The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-08-15

4
as citizens Of the great RepnbIie-- for power,
notfor the acquisition Of territory not for glory
but you bore the banner of your fathers and
your country for the purpose of rescuing it from
the hands Of those who would despoil it. You
fought, and your comrades bled and died that
liberty might exist and this government
might live, so that in future people might enjoy
its blessings. My fellow soldiers, history does
not record In any past time achievements so
grand as were those achieved by the loyal men
who bore the banner Of our country In other
governments, unlike ours, whore armies are
organized, after having passed through
great war disarmament produces
great dread that lawlessuess will follow.
But one Of the grandest scenes was when peace
was declared, when war ceased when the thun
ders ct artillery were no longer heard and the
army was melted away in the paths Of peace,
and in a short tiInet like one smooth, nnbroken
current, there was not ripple of disturbance
from it in our whole country. Each man
took upon himself again the garb Of citizen.
He's entered upon his duties and performed
such as were required Of him for the good Of
the community. My fellow-comrades, grand
development in our land has followed the dis
banding Of the armies of our country. do not
say that it followed on that account but when
soldiers who had borne the heat and burden Of
the day returned to their homes. each one tax.
ing hold as though he had never been in the
armies Of his country or fought against
It's enemy, a grand development sprang
up on this Land that gives a prosperity
tnttt no OUnef Neople enjoys i SAID, aTber IHe
war was over, that if the armies of this country
should ever be disbanded at once we should
ma the soldiers entering upon their duties and
become absorbed in society," so as to be only
known IS citizens until they should be formed
into some organization, as they are new in
the Strand Army of the Republic.
which distinguishes them from other citi-
zens. Their services, their discipline, instead of
adisadvantage tothem as citizens was ad-
vantage, and taught them one and all to be
obedlent to the laws and constitution of the
country, not only TO serve well and faithfully in
the army, bat be good members with patriotism
in their heart burning brightly when they see the
old flag unfrrled
We have one Of the graardest republics ever
known to man. You helped save it, 1t was
the rank and file that did the most, and to
them belong the greater portion Of the credit
for the salvation of this great government of
ours The men who CARRIED Huskets were the
men who breasted the storm, and they are the
men to-day more than any others, who deserve
the plaudits Of the American people. Then, 50
far as your organization is con-
cerned, would advise soldiers be-
longing to the Grand Army Of the Republic to
keep the organization intack It is misunder- |
stood BY a great many people. 1t is nonpo
htlcal organization for charitable purposes; it is |
union of soldiers for the benefit Of one another
for the beneft:of widows and orphans who are |
deserving, and man would be unworthy to be
member of the organization who would use it |
for other purposes. My fellow-eomrades, there
to credit too, who could not be |
soldiers All could not go into the army.
AS an army you have to be supplied, and if / |
may use common phrase, you had ITO have /
backing There were behind you loyal. patriotic I
men and women that aided you, assisted you
and aided the government in preparing for you
those comforts that are ever necessary to sus T
tain and help support you. To those loyal PEG
pie cltizens as they were-credit is due, and 7
much credit. too. There were ladies /
in this land who aided and assisted (
you in various ways, and as i
have often said, and have felt it when I said ii.
have often seen them around the couch of the |
wounded and dying soldiers like fninisterng
angels that had been dropped from above, min /
lstering to the unfortunate soldier in his sick /
ness. Sometimes have felt as though these
will call them ministering angels on earth +
had sent their prayers to heaven in. such I
the capstan of immortal glory and anchored I
in the heart of the soldier, so that when his I
spirit passed from his body it might be taken to +
It's abode forever These ladies-I say they de-
serve the thanks of the American people. All
those We're willing TO make sacrifices in the
hour of trial To them let us accord a portion 1
of this honor we claim for ourselves.
Now, comrades, don't know that will see
you again soon; but, as said, it fills my heart \
to overRowing whenever I meet you 1t brings
back the days Of trials and danger--daYs when
those who touched elbows in line knew not that /
their lives should be spared for moment only I
There is a feeling that reaches from one to I
another that is indescribable but yet it belongs i
to the breast Of the soldiers and we cannot /
eradicate it if we would You have my regards
and my respect, and always will have. If God
spares me, there is nothing can do that /
is proper but what will do for (
man who served faithfully his I
country. thank you all for the kind reception.
will be glad to take each and every one Of /
you, my comrads by the hand and give you an
old fashioned soldiers shake.
After some general hand sinking, and dinner,
General Logan left IN a special train for the
River.
CALKENS AND THE SCH0oI, FIJSn.