The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1885-05-15
BLUE AND GRAY.

1t Is our desire In this connection to
arouse the interest Of every reader OF
THE FREE Press in behalf ofthis stirring
war drama, which, as ID. already well
known, will be placed on the stage at
the Opera House next week by Wilkin
Post G. A. R., for the purpose of raising
means to help on the proposed soldiers
monument enterprise. They have Sc
cured the services of Prof. Cobb, the
able manager of the drama, who Is now
here preparing for this entertainment,
assisted by strong local talent.
The drama itself is an exceptionally
good one, representing q great variety
of human characters as they appeared
under the inspiration Of the intense ex-
element attendant upon the years Of
struggle during the late rebellion. Both
the union and confederate sides are rep
resented, Us we'll as the several lesser
factions which were mere contingents to
the predominating parties. The humor-
Gus has been given due prominence 30
that the lover of a good laugh can in
dulge himself; and the pathetic side OF
life Is brought out in degree which no
circumstances but times Of war can in'
cite. Patriotism, self.denial, manly
courage, feminine devotion, and numer-
GUS other elements of noble life are set
forth in way that will tend to give the
young higher and better sense of 10y
atty to country and justice to mankind
than the very moderate examples of long
periods of peace can provide. Besides
all this the memory Of that great crisis
should be kept fresh for the sake Of the
sacred issue and the glorious outcome,
I. .. erasing from the nations character
its worst and only stain. The drama is,
technically, a condensation Of monien-
tous occurrences, or, in other words, a
summarizing of human events, and Is the
only means by which succeeding gener-
atoms can be taught the importance Of
events preceding their own epoch, and
these military plays are becoming very
popular rs means of recalling the scenes
30 many have vivid recollection of, and
this one is among the very best.
There are other considerations, how
ever, yhIcl. should persuade the public
to fill the Opera House on each evening
but We forbear from citing any but the
object for which the means are being
raised. This monument when once com
pleted will be as much an institution o.
Mapkato as any edifce. and will always
bs among the SPECIAL features 10 attract
the attention of visitors, and stranger
abroad. It's erection will insure thu
identifying and pa eseryation of a small
park in some portion of the city, some
thing We are sorely in need Of at present
and we could go on enumerating such
reasons why tho cause should be aideC
throughout a column but there is {
loftier and more humane argument t.
which we must needs refer. To raise .
standing exponent to the memory o
those who willingly and gratuitously sac
rificed their all, to 60 to distant cline
and die amid the rigors Of merciless wa
to save the nation in sacred union, il
certainly worthy of the aid and encour
agement Of every true American. They
should meyer be forgotten so long Is thi
United States government bears a re
semblance Of the great ness they won t
it, or the stars and stripes floats in free
dom's breezes, and we must leave some
thing to indicate to coming generation
the esteem these fallen ones deserve
Who will refuse to rally to the supper
of such cause? Is there one who vii
say" TITS l."
Below we give the cast of characters
which is now rehearsing for next week.
performance