The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1882-12-02
Soldiers Rsturn from the Var.

Inc prompt ana decisive mauHef III
which the war between England and
Egypt was terminated, excited the won
der and admiration of the whole world.
Next follows the happy return of the
victorious forces. Upon the arrival at
Portsmouth and Gosport of the Royal
Marine Light Infantry, such a well
come was extended as is hitherto un-
known in English history. We make q
brief quotation from the voluminous re-
ports as published in part, because Mr..
Mumby, who figured so conspicuously
in this connection, was the friend, and
for many years the perceptor and en-
ployer of our fellow citizen, Mr.. Fabian
By erly, of the drug firm of Plummer &
Byerly. AS Col. LeGrand came forward
at the head of his men, volley after vol
ley of cheers assailed him, and his gal
liant following. At the entrance to the
triumphal arch the white-helmeted war
riors were formed into hollow square,
hayonets were fixed, and the officers hav-
ing complied with the ordor to the front,
Mr.. G. Mumby, the chairman of the
Alverstoke Local Board, followed by the
members of that body, stepped into the
center of the space. Col. Worthy Ben
| nett thereupon said:-eMr. Mumby, and
| mem bers of the Averstoke Local Board
I have much pleasure in introducing
| Col. LIE Grand to you on his return from
Egypt" When the cheering which en-
| sued had subsidized, Mr.. Mumby, amid
reiterated shouts of enthusiasm. said:
We, the members Of the Alverstoke
Local Board, representing the town OF
| Gosport, hasten to welcome your coming
| home to this ancient town on your re-
turn from the War in Egypt, and to
| offer you our heartiest congratulations
| upon the important and successful part
you have taken in the engagements of that
| war. In this marvellously brief and de-
cisive campaign the skill of the British
| officers aud the progress of the British
| soldiers have been conspicuously dis
| played. Under the most trying circum-
| stances, both as to climate and eountry,
you have carried out the operations of
the war with courage and endurance
never surpassed in the history of the
! British Army. We, the inhabitants of
| this town and parish, notice with the
| greatest pride and satisfaction that the
highest military authorities and the
principle organs of public opinion de-
clare that in this war, in which all arms
| of the Service have exerted themselves
to the best of their ability, If any of the
forces deserves special mention, you, the
| Royal Marines, deserve that special
praise. Although not belonging to the
Regular Army, you have fought side by
side with our soldiers with the highest
distinction. Your special training en-
ables you to serve your country "per
mare, per terram," and whether on the
sea or on the land you have always done
your duty nobly, and now your achieve
ments at Alexandria Kassassin, and
especially at the storning of Tel-el- -Kebir,
will add new laurels to your already
illustrious history.
We cannot forbear to mingle note Of
sorrow with our words of con ongratulation.
We deeply mourn the loss you have sus-
tanned in officers, non commissioned
officers and men, and we would specially
refer to our common loss of soldier
and a citizen in the death of Major
Strong, who fell while CALAMITY Leading
his men to victory into the trenches of
Tel-el-Kebir. Our consolation is, and
We are sure it is yours also. that both he
and the brave men who fell with him
died in the noblest service, the service of
their country.
And now, on your return from the
hardships and perils of war, we hope
you will enjoy the comforts and bless
ings of peace, and we are quite sure you
will receive, as you so richly deserve, the
lasting gratitude of your country.
In reply, Colonel LeGrand said: I
thank you most heartily, not only on be-
half of the Forton division, but on be-
hslf of the VIII ole corps, for the very
handsome reception you have given us.
I can assure you that We never dreamt
even in your widest flights of imagina-
| ton that our reception would be such as
it has been to-day. The first thought we
always had was to do our duty. and am
glad you have recognized that; but there
has been another thought that was con-
current with the former, and that was the
thought. sWhat will they say in Eng
| land?' You have heard now, lads, what
they say in England, and feel only too
proud to be your spokesman On this oc--
| casion I would that some who are not
here to-day could see the honor that is
| showered upon us. [ feel I cannot be
equal to the occasion in thanking you, as
do one and ALL We haye been now
| your fellow citizens for nearly forty
years, and during that time hope each
wear has been credit to US, and that
/ each year has increased our regard for
the good town of Gosport, and this day
will be deeply engrayen on our memor
| les. Iwlsh we could all have come back.
| But there are the chances of war and we
! a 7 = u