The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1879-10-16
THE SOLDIERS, REUNION.
A FrELD-DAY BY THE UNION VETERANS OF |
SEpGWICK.

A FlELD-DAY BY THE UNION VETERANS OF
SEDGwICK.
Last Thursday was held-day for the veter-
ans Of Southwest Kansas. Upon no other
occasion have the sidewalks Of Wichita been
80 crowded, nor the streets SO completely
blockaded with vehicles. People from dis
lance began to arrive the night before. 1t
was novel sight to see large numbers in the
rear Of stores and on by-streets breakfasting
in their wagons, who had left home in the
"wee sma hours At half past 10 the pro-
cession formed on north Lawrence Avenue
and moved down Douglas Avenue in the fol-
lowing order: Field and staff Z. V. c.,
Wichita cornet band, company A 10th Z. $
A. commanded by Capt. Morse. speakers
barouche, martial band, Wichita Guards
commanded by Lieut.. Richey, martial band,
soldiers Of the Mexican war, veterans on
foot, mounted veterans with sabres COM
manded by Capt. Balderston, veterans in
wagons, Joe Richie's outfit representing the
result Of the emancipation proclamation, and
citizens ad infaitum. With colors flying in
the stiff breeze, bands playing, and steeds
prancing. that long splendid column. repre-
senting the regular army of to-day, the or
ganized militia Of the State, the soldiers who
fought at Buena Vista, and the men who par
ticipated in every battle from Bull Run to
Appomattox. presented sight which flied
the heart Of every by-stander with emotion.
Nothing to compare with it has ever before
been witnessed in the State Of Kansas. The
route Of the procession lay along Douglas
Avenue to Main, up Main to Central Avenue
and thence to Shuman's grove-a well select
ed spot, where the festivities Of the day were
to be conducted. Arriving at the grounds
the L. S. Regulars and Wichita Guards halt
ed, came to front, and as the column OF
veterans passed through, presented arms,
then filed off to their respective quarters.
The veterans holted in front Of the speakers
stand, gave three rousipg cheers and tiger
for the old flag and then broke ranks to as
semble at the stand where seats had been
provided for large multitude.
In well chosen remarks, Hon, NJ. S. Adams
formally opened the exercises upon the
grounds, at the conclusion of which he in
troduced Rev. A. ii. Walter. late chaplain
10th Wisconsin. who in an appropriate pray
er invoked the Deity IN behalf Of the assem-
bled multitude.
Capt. J. Il. johnson. of Topeka, the orator
of the day, was then presented. And we
here take occasion to congratulate the yeter-
ans upon securing so able speaker. With
no time for preparation, and debarred from
introducing any thing Of a political nature
in his remarks, he addressed the old soldiers
rs .'bOys," carried them back to the days OF
yore when their eyes were not dimmed, their
cheeks not furrowed by the hand Of time.
He elected rOars Of laughter as he humor-
ously related anecdotes of the late unpleas-
antness. Changing in mood, he then earn
cstly charged the boys to 'secure well the
results Of the war" "Freedom of speech
North and South, freedom at the polls to cast
your vote for whom you please. denunciation
of the shotgun policy or Of any attempt to
starye the government, and last but not least
more Union generals in Congress" None Of
these, he said, were political questions, but
they were vital and concerned Democrats,
Republicans and Grcenbackers alike. His
culOgy upon the vast number of the soldiers
who went forth to battle but returned not,
was affecting i'm the extreme. 1--WE might
call the roll. but their voices were silent.
They fail to respond as some of us shall fail
As the years come and go. Forget not their
comrades, but in spring time seat
ter upon their hallowed tombs the sweetest,
choicest flowers.
As the captain took his seat amidst a storm
of applause, Il commotion was observable in
the ranks of Capt. Balderston's cavalry, and
it became apparent that an attack Of some
sort was imminent. To the practiced eye
of an old soldier that tightening up of the
belt meant something. However, when the
President proclaimed the hour Of dinner il
was all explained: these fellows meant to
'.securc well some of the results of the war;"
From the manner in which they wore their
belts soon after. il is presumable they sue
ceeded.
On reassembling at the speakers stand, |
Col. Stewart opened the afternoon exercises |
by reading Il number of letters from promi- |
nent men who had been advertised TO speak. |
but were unavoidably prevented from being |
present. The letter of Gen. Lew Wallace |
was especially commendable, and we doubt |
not uttered the true sentiments of that gal |
ant old war horse. The Colonel likewise |
read the rules for the government of the |
Union Veteran Corps. after which the Presi- |
lent announced that the time for holding the |
election Of officers for the ensuing year. had |
arrived. A motion was made by Col. Fouts |
hat committee of seven be appointed by |
he chair on nominations. which was unani- |
nousiy carried. 1t was deemed prudent to
icfer the election Of Council of Admins
ration until the first quarterly meeting.
Pending the deliberations of the commit
zee, Hon. W. =. Campbell was loudly called
or to address the crowd. which he proceed
ID to do in a highly entertaining manner,
,liciting bursts of applause from one of the
rest humorcd crowds we have ever beheld.
Alluding TO Gen. Eggleston in some Of his
that old veteran hero was called to
hree rousing chcers-which echoed far above
he voice of the gale, then at its heisht-were
given in his honor. Claiming to be no speak
er the General proved himself not unwor-
hy antagonist on the forum. Upon retiring
lmidst great cheering, the report of the com
nittcc was received and the following per-
IONS recommended for office. receiving a
unanimous vote therefor:
President and Commanding Ofiicer-Capt
Murray Myers.
Vice President and Lieut.. Coloncl-Major
A. G. Burr.
Secretary and Adjutant-Col. VI. stewart
The weather being very threatening. high
Winds and lowering clouds with occasional
lashes Of rain prevalent, il was suggested
hat the dress parade be dispensed with
The motion being put was carried, but there
icing some dissatisfaction a motion 20 recon-
ider was entertained. but voted down.
So the interesting proceedings of the day
anne to a close without accident or occur
cnee of any unpleasant nature.
Previous to adjournment. Capt. Balderston
moved that a vote Of thanks be rendered TO
apt. J. Il. johnson for his able address. and
o Capt Morse and command. and Lieut. |
'ichey and command. for the active par: ta-
en- by them in the reunion. which prevailed
y a unanimous vote.
In summing up the proceedings of the day
sc but echo the sent iments of the public
'hen we say the affair from beginning to end
ias 4 grand success aud reflects great credit :
pom its prime mosers-notably Colonel VI.
tewart and H. \. kende who laborcd as
Il L.,