The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-08-18
Logan in New York.
His Speech TO the Grand Army Posts at
Watertcwn.


The greeting which have received here to-day
from the members of the Grand Army of the Re-
public, composed of veterans who served their
country in time of need is one that impresses it.
self upon me and will make me in time to come
ever grateful. Members of the Grand Army of the
Republic have belonged to our organization ever
since its formation, and in connection with it there
is one act of which pr0uder than of any other
of my life-that is the order issued making the
Both day of May a day on which we should spread
the flowers OF spr1ngtime upon the mounds and
graves of our fallen comrades (Applause) To
you as soldiers, in speaking of your State, / can
truthfuly say that it did its duty to its country.
You went forth as soldiers and as citizens of a
great republic not for power not for the acauisi-
ton of territory, not for glory; but you bore the
banner of your fathers and your country for the
purpose of rescung it from the hands of those who
would deSpoil it. (Applause)
My fellow soldiers history does not record in any
past time achievements grand as were those of
the loyal men who bore the banner of our country.
One of the grandest was when peace was de-
clared when the war ceased, when the thunders OF
artillery were no longer heard the melting away of
the army in the paths of peace. In a short time,
like smooth, unbroken current, there was not q
ripple or disturbance from it in our whole country
(Applause) Each man took upon himself again the
garq of citizen; he entered upon his duties and
performed such as were required of him for the
good OF the community. My fellow comrades, a
grand development in our land has followed the
dsbanding OF our armies. do not say that it fol-
lows on that account, but when the soldiers who
had borne the heat and burden of the day returned
to their homes, each taking hold as though he
had never been in the armies OF his country or
fought against its enemies a grand DEVELOPMENT
sprang up in this land that gives us prosperity
that no other people enjoy
We have one of the grandest republics ever known
You helped save it. 1t the rank and file that
did most, and to them belong the greater portion of
the credit for the salvation of this great govern
menf of ours. (Applause) The men who carried
the muskets were the men who breasted the storm,
and they are today more than any others who de-
serve the plaudits of the American people. ZAP
pause) Then, SO far as your organization is CON
cerQeQ would ADVISE the soldiers belOnUnO the
Grand Army of the Republic to keep the organiza-
ton intact. 1t is misunderstood by a great many
people. 1t is noD-potical organization for chart
table purposes 1t is the union of the soldiers for
the benefit OF one another, for the benefit of the
widows and orphans who are deserving and man
would be unworthy to be member of the organiza-
ton who would undertake to use it for any other
purpose. (Applause)
And, my fellow comrades, there are other persons
in this land who are entitled to credit, too All
could not be soldiers. all could not go into the ar
my. AS an army you had to be supplied, and, if
may use common phrase, you had to have back
ing. They were behind you, loyal, patriotic men
and women, who aided you, assisted you, and aided
the Government in preparing for you those com
forts that were necessary to sustain you applause
To those loyal people, citizens they kwere, credit
is due. and much credit too So let accord to all
those who were willing to make sacrifices in the
hour of trial portion of the honor claim our
selves.
| Now, comrades, L do not know that will see you
again soon, but, as said it fills my heart to over
| flowing whenever meet you. 1t brings back the
days OF trial and danger; the days when those who
| touched elbows in the lines knew not that their
lives should be spared for moment. There is a
feeling that reaches from to another that is
descrDable but it belongs in the breast of the SOL
der, and we cannot eradicate it if we would. You
have my regards and my respect and always VI i'll
have, and II God spares me, there is nothing that
can do chat is proper to do), but what will do for
the man who served his country faithfully. l thank
you all for this kind reception and win be glad to
comrades, and give you old-fashioned soldiers
shake. Applause and cheers.