St. Paul daily globe., 1888-05-31

those who died, but to perpetuate also
the principles for which they died.
l can easily take you old soldiers back
to the days of '61. Washington was full
of rebels openly proclaiming their
treason in the very halls of congress
and the mansion of the chief executive.
Washington was also full of Northern
men, politicians mostly, who were cry
ing God save the country, but they SIM
ply meant God save my place and my
fortune; make me register of a land Of
fee, or collector of customs. The prayer
of the South in Washington was: Let
me live upon the fruit of other mems
industry, and the prayer of the North
ern politician at the capital was let me
fatten upon the plunder of the public.
The country at large was full also of
politicians of lesser grade, men who
were moderately base, who were fieXi-
BILE in shame. who were ready to be
loyal and patriotic when anything was
to be gained by that course, but who
would much prefer to be the hirelings of
the worst cause than
TIE MARTYRS OF THE BEST.
And the civil war was upon us. Then
uprose that mighty host, in the North,
not of politicians, not of seekers for
place of plunder but of the honest
masses, the mainstay and support of
every republic. To these masses be-
long the credit and the honor of that
wars success. ItwaS no holiday eXcur-
sion over summer seas, as you well
know. but the last ditch was reached at
last, and the country was saved. Then
came reconstruction. The masses OF
negro slaves were now freed men and
citizens. The same bipartisan masses
who had fought the battles of the union
of nd N
iative halls, the battle of reconstruc-
ton. The result is before you to-day.
Why then do we meet here to Strew
flowers upon the graves of these dead
heroes to-day?:: Not surely to shadow
forth our grief and sorrow at their fate.
Nay, not solo Flowers, from the day
they were strewn IN the triumphant
pathway of our savior to the day when
they decorate these graves, have ever
spoken the language of love and con-
stancy and gratitude and joy, and they
appropriately speak that language here.
Shall mourn the fate of these, my COM
rodeS, who passed over only little be-
fore, with the sweet assurance that they
had died for their country and would be
remembered with grateful hearts and
floral offerings of praise and love by
generations yet unborn? Nay,.verily!
Ii the spirits of these patriotic men are
looking down on US to-day, as | believe
they are, it is with no tinge of regret
that they made the sacrifice they did to
secure nations safety and enjoy these
enduring tokens of nations gratitude.
For the most part no costly works of
mems hands mark these seemingly
humble graves. Yet, the simple offer
ings of friendship which you have
brought to them to-day breathe richer
fragrance and denote more enduring
fame than was ever inscribed Oh mOnu-
mental brass or sculptured marble.
Amid the tolls and turmoilS of life it
is a pleasant thing to know that so
many thousands yearly observe this
day. That from the workshop and the
PLOW AND -FIRESIDE-
men and women come forth, and for
getting the carking cares that distract
and the Saddening sorrows that distress
them, devote one day to the remem-
brance of those who gave up life itself
for their country. Let the day be ever
thus observed. Let it become one of
the institutions of our country. Teach
its celebration to your children as you
do the observance of the Fourth of
July. 1t is a very small return you
freedom bequeathed to you by the men
you honor.
1 know you will join me in a senti-
ment from an author, whose name L
have forgotten, in honor or our soldier
dead:
True men We fell, and faithful to the last,
Though oVerpowered by death, yet still in
death
Unconquered. Holy be your memories
Blessed and glorious, now and evermore,
Be your heroic names!
Miss Albertina Hayward recited the
familiar poem, 'The Blue and the
Gray" very creditably. There was
more music, DR.. j. E. Smith pro-
nounced the benediction and the crowd
DISPERSED.