Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-03-18
Address by General G.
W. Gordon and a Happy
Response by Cap
tain John F.
Cameron.
Full Report Of the Speeches, Pro.
ceedings, Etc.

yesterday afternoon Thousands OF per-
sons were present at the site of the Chick.
asaw Guards armory, fernando street,
south of Union, to witness the laying OF
the corner. stone Of the building. The
attendance represented much of the ele.
gauce, intellect and beauty of the city,
aud throughout the ceremony a deep in.
terest was manifested. The C~hickasaw
Guards we're escorted from and to their
armory by the Bluff City Grays and
Memphis Light Guard. The procession
moved down Main street and thence
along Union to fernando, where a large
crowd hsdAssembled. The waving ban.
nerG, bright plumes, glitteriug aocoatre.
ments, flashing sword and bayonet, con-
stituted a brilliant scene. The sun never
shonO brighter, for the day seemed to
smile with golden cslmness on the occa-
sion which was to mark the practical
foundation of q substantial aud conys-
nient armory by a military organization
which is not only q pride to Memphis
but an honor to the Safe Of Tennessee.
No wonder, then, that the old, as well as
the young, the humble and the proud,
had met in common to manifest their
appreciation Of the worthy and laudable
enterprise. After prayer by Rev. DR..
Charles Parsons, chaplain, the formal
address Of dedication was made by Gen.
George W. Gordon, captain of the Chick.
asaw Guards. In eloquent sentiment,
simplicity of style and propriety, this
Grafton must be considered unique. In
fact it was just such a speech as the
character Of the occasion demanded.
Graceful in gesture, distinct in u~tterance,
and noble in figure, General Gordon.
appearance was truly that Of a soldier
and orator. Immediately after Rev. DR..
Parsons delivered a prayer, the corner
stone was laid, and then General Gordon
made the address, as follows
ADDRESS BY GEN. GEO. W. GORDON.
| now proclaim the cornerstone OF
this edifice laid, and trust that | may not
appropriately orimmodestly commend
the spirit and purpose of this enter,
prise, especially since it was not only
projected BY the Chickasaw Guards. but
was 10 progress before | had the honor
and pleasure Of being associated with
their organization. | cannot, then.
claim any share in whatever Of merit at
taches to the enterprise. That belongs
to them as distinct IRON myself. But re.
Gently receiving at their hands an unso-
liclted, an unexpected and an unmerited
distinction, there is not now a sympathy
Of my heart that is not with them, not
an effort Of my feeble arm nor a sugges.
ton of my humble power that | would
not gladly contribute to promote their
interest and augment their happiness.
And | think | may say on behalf of our
brethren OF the other military organiza-
tions here present, and whom we are
happy to see here, that they, too, sympa.
thize with your undertaking.
The question has been asked, " Why
erect this building, and what is its OBJ
jsct2' | arsWer, that the Chiekssaw
Guards desired to become o permauency,
to become a part of the history of this
city, an humble part Of the destiny Of
our beloved State. And pertinent to
such aspirations was the erection of a
temple OF their own-containing an arm.
DRY for their military purposes, and other
apartments suitable for those. social
pleasures and amenities that usually con-
stitute one of the prominent features of
all volunteer military organizations.
Moreover, they wanted an edifee of their
own that they might have a " local hab-
itation as well as a " name" that they
might have a physical monument, a visi
Bile identity in the city, and last, but not
least, they desired it as a matter Of
economy.
Thus they have commenced their
building, and by the assistance Of a gen.
erous and approving community, its
erection is now beyond contingency, and
though plain and unpretentious, it will
subserve the purpose for which it is de.
signed. And though humble, it may be
here as a remembrance of the past, az o
monument to the memory of its found
ers when they shall have been laid at
rest forever; even when ages of empire.
it may be of glory, shall have passed
over the pleasing scenes Of to-day.
The question is not unfreduently
asked, What is the use aud what ia the
necessity for military organizations and
military schools in the country in times
of ~peaee2' And there is a popular OBJ.
lection to both, as making men arbitrary,
aggressive and belligerent. But l do not
think the objection we'll taken. Aside
from the fact, which is not unimportant,
that they often increase our social en-
Joyment and create new and closer sym.
psthies among men, and develop q more
perfect physical manhood, / hold that they
teach subordination, obedience, c%ivility,
msnliness Of bearing, loftiness of seuti.
ment and chivalry Of conduct, Say what
you will, mankind must be restrained,
subordinated and controlled. As mill.
tary training and military schools have
q tendency to do this. | am unable to see
how, at the same time, they make men
arbitrary, aggressive or fond Of war.
Armies are nearly always conservative.
A proof OF this resides in our own recent
history; for it is a fact, that in the DO.
ginning Of the revolution of 1861, the
most conservative and least fanatieal
Of our population was found in the
United States army, in the educated and
professional soldier of the country. The
wars of nations do not originate in their
soldiery, but in the people at contradis.
tinction from it. But if thought for
one moment that military training and
education made men fonder Of war per
Sc, that man does not live who would
oppose them more strenuously than | 10