merely 10 see the coun-
" and the men who live in the different
sctions. have always worked for the
eople of Kansas with my whole heart.
,ui and body, and now begin to reap the
ipe fruits of my labor. l 90 to Lawrence
nd Topeka from here, and then pass on
nd it is extremely probable may never
eturn again. Nav God in his infinite