The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-09-26
| the beginning OF the end. that the triumphs

the beginning OF the end. that the tr1umpns
which followed were the result OF the dis
cipline ofthetraining camps. AHer relat-
ing the subsequent victories OF the Army OF
the Cumberland, the speaker closed with
the words: Such scenes may never return,
but the cause for which we struggled Is i'm
mortal. The past is secure. the future wakes
no fears.
Gen. Alger. after the applause incident 10
his introduction had subsidized, entered upon
his eulogy OF Gen. Sheridan. After recitng
the chief incidents OF the Generals career.
he said:
LET me sketch Sheridan 10 you as he APP
peared standing in front OF his tent on the
eventiul May morning when the letter APP
pointing him Colonel OF the Second Michi-
gan Cavalry, sent by Michigan's famous
war Governor. Austin Blair. was handed 20
him. In stature about feet 8 inches, weight
1876 pounds. with large head. piercing eye,
broad shoulders. and tapering TO his feet
much like an iron wedge. and. as his com
mand afterward learned, about as firm. As
was always his custom. his uniform coat
was buttoned 10 his chin. and he
looked every inch soldier, as he
pointment his surprise and delight
seemed about equal. Soon he was sur
rounded by his brother staff officers. who
were profuse in their congratulations, and
the hope that his Coloners commission
would be only step 10 a Brigadier's star.
Sheridan replied instantly: No, thank you:
i am now a Colonel of cavalry and have all
the rank / wish His supposed zenith was
but his horizon. Thus we see how little
men know even of themselves. The fond
est ambition gratifed gratifes not at all.
The things we think will fully satisfy us,
once gained. are found TO lack the
pleasure we anticipated. We are constantly
looking beyond, eager for the morrow that
never comes, and too apt 10 forget the
blessings of to-day. Perhaps il is we'll il is
thus. else man would be content with this
life, giving little thought 10 the life beyond.
AS before stated the evening OF the day
Col. Sheridan received his appointment he
appeared in camp and assumed command Of
his regiment. He wore his captains uniform
coat, with its row Of buttons and a pair Of
infantry colonel's shoulder straps; the latter
probably We're all he could procure after his
appointment. He was a resolute man. and
his command soon learned the fact that,
unless in camp. two parties were in constant
danger-the enemy and themselves. He
was always genial and easily approached
except in battle, when his whole nature
seemed 10 change, and woe 20 the man who
crossed him while the fight was on. Speak
ing OF this fact not year since, when told
he was always ugly in battle he replied: L
guess that was so; il was the way always
felt
Il have given you this early sketch Of the
Gei eral tlat you may see how he appeared
when he started on his famous career.
Thanks TO the genius Of our institutions We
have no hereditary titles. and high birth
adds in the race Of life neither advant }ge
nor the converse. Upon the acts of the in
dividual rest his success or failure. Tiu',
surroundings and opportunity aid in paving
the way, but no substantial success follows
accidents.
OF the secret Of Gen. Sheridan's success
the speaker said:
One OF the strong characteristics of Gen.
hr.- I'm, inf a In
cause OF the North. Soldering, with him.
was not a mere occupation, a road TO crafty
personal ambition. but he believed intensely
that rebellion was a crime and that il ought
TO be punished. He had no patience what
ever with the people Of the North who either
sympathized with the rebellion or spoke
discouragingly about putting it down, or dis
paragingly OF the force that was crushing IL,