The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-12-14
Soldiers Return from the War.

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Next follows the happy return of the
victorious forces. Upon the arrival at
Portsmouth and Gosport of the Royal
Nfsfine Light Infantry, such a wei
come was extended as is hitherto I'M
brief quotation from the voluminous re-
ports as published in part, because Mr..
MUMMY, who figured so conspicuously
in this connection, was the friend, and
for many years the perceptor and EN-
BY erly, of the drug firm of Plummer &
Byerly. AS Col. LeGrand came forward
at the head Of his men, volley after vol.
liant following. At the entrance to the
triumphal arch the white-helmeted war;
riors were formed into hollow square,
ing complied with the ordor to the front,
Alverstoke Local Board, followed by the
members of that body, stepped into the
center Of the space. Col. Worthy Ben.
members of the Averstoke Local Board,
have much pleasure in introducing
Col. LIE Grand to you on his return from
GkNPu. w utu tuG C,lcGTluH WHICH, GU
sued had subsidized, Mr.. MUMMY, 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
hox, col 4, Co. 80 %lak
war. In this malvellously 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 country,
you have carried out the operations of
the war with q courage and endurance
never surpassed in the history of the
British Army. We. the inhabitants of
this town and parish, notice with 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 terrain" and whether on the
sea or on the land you have always done
-FOUR duty nobly, and now your achieve
<dents a. Alexandria. Kassassin, and
especially at the storming OF Tel -Kebir,
will add new laurels to your already
iliustrious history. e
We cannot forbear to mingle note of
sorrow with our words of congratulation.
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 q 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 qnite sure you
will receive, as you so richly deserve, the
lasting gratitude of your country.
In reply, Colonel LeGrand said: l
thank You most heartily, not only on be-
half of the Forton division, but on be
half of the whole corps, for the very
handsome reception you have given us.
can assure you that we never dreamt
even in your widest flights of imagina-
ton that our reception would be such as
ithas 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. "What will they say in Eng
land?" Yon have heard now, lads, what
they say in England, and feel only too
proud to be your spokesman on this oc
casion. l would that some who are not
here to-day could see the honor that is
showered upon us. l feel cannot be
equal TO the occasion in thanking you, AZ
do one and all. We haye been now
your fellow citizens for nearly forty
years, and during that time I hope each
year has been Q credit to us, and that
each year has increased our regard for
the good town Of Gosport, and this day
will be- deeply engrsven on our memoir
ies. 1wlsh we could all have come back.
But there are the chances Of war and we
cannot help them. wish could say
moro. but We have, you know, other
claime upon Us. We wish to get back TO
our wives. and--those Of us who have
Az