Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1889-09-19
rHE GRANT MONUMENT.


General HIar aud George n. Peck.
LEAvENwoRTH Kan. Sept 10.-At noon
on Saturday all business houses we're
closed and tho city was In holiday attire,
flags and streamers showing everywhere,
with pictures OF Grant here and there.
As early as seven o'clock the veterans
from the soldiers home began pouring
into the city with mpny members Of the
q. A. r. posts from nelghboring towns.
Aftcr n parade herein which four troops
OF United States cavalry, a great palace
wagon bearing MANNED veterans, the
Garfield colored post the FIRE department
and other clubs, with their different bands,
took part--they all took train for Fort
Leavenwoith.
At Fort Lcavenworth the sentrles paced
back and forth about the monument and
a large platform built just south Of II
where nearly 900 chairs had been placed
Early in the forenoon Mrs. General Mer-
ritt Mrs. Colonel Rucker and Lieutenant
Perry, Of the Ninth cavalry, had deco
rated the top Of the pedestal with flowers,
o wreath extending around the entire
edge.
Upon the large platform we're Generals
Merritt and McCook, each accompanied
by bis entire staff Governor Humphrey
and all the State officials, Senator Ingalls,
and many men distinguished in tho mill-
tary aud political history OF the country,
besides a large number Of ladies'
At two o'clock General Merritt arose
and introduced Rev. E. +. Holland, chap
lain OF the @. A. II. for the department Of
Kansas, who offered prayer. Then Gem
erai Merritt, as president Of tho Grant
Monument Association, welcomed the
people In a short speech, In which he said
the artist had done his part in manner
befittlng the illustrious soldier He con-
cluded with the words; "The monument
will now be unvailed." Then the flag
which covered tho monument dropped and
the great General stood revealed.
Senator Ingalls, was then introduced
and spoke substantially As follows;
The onward march Of humanity has never
been delayed for the want of a prophet to pre-
dict a triumph or leader 20 direct resistloss
enories when the crisis comes the man ap-
pears. II Is the opportunity that makes the
General when the late contest was begun
there was no one who anticipated the achieve
ment or prophesied the mngnihcent destiny Of
Grant He had abandoned the military
profession in early liio. He had no
sympathy with the passions which pre-
eipitated the var He had no powerful
friends He was shy and silent and yet in the
inter al between Belmont md Appomatiox no
achieved that fame which knows no dying HIS
career was a stately procession Of unbrokon
triumphs. He was called 10 the highest posi-
tion In the Nation Senator Ingalls, then told
Of the removal Of the remains Of General
Grant from Mount NJ, Gregor TO New York
winding up by saying that the IDEAS for which
Grant conten ded will extend our Nation north
ward 20 the frozen zone and southwark 10 the
canal which will Join .two oceans; nfiy stars
viii be upon her flag and 2O00J,O0O will be un'
der its folds.
General Merr :. then introduced General
Charles w. Blair, who spoke to the follow
ing effect:
II was reserved for Fort Leavenworth 10 first
uuvail permanent memorial to tho hero Of the
war and as we gaze upon the invincibe cap
tain we realize that every government has but
one argument against insurrection and invasion
tho brutal but fns argument Of force Al
the battle Of Bulls Run the Government real.
lied the colossal character OF the rebellion
bot who would have believed that a man
whose career was supposed TO have
ended before middle life was reached would
mold armies, organize victory and achieve i'm
perishnblc renownf And yet this was done IN
the case OF Grant Much learning has been
displayed in critical analysis OF bis military
genius. but he was the Moses who led US
through the wilderness. Nictcry marched
with him everywhere. The sratitude Of his
couutrymen twice elected him Chief Magistrate, e,
when he went abroad he was the honored guest a
crowned heads and distinguished men. and
when he returned TO our shores 6l00lOO1 Of
people rose up 10 do him honor. but his modest
demeauor seemed 20 recognize his American
citizenship as his highest claim 10 di,tinction.
His last struggle was the most touching Of his
nfc-when he held death at bay until he had
completed his memoirs in order TO provide for
his family.
ID la
duced and made one Of the most appre-
c!ated orations OF the day, the following
being a brief synopsis;
We dedicate to-day no mere statue 10 Victory.
when the sculptor fashioned that august figure
he thought Of burdens borne without complaint,
of courage that never faltcrcd. The statue is
Grant, but it IS more. y viii stand as he did.
the type OF horoism, the type Of honor, the
type Of serene patience. Something like
the majestic strength of tie pyramids
was 10 him. He knew the homospuu
word duty He moved on Donelson In the dead
Of winter and wrested from the enemy rs most
important fortress and an army larger ihln his
own. He drew the lire around Vcgsburgs
faied garrison until another army yielded up us
arms. genius he was not. He was not al
ways true 20 military rules. War as he un.
the cruelty OF battle. In bis mem.
olrs Grant tells Us he had little
taste for military life. How plain and simple
he was. The feversh visions that disturb the
souls Of many great soldiers never troubled
him. Whatever Il meant 20 others Appomattox
meant only peace 10 Grant This statue is
history In bronze and what Il the
lesson u teachesf Grasp the meaning OF
the word duty and you have the answer.
II is duty that holds systems together and fills
al space with the melody q Law and order.
Here let the statue stand the tribute OF gen
erous hearts 10 q high ideal. We viii come
with feyerent steps 10 look upon u and win
hear above the noise Of faction the solemn
words OF the old commander, LET Us have
peace"
drCsi General Merritt proposed three
cheers for the artist Of the statue-who
was absent unfortunately-which were
given with a hearty good will