The daily gazette., 1877-03-20
Gen. Sherman Talks too
,f'f s&h4Hr Much 50 ,,.gr j

He Considers tie Soldier "thc Empitome
of AL Gouernment.n t4 .-e
NJ NEW YORK, March 1S.-The speech
made by General Sherman at the banquet
of the Knights of st. Patrick, in this city,
last night, in causing considerable un-
favorable comment. The General rose
to respond to the toast, "The Army and
Navy, Soldiers and Sailors, Loyal and
True" He was greeted with great en-
thusiasm. After a few Introductory re
marks, he said: u- s.- .'.,-
"My theme is the Army and Navy. /
respond to that toast with great pleasure
and pride, as have great reason to. Zap
plause,] thank you for remembering
that small body of men, who are now
somewhat down in public estimation.
[Cries of mo! No!''] 1t is natural for
civilians in times OF peace not to see or
appreciate the service OF any army and
navy. necessarily scattered over the bor-
ders Of civilization or exiled on distant
seas. But everybody will remember how
in 1861, the little army of 10000 men
grew into millions aid did deeds which
all mankind now reverence and venerate.
[Great applause.] That little body con-
tanned the leaven which permitted large
masses of men to be so handled by intel
ligent and brave officers that its natlira-
purpose and object were fulfilled. Zap
plause. And when their mission was
done, the soldiers laid down their arms
and returned to their vocations and re-
sumed their places among the best and
leading citizens of the country. ZAP
plause. A few remained to do work ON
the distant borders in the Pacific coast
and in the South. l hate to approach
subject that may be construed as political
but challenge any man to say that any
officer or soldier of the army has not done
his whole duty as citizen to protect the
weak against the strong. [Applause.]
Whatever question men of legal minds
may raise as to the utility of The army,
no one can say that the United States SOL
dier has not proved himself good citizen
as well as good soldier. loud applausel
To-day men who are loudest in their
cries against Radical oppression and bayo
net rule have, they tell ME, no complaints
to make in regard to the conduct of the U.
S. troops. They are. held in the highest es-
timation wherevere they are quartered in
in Columbia and New Orleans too. [Great
Applause.] But wish to speak tonight
of soldierly virtues, which are as much a
part you as they are of me. Those who
left Ireland and took their families to the
West and settled and built themselves
prosperous homes on which they now live
and for which they fought-they are sol
diers. So are you merchants. You are
soldiers who maintain order and discip-
line in your establishments. No man can
be good merchant without good soldierly
qualities, [App,ause,] So too, are me-
chanics and manufacturers, and all who
enforce regular order and obedience and
government. desire that you should
respect your duties ofthe soldier as much
as you do the duties to your families and
to your country. 1 have often used the
expression that peace hath her victories
no less renowned than war. was re-
Gently in Washington, and there saw
giants in battle, whose tactics 1 admired
as much as 1 ever did those of soldier
on picket. 1t was grand to witness them
clashing together in legal battle. Tothem
you owe to-day the peace that prevails
throughout the land. Applause. will not
name them now. 1t is not necessary, but
the spectacle of the last six weeks is The
VI dlI Iudnhluus l1NCn LuIOpC
cans have testified that the sight OF the
American nation submitting the gravest
questions to the arbitration of 15 men is
a mark of civilization, refinement, pa
triotism, and Intelligence that has never
been equalled, ON the face ofthe globe.
Loud applause.] Therefore, when the
soldier is spokenI Of, don't think of him
as one who gets a pittance of $13 per
month, and who is obliged to do as he is
told, but as one of many upon whom the
fabric of the Government has been built.
The soldier is the epitome of all govern
ment. He represents the citizen, the Of
fetal, and the President. If we have sub
ordination to authority, this is the best
government in the world. (Applause.]
Here is liberty for all. You Irish have
the same privileges here as the Ameri-
calls. So have the Germans and French,
and all other peoples. No man can ask
or receive more privileges than another.
All may be elected congressman or Sena
tors or President. There is no land bet
ter. Maintain and cherish it, therefore, by
che exhibition of soldierly qualities. Zap
plause.] You do well to encourage the
army and navy. and to keep faith with
them. They have built up your govern
ment, and they will maintain it for you
to the end of time"