The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-09
A TOKEN FROM YOUNG FOLKS
General Harrison Visited by a Company
of One Hundred Girls and Misses.
They Make an Attractive Sight Marching to
His Residence-A Little Masters Pretty
Speech and the Generals Response.

General Harrison last night received one OF
the most unique delegations that has yet called
ut his home. 1t was . band OF one hundred
girls and misses, ranging in ages from five to
fifteen years. Some two weeks ago Mrs Matte
McCorkls, Of this city, formed temporary
organization Of young girls. with the ultimate
view of last nights call The club gradually
increased in size, and was placed under the con-
troll Of Miss Florence Shilling, captain of the
Young Ladies' Harrison and Morton Club. for
military training. Considering the short space
of time gpent in drilling, the demonstration last
night reflected great credit upon their leader
and the young ladies themselves The
procession was formed at o'clock,
on North street. near the Blind Institution, but
il was an hour before the march to the Generals
residence At the head OF ths line rode Master
Charles Pettijohn, six years DID, mounted upon
pony. Following him came drum corps COM
posed OF eight young boys. who furnished music
for the hundred girls marching In column OF
fours. Each was attred IN u costume Of white,
decked with red. white and blue ribbons and
carrying in their bands q lighted paper lantern.
mounted on canes At the Generals residence
large crowd had collected long before their ar
with cheers. The sight was
beautiful one. Miss Shilling first
brought the column to halt immediately in
front OF the Generals door, where salute was
made, after which bhort drill was gone
through The young girls were again halted,
and facing the group OF the Generals family
and friends collected on the steps, song and
chorus, set to the tune Of Marching through
Georgia" was sung.
At the close Of the song Master Pettijohn dis
mounted from his pony and saluting the General
was introduced by Mrs. McCorkle. On
behalf OF the young ladies he presented to
General Harrison large bouquet OF
cut flowers, delivering in true oratorical style
the following brief speech: "Our choice for
President, we ask you 10 accept this little token
OF our respect, for we can't vote for you, but
our papas can, and We know your election
means protection" The little fellows words
were scarcely audible within few feet OF his
position. but from those who heard them they
elected loud applause, which was taken up and
carried out over the entire crowd
The General responded as follows:
Ny Young Friends-When some one asked this aft
ernoon over The telephone if would receive
children who wanted to pay me a visit gave a very
cheerful consent, because / thought saw a chance
TO have good time. That you little would de-
did expect TO see a company prettiy uniformed
and 80 well drilled. both in marching and in song.
found not only entertainment but instruction in their
companionsbip Little ones often wise things.
In the presence Of such company this; one who
has aspirations for the things that good and
pure cannot fail to have them strengthened.
The kind words you have addressed to me in song
came, am sure from sincere and loving hearts, and
am very grateful for them and for your visit Some
of the best friends have under ten years OF age
and aftsr tonight am sure shall have many more.
for all your names will be added. And now ] hope
you will all come in where YOU. aud show
you whatever there is in our home to interest you
would like you ~ to feel that will be glad if you
Will come to set often.
At the concll. lion Of another song by the
young ladies they were invited into ths Cen
erals parlors where each was received person
ally by General and Mrs. Harrison. After
abort time spent in social conversation they
formed in line aud were returned to their re-
spective homes.