Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-09-20
Comrades of Sheridan.
A Meeting in Chicago at Which
 He Expected to Preside.
THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Only the Generals Portrait and His Mem- ory Represent His Real Self-The Meet ing Was Devoted to EulogizinG Him. Gen. Alger's Eloquent Tribute.

ory Represent His Real self-The Meet
 ing Was Devoted to EulogizinG Him.
 Gen. Alger's Eloquent Tribute.
 CHICAGO, Sept. 20.-The reunion of the sur viving members of the Army of the Cumber land at Central Music hall last night was one of the most largely attended gatherings of representatives of the Grand Army of the Republic ever held in the state of Illinois. A nearly life size portrait of the late Gen. Sheri- dan occupied the centre of the stage, the stage itself being decorated with the national colors and trophies of the war. Over hundred veteran commanders, who served during the war, occupied seats of honor on the stage, in- cluding Gems. T. T. Crittenden, R. A. Alger, Warren Keller and many others. Gen. Rose crans, who acted as chairman, introduced Hon. John Roche mayor of Chicago, who ex- tended most hearty welcome to the assem- bled veterans. Col. H. Stone, the next speaker, gave graphic history of the war of the re- bellion, paying a glowing tribute to the brave Phil Sheridan who they all had fondly hoped would have presided at their meeting, as it was by him the reunion had been called a short time ago to assemble.
 Gen. Alger delivered most interesting and touching eulogy on the life and career of Gen. Sheridan, referring to all the great episodes in the war in which he bore so con- spicuous a part. Nearly quarter of a cen tury has passed" said Gen. Alger, land peace reigns throughout the land, yet many of the men who served with him are still among the living The muster rolls of the Grand Army of the Republic carry about 400, 900 names, of which nearly 5000 have been mustered out during the past year. It is estimated that about one-half of the vet eranB living belong to the organization, and I is butt nnhl +0 &Aof fhTCn outside are falling by the wayside as rapidly as those within. Thus 10000 of these brave comrades have passed away since last you met, an average of about one for every time the minute hand passes around the dial of the dock Their sufferings are ended. Their weary hearts are at rest. They are beyond care and trouble. No poorhouse can ever open or close its doors to them. Let us ever revere their memory The men who served their country and saved it, the men who made it what it is to-day, the comrades of our gallant Sheridan ought to be the nations wards, not the nations paupers. Great soul, loving father, devoted husband loyal friend,' exclaimed Gen. Alger, in cor- clusion, ''Your life, your affection for your country, your record as a soldier and as g man, are the heritage of a grateful nation. A country broken you helped to rebuild; a di 1 vided sentiment you helped to make one. Or the bow of promise, which spanning this great | land, assures that peace, unity and con | cord shall remain forever, are inscribed the names of the men who placed it there, and al 1 its apex shines in letters as bright as the day that shall never fade the immortal name 1 Sheridan
 Upon the conclusion of Gen. Alger's elo l quent eulogy, which he closed almost in tears the band played ''The Flag" after which th' proceedings closed. The veteran generals anc Grand Army comrades in attendance the, held an informal and fraternal gathering o1 l the stage