The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-08-27

| WHY WOMEN SHOULD HONOR GRANT.
DEAR TRIBUNE: Strong Vincent Relief Corps
. held Grant memorial services at GAR Hall Sum
| DAY, Aug. z the Post having accepted an invita-
ton to be present The charters of Post and Corps
| were draped i'll black, the flags which were
over the altar, together with a plaque of white
| flowers. The meeting opened with prayer by Rev.
j. g. wilson and singing by male quartet. accom-
panied by Prof Eekert on the organ. Rev. j. III.
Edwards made a fine address showing why women
should specially honor Gen Grant. The singing of
| Nearer My God to Thee eulogstic remarks by
| Rev MIR. Wilson, which brought tears from many
| an eye, and closing prayer by Rev. Mr.. Edwards
| closed the meeting The following Is Rev MIR.
| Edwards's address:
| 1t is fitting that the women Of America should
join In services commemorative of the great GEN
eral who so lately went of this world with his
hand clasped IN that of his faithful wife and his
last look OF love resting upon his dear Nelies face
Especially appropriate is it that the ladies of the
Relief Corps sheuld unite in these services with
their honOred fathers, brothers. husbands-the vet
cram soldiers OF the Grand Army of the Republic
1t Is true that upon the women of the country fell
the heaviest burden of the sorrows of our civil
lis but we mothers die was written amid
! agonies of anxiety and hopeless grief. Yet the
great leader whose order sent their dearest to
meet wounds and death felt, much as he dared,
| the whole measure of their wo. The groans of
| the suffering and dying his victorious battle
fields sounded In his ears underneath the applause
that rent the sky during his triumphant progress
after the war. He never failed to remember, to
praise, to reward his fellow-solders of whatever
rank. 1t was his matchess leadership that instru-
mentally saved the Union, and made freedom act
ual. The homes in which American women pre-
size are safe to-day from other civil conflicts which
would bring far more it might be, of bloodshed
| and misery, because armies under Grant
brought TO successful issue the for the Union.
1t seems fitting in this presence dwell upon the
domestic virtues and genter attributes of the man
| we have lately learned to know under a new light
Strength and gentleness in him were combined to
| remarkable degree. Under the warriors coat of
mail beat the heart of woman. This is the infal-
! llbe sign a truly great nature.
Gen. Grant WAS good son from his youth up.
He always confided in his father and honored his
mother PLAIN and humble though they were.
letter written to his mother when he was at West
Point ascribes to her all that was good in him. OF
his relations to the wife and children now SORROW
ing for him as those never again earth to live in
the light OF his unt,iling love- it il hardly possible
to speak in this public way. May the widows God
and the Father of the fatherless comfort that at
ficted household to-day.
1T is well for the women of America to honor him
who ever honored wOmanhood. Mothers can point
their SONS to his spotless examples of speech and
action Neither profanity or obscenity ever soiled
his lips. His self-compeiing will and devotion to
a high cause enabled him to conquer an appetite
which has ruined so many brave soldiers.
" hat shall We say of the wonderful yentleness,
patience, courage, and consideration for others
manifested during the last, long struggle? Is not
their memory precious legacy for the comfort of
be thankful, as he that his life spared to
add to 1t this radiant page. Let us be thankful for
last, and that he was not separated in sympathy
and hope from Christian mother and wife But
this very hope reminds ms of the stern fact that he
| Is gone.
''ITis work is donel
But while the races of mankind endure,
Let his great example stand
Colossal seen of every land,
And keep the soldier firm. the statesman pure;
Till In all lands and through all human story,
The path of duty be the way to glory"
Jennie NJ. Reaveley, Corps Secretary.
DEPARTMENT OF CONNECTICUT.
To THE EDITOR: The home of Mr. and Mrs.
Barchfeld, of this city, was the scene of very
pretty surprise, inGeniousy planned and success
fuiiy executed by the members of Nathaniel Lyon
WR-C., No. 2, auxiliary to Nathaniel Lyon Post
Department of Connecticut the evening of
Aug a. being the ed anniversary of their marriage
Mrs. Barchfeld, as President of the Corps the
year previous, having endeared herself to the
members by her impartial treatment, her interest
and efficient assistance in all their undertakings, it
was desired to present her with some slight token
of their esteem and regard.
Making committee meeting an excuse they as
sembled in large numbers at the appointed time.
After disposing of the business in hand the atten
ton of the hostess was momentariiy distracted,
and an elegant hanging lamp was brought in and
deity concealed by the voluminous drapery of
three of the ladies' The Chaplain, being called
upon for few remarks, responded by presenting
the lamp, which the ladies, stepping aside, dis
! closed to the view of the astonished recipient,
whose emotions of surprise and pleasure for
a moment too great for words. Quickly recover
ing, however, she returned thanks in few we'll
chosen words. Her genuine surprise and pleasure
was very gratifying to the ladies' showing that she
appreciated the motive that prompted it far more
than the actual value of the gift.
1t being the night of the regular encamp ment of
the Post, after it closed tbe comrades joined US,
refreshments were served, and kindly wishes for
many happy returns of the day and cordial good
nights marked the close of a very enjoyable event
IN the annals of Post and Corps, No. 2.-F. l.. H.,
Hartford, Conn.
DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK.
Relief Corps No. IS, Albany, had the beauti-
tiful Memorial Day decorations prepared for
the graves of Gen. Won Steinwehr and Com
rade l.. o. Morris photographed. Upon a
recent occasion they invited the several Grand
Army Posts and Sons Of Veterans to general
meeting, and formally presented the tokens to
Post III, Mrs. Watkins, Corps President max
ing an appropriate address, and Commander
Treadwell a fitting response. Comrades Shoe
maker, Smith, Torrey, Barn and MeCabe fol-
lowed with speeches.
Bacon Relief Corps, Utica, celebrated their
first anniversary with an invitation Campfire
to the Post and comrades from Ilon and Rome
and other Posts in the city and vicinity. A
fine musical and literary program was given
by the boys and girls, and Commander NJ NJ.
Jones surprised the President, Mrs. Dicks by
presenting her with handsome willow rock
ing chair, the gift of the Post. A beautiful
basket of flowers presented the Corps by Mrs.
Merritt was afterwards sold for So. In opening
the meeting Comrade Akehurst outlined the
history of the Corps, and paid high compli
ment to the work performed. 1t has men,
bership of 81. The presentation to the Corps
by o. p Clarke of an eagle cut from leather, in
behalf of the Sons of Veterans, created much
merriment. Dancing followed.
THE MISSION OF SORROW.
DEER TRIBUNE: On Thursday afternoon Aug 6, |
the regular meeting of A L. Brooks Relief Corps No
T. of Hamilton, n. ", was followed by brief memo
rial service in honor of Gen. Ulysses $. Grant The
G. a. r. hall astefuy draped in black and white
and profusiOn of flowers decorated the Presidents
desk and the tables upon the platform The picture
of the departed hero, which hung in the front of
the hall, was also heavily draped, underneath |
which n wreath of white roses and green leaves
At $3.50, the hall being well filled with the Relief
Corps members of the Post and invited guests the
meeting called to order by the President, Mrs.
Abbie DEG johnson. The General Order was read |
by the Secretary, giving the reason for holding the
service An affecting and impressive prayer was |
offered by Rev. DIR. Brooks whose heart is ever in
sympathy with all that is noble and true. The choir
consisting of Mrs Benedict organist; Messrs Case
and Bonney, Miss Weed, Miss Royce and Miss |
HaIbert of Norwich sang "Manolah."
Miss Mary Kennedy read a well-written essay on |
the life and services of Gen. Grant, which fol-
lowed by Nearer my God to Thee" sung by the |
choir, when Prof. B. +. Terry introduced, to |
whom all listened with pleasure and profit. He |
dweit chiefly on the mission of sorrow, which has |
a tendency to make us better great sorrow COM
ing into life, home, must purify the heart |
and life. and make us better men and women So |
with the Nation; even this great sorrow and be- |
reavement ill tend to make it better and stronger,
and be one great means of uniting North and South |
i'm still closer ties Miss Kitie Kennedy rccted the |
poem Grant Mustered Out " i'll a beautiful and |
affecting manner, for which she received many |
compliments. The choir then sang ." One by One ,,
after which the President invited Rev. MIR. Brown |
to favor the audience with few remarks. when |
the exercises closed with the singing OF America"
and Benediction by DR. Brooks.