Daily globe., 1882-09-29

u
Yesterday was set apart for the ceremony
of laying the corner stone of the new
building, to be known hereafter as the
''Armory" of the st. Paul companies of
the Minnesota National guards, organized
under the existing militia laws of the state.
Providence smiled upon the enterprise so
far as the weather was concerned, and
aside from one feature, which, to say the
least, was in bad taste and marred the oc-
casion, it was one of the finest and best
civic military displays ever Witnessed in
Minnesota. This one blot upon the fair
record will be apparent to the reader.
In accordance with general order,
companies &C." Cd" and 'sE' assembled at
their room at 1890 p. M, at the market
house, for the purpose of proceeding to
Minneapolis for the purpose of receiving
stand of colors for the First battalion,
presented by Hon. W. D. Washburn, candi-
date for congress in this district.
Before forming in line to proceed
to the depot, very pleasant little
episode took place in the armory of COM
pany Sc" Just as the company was
Brought to dress front by the sergeant
major, and Capt. John p. Wright stepped
in to take command, he was confronted by
Sergeant John. W. Willis, who saluted, and
proceeded to address his captain as fol-
lows
Captain Wright: Your jealous labors
in advancing the military discipline and
efficiency of 'sC' company, have placed
the members of the company under obli-
cations which they appreciate but can
never hope to discharge. While your abil-
ity as an officer has commended you to
our respect, your unfailing courtesy and
generous kindliness have won our hearts.
In giving utterance to these sentiments,
we award you naught but merited praise,
and in rendering our assurance of regard
we are guiltless of affectation and speak
the language of unfeigned sincerity. Not
with the hope of rewarding, in adequate
measure, the valuable services which you
have rendered, but desiring that you may
possess memorial of the esteem and af-
fection which you have inspired, the
| members of &c" company wish
to present you this sword,
and have imposed upon me the pleasant
duty of acting as their agent in that be-
half.
Upon sword wrought in the famous
ancient work shop of Andrea Ferrara was
engraved the command, ''Neyer draw me
without reason, never sheathe me without
HONOR
Trusting you implicitly to obey this in
| junction, hoping that you may long re-
main their leader, and assuring you of
their continued esteem and confidence,
&C" company now transfers to your keep
ing gift won by merit and bestowed by
appreciative affection.
At the conclusion of his remarks Sergeant
Willis presented Capt. Wright with mag
nifcent sword and belt, the gift of the
| company. The sword is an officers regu-
lation sword in solid German silver
scabbard, attached to which was a beauti-
full silken belt and gold sword knot. Ac-
companying it was rosewood case lined
with blue silk, the whole forming beauti-
full gift of which any one might be proud.
Upon the case was a silver plate bearing
the inscription 'Capt. F. P. Wright, Com
pany CO. 1st Battalion, NJ N. G. M. st.
Paul. and the9hilt of the sword bears the
| same inscription.
The presentation was complete sur
prise to Capt. Wright, and as the beau
| tiful implements of war were handed to him
he seemed to be panic stricken and
| looked around as though he was anxious
for some line of retreat. He rallied, how
eveg, and in faltering words returned his
| thanks, during which he managed to say
| that aside from the intrinsic value of the
gift he should prize the motives which
| prompted it far above the
worlds wealth. He was sorry
he could not find words fitting to
express his feelings but he would
endeavor to merit the honor conferred up
on him, and the good feelings of company
&c" as evidenced in this unexpected mark
of their appreciation.
1t was very pleasant incident of the
day, and will be remembered long after
the other presentations are forgotten.
| The three companies then formed in
line, and led by the Great Western band
under command of Col. Bend proceeded
| to the union depot and took the D. m
train for Minneapolis. The companies
| as they marched down Third street made
a splendid appearance in their bright
uniforms, and their marching and soldier
| ly bearing elected much favorable com
ment by the thousands that lined Third
street at the time.
| 1t Minneapolis.
Yesterday afternoon w. W. Wash
burn presented the First battalion
Of National Guards with hand