Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-07-20
THE RAMSEY GUARDS.


finally turned up Exchange street. I had
proceeded but few steps, when my patriotic
blood was sent coursing through my veins
IN mad revelry by the piercing strains of the
life and the step quickening roll of the drum.
Looking ahead, my eyes were gladdened by
the sight of military company, appointed
in all the "pomp and circumstance of glori-
GUS war" marching up and down the street.
At first ! could not discover the object of the
parade, but as neared the scene,
saw that the evolutions were
being made before the residence
OF the soon-to-be secretary of war, and that
the various movements were made for the
especial eye of the military strategist him
self, who occupied an elevated seat on the
front porch, from which every movement
could be critically noted. Of course the dis
covery of the secretary's commanding pres
ence gave new zest to the parade, and be-
came close and interested spectator. A
few movements made, the secretary. waived
his right arm, the company whirled into line
in front of him, and being brought to a
rest, he addressed them in substantially the
following language:
Fellow-soldiers of the Ramsey Guards
It has been my lot to have been placed in
many trying positions in my long and event.
full military career. In that long period of
time, too, it has been my good fortune to be
the recipient of many testimonials of esteem
from my fellow-citizens of this great repub-
lie. Such testimonial has but recently
been made through the columns of the
GLOBE, where by the way you can always
lind the news-my selection by that most
observing and far-seeing gentleman now oc-
cupying the Presidential Office, to be secre-
tary of war. This appointment, so gener-
ously recognizing my superior qualifications
for the position, is of course very fattering.
But as complimentary as it is, and as de-
served L may say, and as complimentary have
been the many testimonials of esteem and
respect Il have received at different times dur
ing my long public life, all sink into insig-
nifcance by the side of the expression made
to me by the organization of this fine mill
tary company, and appropriately named in
my honor.
Fellow soldiers of the. Ramsey Guards !:
Your act in banding yourselves together for
the defense of our fiag-you see one in the
window there-proves to me that was wise
beyond my time when I told Hayes where
this appointment was being considered, that
my selection to guide and direct the
military forces of the country would nullify
all attempts of the confederate Democracy
to reduce its numerical strength that my
name would be equal to an army with ban
ners, and that the great American people,
seeing an experienced military man of
known courage and staying qualities at the
head, IN measure would voluntarily unite
in forming independent military organiza-
tons, ready to respond to any call for SER
vice generals, colonels, quertermasters
etC.-aOAinSt the common ononnv
Soldiers of the Ramsey Guards-We are
now in the midst of profound peace. But
as it is well said in Holy writ: God moves
in mysterious way his wonders to preform.'
striking illustration of the truth of this is
found in my selection as secretary of war.
AS yet there is nothing observable to the or
binary mind, requiring the greatest military
experience, the most thorou gh knowledge Of
the wants of the army, the confidence of the
people, and courage and fidelity to public
trusts, never yet called in question, at the
head of the military department..
But fellow soldiers of the Ramsey Guards
be not deceived by the surface Indications
My selection as secretary of war means that
we are on the eve of great war which will
extend far beyond the confines of our own
country and shake civilization to
its very foundation. It was
because of this emergency was elected to
guide our armies. Your prompt organiza-
ton shows that you recognize the critical
situation. To soldiers animated by such q
spirit need not address words of appeal. AS
look into your flashing eyes, and upon your
well-knit frames, every nerve at tension,
have no fear for the future. Wherever YOU
are engaged I would, however, remind you
that the work of improving yourself in mill
tary drill is essential. Continue as you have
begun, and the we'll won laurels of the ssOld
Guards of La Belle France will fade by the
side of your achievements.
But, soldiers of the Ramsey Guards, will
not detain you longer tonight. Your own
bodily fatigue after your long drill, and my
own duties in mapping out offensive and de-
fensive operations for our army, remind me
that it is time to bid you good night. But
remember that eternal vigilance is the price
of liberty. Good night.
The company then dispersed to their quar-
tors, and the secretary retired to his library,
where he spent the night in looking over
military maps, Typographical charta, etc, and
occasionally nerving himself up to the use
of gunpowdcr by exploding fire-cracker.