The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-05
SERGEANT BATES.
The Owner of the Talented Legs Travelling
for Patriotism, Not for Pleasure.

Atlanta Constitution.
This is my SON. Frank" said this remarkable
pedestrian, pointing to bright-eyed, intelligent
looking lad who was attired in semi military
costume Frank is my companion and carries
the colors, you know
The reporter didn't 'know" but he said he did
with such readiness that the Sergeant's heart
was won at once.
when did you reach Atlanta!' was the news
paper mans first question.
1.-TWO o'clock Frank and walked all the way
from the house of Mr.. Barbour, just this side Of
Marietta. Mr.. Barbour is an old ex-Confeder-
hte, who invited US to spend Sunday night with
him.
Did you count the cross ties.l"
No; we took the wagon road most of the way,
and it was pretty muddy too, although there
were some sandy stretches"
SANDY mud interrupted Frank.
We've been seventy-three days out from Chi
cago our starting point continued thesergeant,
but only siXty-iv days on the road. We
started on October 10, walked sol miles, and on
the way / have addressed ninety nine public
meetings, speaking sometimes twice day"
You made a similar trip shortly after the
war;"
YES, just So have made 1858 addresses
since 1877, and have carried the national colors
all over the South"
Had much fun!H
Fun! No, sir. My object is not fun
The reporter, after moments deep thought,
candidly remarked that if the Sergeant was not
himself all over the country, and made himself
so universal
I'll explain said the veteran traveller. MY
object is to promote moral and patriotic citizen
ship and national unity; to unite the best ele-
ments of North and South for the improvement
and betterment of the worst"
''And you expect to do this by tramping about
over the countryFs
I'VE are not walking for pleasure was the
reply, but to reach and talk with more people
We carry the flag, not for notoriety, but to use
in my public addresses, as experience North and
South has demonstrated that the best way to an
American citizens heart is through the flag of
his country"
At this iuncture the Office boy INDUCED in a
faint attempt at applause, but was promptly
suppressed:
''How old are you, Sergeant
'Forty five was born in New York State,
but reside now at SaybrOok, Ill. served in a
Wisconsin regiment in the war"
''What was your original occupation2".
Il was raised a farmer, and have followed that
occupation the greater part of my life.
In the course of his talk the Sergeant said that
he intended to visit Florida, the Carolinas, and
Virginia, reaching the North in time to speak
during the presidential campaign. In the main
South, especially in Georgia. At Bell
Buckle and Wartrace Tenn, he was
not so well treated and met with some rude
ness, because he had been, he thinks, misrepre-
scented at those places He believes that his trip
will convince people at the North that Southern
sentiment is pacific and loyal 1t is his desire to
remain here couple of days and to deliver a
free lecture, taking up the usual collection to
pay expenses.
Bates has . clean shaven, intelligent face,
rather sharp-featused, but full of good nature
At first glance one would take him for a book
agent or a phrenologist, but closer scrutiny
knocks the bottom out of every calculation, and
the puzzled ttudent of human nature
gives it up. The old soldier and his
boy stand their tramp very well. In fact the
sergeant says Chat his throat is in danger Of
legs, Bates is justly proud of his, and he ought
to be- for they have been the making of him.
The heads of some men make them famous the
hands of others industriously lay the founda-
tons of greatness, but it takes an exceptional
pair of legs to carry man to the topmost pin
nacle of notoriety. The gallant Sergeant, how
ever needs no introduction. AS to his mission,
it is enough to say that if he is not doing the
good he claims, he does not appear to be doing
any harm.