American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-11-22
Gen. Grants Reception in Chicago.


Compiled from Associated Press Dispatches ]
CHICAGO, November 12.-The morn
ing which has long been looked for rs the
| inauguration day of the unusual festivities
attending the annual meeting Of the Army
OF the Tennessee opened with duh sky,and
| up to O'Clock the rain fell in brisk showers
Along towards Q, however, the sky became
/ brighter and the sun came out ut times,
| making the prospect more favorable for the
procession and for decorating. The streets
! along the line of march are profusely dec
/ GRATED with emblems of welcome and Of con-
graduation. As no arches We're erected
| there is little call for special mention, where
ali are about equally mertorious to de-
| sign. The newspaper offices generally have
done fine work with flags, bunting and ever
greens. The thcaters are also noticeably
ti>tic: Scarcely Il building aon" the line of
march lacks some sort of decoration.
The train from Galena, bearing General
| Grant, arrived at Park Row, on the South
Side, promptly at l O'Clock. At this time the
rain was falling heavily, but in few min
uteS the clouds lifted and the sun shone
brightly. General Grant alightcd, with his
party, from the special car of President
Alderman, of the Illinois Central Railroad,
and took seat in the carriage provided
for him.
The procession, which was composed large
ly of military and civic societies, inter>persed
with many bands of music, moved through
some of the principal business streets.
Palmer House and reviewed it from tenn
porary balcony. 1t was of great length,
curing over two hours to pass given point.
There was dense and apprecative crowd
along the whole line of march. which cheered
the notable members and organizations of
the procession, but gave their loudest ap-
plause to Generals Grant, Sherman and
Sheridan.
After the review General Grant was form
ally welcomed by Mayor Harrison, who
spoke in the rotunda of the Palmer House.
The Mayor welcomed him one of the most
renowned OF American citizens, whose jour
ney round the world had been watched with
feelings of qualification, considering that his
passport was simply that of an American
citizen. He alluded to the services of Cen
erai Grant during the late war, to his gener-
ton to the Presidency. The speech was APP
plauded heartily.
Gen. Grant replied briefly. After ex-
pressing his thanks for the honor which had
been accorded him, he said:
To one allusion of my reception abroad
will say that in every case l felt that it a
Their that our country stands differently
abroad in the estimation of European and
century ago. An American citizen is regard
ed in Il different light from the American citi-
zen of a quarter Ola century ago. At that time
it was believed we had no Nation-it was
merely confederation of States tied together
by rope of sand, and would give way upon
the slightest friction. They have found it was
II mistake. They know we have now Ma
tion that we are Nation of strong and intel
lisent and brave people, capable of Judging
and knowing our rights, and determined
all occasions to maintain them against either
domestic or foreign foes, and that is the re
ccption you, Nation, have received
through me whilst / WAS abroad.
MEETING OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
The reception given by the Society of the
Army of the Tennessee to Gen. Grant took
place this evening at Haverly's Theater.
The auditorium, the largest in the city, was
beautifully decorated with flags, festoons of
flowers and wreaths. The immense build
ing was filed to its utmost capacity with an
audience which, upon arrival of Gen. Grant
and staff, broke into hearty applause. Upon
the stage Were seated many of his prominent
officers, including Gems. sherman and Sher-
itlan. Gov. Cullom, Mayor Harrison and
other dfgnitaries were also present.
Gov. Cullom made some Introductory re-
marks, after which Judge Gresham delivered
the annual address. Gen. Grant was then
called for, and proceeded to read the follow
ing address from manuscript:
After an absence of several years from the
gatherings of the society of the Army of the
Tennessee it affords me heartfelt pleasure TO
he again with you, my earliest comrades in
arms in great conflict for Nationality and
the Union of Ill states under one free and al
ways to- be maintained Government. In my
long absence from the country have had Il
most favorable opportunity Tor seeing anu
comparing in my own mind our institutions
with those of ASia-comparins our resources,
developed and dormant, the capacity and en-
erSy OF otir people tor upholdlnS the Govern
ment and developing its resources, with most
of the civilized people of the world. Every
where, from England to Japan, from Russia
TO Spain and Portugal-we are understood,
our resources highly appreciated, and the
skill, energy and intelligence of the citi-
zcns recognized. My receptions have been
your receptions. They have been everywhere
Il kind Observation-Disclosures that the United
states is a Nations strong, independent and
free Nation, composed of strong, brave and
intelligent people, capable of Judging their
rights and ready to maintain them at all
hazards. This is non partisan association,
but composed of men who are united in IA de
shall Interfere between and the mainte
nance of our grand and free enlightened insti-
tutions and the unity of all the states. The
area OF our country, its fertility, the energy
and resources of our people, with the sparsity
of our population compared to the area, post
poncs the day tor generations to come when
our descendants will have to consider the
question how our soil Will support them, how
the most can be produced to support human
life without reference to the taste or desires OF
the. people, and when but few can ex-
ercise the privilege of the plain luxury
of selecting the articles of food they
will eat, the quantity and quality of clothing
they wear, but will remain the abundant
home of all who possess energy and strength
and make good use of them, if we remain true
to ourselves. such !; country is one to be
proud of am proud of ft-proud that am
an American citizen. Every citiZcn-North.
south, East and Wcst-enioys II common her
these society meetings keep up their exist
cncc 50 long after the events which in II sense
do not serve to keepup sectional feeling or
bitterness toward our late foe, but they do
keep up the Ntitlt II -NHtioii, anu
that it must be preserved one
and inGivisibe. We feel and maintain
that those who fought, and fought bravely on
the opposite side from us, have equal claims
with ourselves in the blessings OF our great
and common country. We claim for them the
right to travel all over this broad land and Sc
lect where they please the right to SETTLE be
come citizens and enjoy their political and
religious convictions free from molestation or
ostr;iciSIn, either on account of them or their
connection with the past. We ask nothing
more for ourselves, and would rejoice to see
them become powerful rivals i'll the develop
mcnt of great resources, in the acquisi-
ton of all that should be desirable in this life,
and in patriotism and in love OF country
Applause.
There was song and then another sur
prise in the presentation of an elegant silk
banner to the society. 1t was presented in
an eloquent speech by Gen. Logan, and ac-
cepted on behalf of the society by Gen. Sher
man in witty speech. There being calls for
sheridan, Pope, Oglesby and "Mark Twain,"
those gentlemen responded, the exercises
lasting until Il late hour. Then the tattoo
and adjournment until tomorrow.