The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-01-07
CAPT. Y. L. BoNHAx SAID:

o.. APr Y. L. BoNHAM SAID:
. Mr.. President: / had supposed I was to be
held in reserve, only to be called OF in case Of
emergency. But so thoroughly. has my gal
liant friend who responded TO this toast, done
his duty by the citizen soldiery, that there is
Coupled with this toast wasone to the Alb
beville Rifles. am glad Of 1t since II affords
me- the opportunity OF giving expression TO
o compliment to that company which I have
long had in my heart. II Is said that those
ter the reconciliation, have all the mora re.
spect for each other. Now, I have met the All
bevilIe Rifles in friendly but most exciting
contests, and they have beat me. But I bear
willing testimony to the fact that I never met
q more generous foe or more magnanimous
conqueror. .
II there be Q people who should hold in ten.
der respect and love the memory of the eiti.
zen soldiery 1t is the people OF the South. For
which began more than one hundred years
ago, the battles were fought, the priyations
and dangers borne, and the Victories won by
volunteer troops-and when tho liberties
were again in~Jeopardy from Northern tyrany
and oppression, citizen soldiers again rushed
TO the front In their defence, aud though In
the end they were not victorious, the grand
est achievements OF heroism and courage are
blazened upon their shields. But It needs not
that I SHOULD. recapitulate their deeds. The
story Of that drama OF four years duration Is
writ in blood, and the finger Of deep sorrow
has touched upon the hearts OF many OF us,
In scenes from the death Of loved kinsmen,
memories Of It which death alone can efface.
I have but referred to It to demonstrate the
prowess and courage OF volunteer troops
For though our greatest leaders Lee, johnson,
and Jackson were graduates Of the National
Ter, and he whom Abbevilie delights. to hon.
or. MCGOWAN, have illustrated the fact that
valor and genius guided and controlled by
love OF country and by patriotism are superb.
Of It to Would seem tthnt South Carolina should
have done something for her citizen soldiers
but II has not been done. Bill after bill has
been introduced In the Legislature looking t6
the better organization and maintenance Of
the militia, Bot with 9 few exceptions Of 10.
cal nature they have failed. ! do notlook mp
On the body Of militia as o mere holiday
show, and a source Of amusement. It has Its
practical uses. Republican government
must OF necessity depend upon their citizen
sive and defensive. Standing armies ore re:
pugnant to the spirit OF their fnstitutionsa and
principles, and hence the necessity Of Q train
ed body OF reserve troops, TO be called out In
OF the United States Army, for II Is totally in
sufficient In point OF numbers with which 10
undertake any military enterprise OF impor-
lance. but It serves as the nucleus for the for
luuGiOh VI OIL alAiJ ~ tOiuutccE LEOOpbs
We are about entering upon political cam
paign 40 fraught with Issues OF the greatest
moment that I tremble' to contemplate III
results. 1t then behooves us to employ every
legitimate agency with which TO propitiatt
honest government and the reign OF law AND
decency. Sir, q word to the wise Is sufficient
Then in behalf or the citizen soldiery, ant
more especially upon the part Of the Able
Vile Rifles. / urge upon You the Importance
OF sustaining and encouraging them. Thoe.
Of you who CANNOT by reason OF private OF
business demands upon your time and attan
ton become active members, can lend then
your countenance and aid In many othel
ways. %. -. .... o. .. s,g... "
And now, Mr.. President, you will I trus
pardon me for introducing a matter foreign
to this subject bat It may be that I shall new
ngain have the opportunity Of addressing *
large a numbered The representatives OF Alb.
beville's hospitality. culture and refinement
and l W them debt OF gratitude which
needs must acknowledge.
When / came among you more than two
years ago, O perfect stranger, you took me- by
the hand and gave me welcome, and you
kindness never tagged nor changed. And
cannot allow the occasion to 70 by withou,
giving expression to my emotions. Forever
will I hold in most loving remembrance
your conduct 10 me. In return therefor ] car
-..T. AI-~-t- II