Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-11-19

into the effect of the invalid pension
laws upon the different classes of pen
sioners and report at the next annual
meeting, suggesting such alterations and
amendments as will eliminate fraud and
secure to all pensioners impartial justice.
Generals Ben. Sherman, Field, Rusk,
Stack, and Col. Fletcher were named as
such committee.
After the usual votes of thanks and
special mention of the liberality of Mr..
Haverly for the use of his theatre, the
society adjourned.
CHICAGO, November 13.-The Union
Veteran club gave reception to Gen.
Grant at McVicker's theatre to-day.
Crowds of people we're in attendance,
and most Of those who applied for
admission, and who were not veterans,
were TUNED away. The theatre was
tastefully decorated by Manager Nc Wick
er with flowers and flags and with living
representations OF the goddess of iber-
ty and the thirty-eight states. Patriotic
speeches were made by Gen. Logan and
others.
Gen. Grants arrival in the midst of
the proceedings was the occasion of
hearty applause and cheers. He made a
few remarks of the same general tenor
with many previous speeches on this
trip. He said he believed the war re-
suited in great deal of good to the
country, and that the south was in bet
ter condition now than it would have
been if it had succeeded, and certainly
we would have been worse off if they
had"
Hon. Emory A Storrs made stirring
speech which excited much enthusiasm.
Gov. Oglesby and Hon. S. L. Woodford
followed him after which the audience
dispersed.
CHICAGO, November 13.-The banquet
given by the society of the Army of tre
Tennessee took place this evening in the
dining room of the Palmer. Gen. Grant
was escorted to the room by Gen. Sher-
man and by the military, naval and
civic dignitaries of Illinois and other
states. Gen. Grants table was orna-
mented with miniature man-of- war,
representing the ship Of state under full
sail. The de ,orations of the room in
general were profuse and tasty. Flags
and festoons of evergreens and flowers
relieved the lofty pillars of the hall,
while flowers and smilax decorated the
tables. The band enlivened the even
ing with snatches of patriotic and CLASH
Cal music, and menu of extraordinary
richness and variety WIS served in uni.
que forms and designs.
Prof. David Swiug offered prayer at
the beginning OF the banquet.
Six hundred and one covers were
spread, and every chair was occupied,
distinguished cotorie ofguests grazing the
large room. The bill OF fare was printed
on a card shaped into the likeness of
tent, adorned with battle scenes. After
the viands had been discussed, the presi-
dent of the society announced the toasts
as follows:
First. "Our country-her place among
nations" Gen. Grant responded as
follows:
General of the Army and invited guests:
Notice was sent to me some days ago that
was to speak, but | paid no attention to
at the time. Until 1 got here 1 did no.
know what it was [ was to reply to, and
hoped when the time came [ could execute
some flank movement and get out of it.
But after my arrival here | found [ was to
be the first ole to be called upon. You
would have me say much about the position
of our country among the nations of the
earth. Our nation we have been in the
habit of looking Z on as one of the first ma.
tons of the earth. For u long period of
time the Yankee has not only very re-
spectacle opinion Of himself and of his
country as a whole, but it has been our own
opinion that we had nothing to COM
pare in contrast with any other power. I
sm pleased to say that from the observations
| heve been able to make in the last two
and half years We are beginning to be
regarded little by other powers as we in
our vanity have heretofore regarded our.
selves. AS to the place we hold among
nations, think it not only in our nceit to
occupy the position Of one Of the first powers
in all that goes to make us great ma
tionality. We have the strength and we
have the individual self.controlling indie.
pendence, end we have to a greater degree
than almost any other nation the power to
colonize, settle up new countries and de.
velop them. We have also very great ad.
vantage in being without neighbors to
molost or make us afraid. Tt is true we
have northern frontiers and southern from
tiers and we get along with very small
army, eud what little we have is not stand.
ing ermy, because it has no time to stand
[ do not know of anything / can especially
add to what | have said, except in the way
of advice, and that is, let us be true to our
selves, avoid all bitterness and ill-feeling,
either ON the part of sections or parties
toward each other, and We need have no
fear in future of maintaining the standing
we have taken among the nations, SO far as
opposition from foreign nations goes. Zap
plause.
A miniature bombardment of a small
fort, placed on the main table, was here
displayed, after which the toasts pro-
ceeded.
Second toast, "The President and Con-
gress of the United States" Gen. Logan
in response discussed the relations and
respective duties Of these two functions
from legel and political standpoint.
He reviewed the list of presidents who
have served with honor to themselves
and the nation, with especial eulogies of
Jackson, Lincoln and Grant.
Numerous other toasts were ably
responded to and at last came:
Fifteenth, "The babies; as they COM
fort us in our sorrow, let us not forget
them in our festivities"