The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-11-17
Cane Presentation.

Cane Presentation.
A number of>,he friends of Gen. H,
R. WEsr, IN view Of bis early departure
for Fort Peck, Montana, to assume the
duties Of Indian Agent at that place, re.
solved TO present him with Testimonial
Of their appreciation of his character IS
ciuz,u.s They, accordingly, procured
a ine gold.headed cane, and on Saturday
evening last, to the number Of twenty OF
more, proceeded TO the r. sidence OF Gen.
WEST 10 make the presentation. No
previous intimation OF their intention
had been given 10 him or any member
of bis family. 1t was a complete sur.
prise. The first in,imatiop OF anything
uDusual vas music by the String Band
at the door OF his residence After
gaining admission TO the parlor and be.
ing seated. Judge JAS. R, NORRIS ad-
dressed the General as follows:
"GRSERAL: Your friends have assem-.
bled here, this evening, for the purpose
OF bidding you kind farewell, ere you
take your departure for the far North.
vest to assume the duties OF the position
10 which the Government has assigned
you. While the duties OF the post mav
be arduous and the climate rigorous, We,
your neighbors know that neither the
climate, however cold, nor the duties OF
the post, however laborious, will deter
you from faithful discharge OF ell the
obligations Of the position.
We cannot bat svmpathize with you, /,
while giving you kind words to cheer.
you on your way to the verge OF ciyilis
za'ion, when We ref Ct that, IN that far
away cocntry, you will be debarred OF
most. OF the comforts OF life to which
you have been accustomed. But we
know that, 10 years gone by, on the tent.
ed field, you were schooled to endure all
the hsrdships that will probably surround
you in this new, and, TO you, untitled
iel1 of labor.
You take with you the kindest wishes
OF all your neighbors and friends 10. this
community. They realiz, that ties are
being severed that have grown up be.
tween them and you from your early
childhood to your mature age, aud that
TO thus break them is not q pleasant
task. But you have, doubtless, we'll con-
sidered oil this, and. therefore, We can
only say: What you do, do with all your
might, and with that energy OF charac-
Ter which we know you possess Dis
charge all the duties that may devolve
upon you with fidelity, as We know you
will, go that it NAV be said Of you. "well
done, good and faithful servspt." You
will doubtless meet with many trials to
weary your patiebce and try your TEN.
per, but remember that "he that Is slow
70 anger IS better than the mighty: and
,e that rule,h his spirit is greater than
be that taketh q city,"
General: As testimonial of The kind
wishes OF your neighbors and friends, and
he profound respect in which they hold
7ou, they have deputed me 10 present to
Vou this elegant cane. Take 1t. Wear
! ss worthily as we know You wore ' vour
word in our late great civil conflict.
Treasure II IS We have no doubt you will
reasure The kind words and wishes OF
hose you leave behind, and who thus
nantes, their high regard for you in oil
he relations Of life, whether as neigh
'or,. ci'iz,n, friend. husband or father.
This gift Is not alone from those who
,ave been associated with you political.
Y, but comes from your friends without
eeard TO party affiliations.
In thus bidding you good bye. We can
'nlv add that 1t is our supreme desire
hat. In your far away home, you and |
hose connected With yod-by the tender
ct and dearest ties, may enjoy the great.
., comfort. happiness and health !. and
houh YOU ever return to our midst you
viii 6nd true and tried friends to vel. |
'ome you back-kno wing. as they do,
hat, by your absence, our town loses
me whose hand and purse were ever
pen to the calls OF "melting charity"
pd whose voice and pen we're always On
be side OF good morals within our
nldsf. ss-.pa.. ~ = ~ N.Sss,s-.s - III
And now General, we bid you God
peed. on your journey. and heartfelt
,ood bye. |
The General was deeply touched at
his manifestation IN the rart, OF his
eiehbors, and replied briefly. He said
FRrEEDs AND NFIaaB3ss: This Is In.
eed complete surpfise to- me, and yout
,av. rest assured, when reach NV, post
{ duty, that no act OF mine viii ever
ause you to regret your kind and friend
vordsi OF this evening. ! thank yon.
en'lemen, more than mere words can
xpress, for this mark of your conf ience
nd esteem.
The inscription upon the head OF the
ane is: