The National tribune., 1882-03-04
FAIR OF THE VETERAN CORPS.

FAIR OF THE VETERAN CORPS,
The opening of the fair Of the Union Veteran
Corps last Monday evening was most magnificent
success. Long before eight o'clock the capscious
hall was jammed, and hundreds unable to find even
standing room, were compelled to postpone their
visit until another evening. Shortly after Speaker
Keifer the Secretary War, General Sherman and
staff, General Phil Sheridan, and General Critten-
den of Kentucky, entered the hall and were es-
eorted to the stage by the reception committee
Captain s. E. Thomasson called the assemblage to
order and in a few well-chosen words introduced
the orator of the evening, Hon. J. Warren Keifer
Speaker Keifer came forward to the front of the
stage and spoke as follows:
would be a prophet tonight if were to predict
that this fair would be gran success. The pres
ence of all these distinguished gentlemen around
me and the attendance OF this great mass of people
indicate the widespread interest felt in the Union
Veteran Corps of this city. 1t is pleasing duty
my part to appear before y.u tonight to briefly
state some of the objects of the Union Veteran
Corps and the purposes which have moved them to
hold this fair. First let me say that the Union
Veteran Corps is composed exclusively of hOnorahly
discharged soldiers and sailors of the late war The
patent for membership in all who apply for admis.
sion to its ranks is the evidence that the soder or
sailor did his whole duty for the caase of the
Union in the hour of our countrys peril and trial
But this CORPS organized it is in this city has
higher objects than those usually pertaining to
veteran organizations of soldiers and sailors. 1t is
in your midst an organized military company of
tried and trusted men. In the presence of these
generals and other distinguished officers of the
army it is no disparagement to say that the militia
Of the country-the organized forces outside of the
srmy-have always to be appealed to in times of
great trouble and peril to the Nation The presence
of a well-organized and well disciplined military
company in great city is always valuable in pre-
venting riot and disorder and protecting public
and private property. Should such disturbance
come here in the Capital you can safely rely upon
she Union Veteran Corps to restore and maintain
peace and good order But if none of these subtan-
tal and material objects to be regarded as rea-
SONS sufficient for patroniziLg the Union Veteran
Corps fair it will be all sufficient for the patriotic
people of the Capital to know they are aiding the
corps increasing and keeping together its organi
cation, that they may continue to keep alive the
fraterna feelings that were first engendered the
march, around the campfire, at the bIvouac, and
on the battlefield. In conclusion, let me appeal to
the citizens of the city Of Washington to all persons
interested in the peace and prosperity of this most
beautiful Capital to aid and literally patrOnize this
fair of the veterans of the Union now about to be
opened 1t b.coINes my pleasing duty to introduce
to you the Honorable Secretary of War.
When the applause had subsidized, Lon. Robert T.
Lincoln addressed the audience.
AS the Secretary took his seat amid rounds Of ap-
plause, there were loud calls for General Sherman,
the sea stood up and addressed the asSemblage as
follows:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: 1t was distinctly un-
derstood when we came here to night that was not
to be called upon to make speech. General Keiter
is the speaker and as the Secretary of War has for
maIly declared the fair open, don't see what you
want more. / am not disposed to make a speech
but as | am Yankee ] want to ask question
Why are you not around at these pretty tables with
their prettier girls spending your money! | see
enough veterans of 1861 to 1853, and emblems
enough of the past about me to make me talk all
night if | should once get started. ASSURE you,
friends, bretheren-yes and "sistren," too-that
the Regular army of the United States is made up
of flesh and blood just like these veterans, and
should another need for their services occur it
would be very handy to have stock Of old captains
lieutenantS and sergeants to draw upon to teach
you the business of war again. The regular army
is but a schcOl-a nucleuS-to which You attach
your sheet anchor when the State is IN danger
There is ne difference petween the regulars and the
volunteers. We dress on the right guide when
wheel to the left Just you do, and are governed
by the same regulations When you are in trouble
or the cities States in trouble, you are very
likely to call for some of Uncle Sans regulars to
straighten matters out q L hope you all
have something in your pockets to aid the old SOL
ders, and also hope that this fair will be
full and prosperous in the highest degree. / thank
you all.
At the conclusion of General Sherman's remarks,
which were most enthusiastically applauded the
name of Sheridan rang through the hail. and, in
spite of his protestations, Little Phil forced
to come to the froAt of the platform where his
presence was greeted with ringing cheers Turn
ing his eyes the of upturned faces in front
of him, General Sheridan said:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: l came here On the
wing find that have been caught on the wing and
realize that it is very hard to make speech the
wing can only say, therefore, that has been
stated by General Keifer and General Sherman, |
was a volunteer during the late war. Most Of the
service performed by me during the war
volunteer. l sympathize most heartily with you
all here. / was with you in patriotism and senti-
ment when you were far from your homes-On the
battle -feld-and | am with you in patriotism and
sentiment again tonight in all you hope to accom-
pish in this meeting. May your fair be success
in every respect
This closed the formal ceremonies, and the busl-
ness of the evening commenced in earnest.
SCARED and bearded veteran reached up his hand
to Sheridan, with the remark: General, | was
with you at Cedar Creek" The LieutenantGen
eral grasped the oustretched hand shook it warmly,
and answered eyes, and SO were all the good-look
ing men," For nearly a half hour there was an
informal reception held OH the stage, and many of
the assembIage were presented to the distinguished