Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1889-05-30

uniform OF the Grand Army OF the hcpub-
lio Further back. near the center OF the
town, an occadcnai drum-beat, betokening
the gathering " an organized body OF men
preparing 10 do duty on an important and
solemn occasion. Unnistakably Memorial
Dayl
Along Highland avenue, at tho terminus
Of which was the large cemetery, was an
almost unhroken procession OF people OF all
ages and conditions hurrying toward the
grounds where IN another hour n fayorite
chaplain was 10 deliver the oration OF the
day.
Frank Dnrkor and Eugene Howard. sew
enteen and ojghteen years, rcspe ctiyely,
took In with keen interest each phase OF the
holiday scene.
Doesn't SOON possible there ever could
have been n war right here In oui own
country. does 10y Frank asked. II sup
poso.n ho added, 1T would appear more
lkoly had any ono belonging TO me been in
the army but ~ II IA, Memorial Day seems
70 me more like day for the parading OF
the living than the honoring of the dead
MY fDther was n surgeon In the army
during tho last two years Of the re-
bellion, - said Eugene Howard but he died
10 many yoars ago never learned any thing
from him on the subject; hut then, our
histories teach us how much we owe the
men who fought those battles"
"Y-ea" began Prank In what would have
been n cynical manner in an older man.
''but the trouble Is there are so many old
buffers who are forever and over blowing
shout the war. and doubt II half OF them
were ever in the slightest engagement. OF
evon ever smelt powder Sort OF shakes
your faith in a good many OF them"
'Oh, we'll" replied Eugene, laughlngly.
~ reckon we're all willing enough 70 know
ns little of that unplensantness' as we car
Arrived at tho cemetery, the young men
walked about, stopping first 10 comment ON
the draping OF some long mound whore
fron headstone 10 footstone the stars and
stripes were wound in graceful folds over
some sleeping patriots grave Then the
designs IA plants well grown. and flowers
coaxod into early bloom, would claim more
than moments attention.
II believe Tn getting tired said Fraak
Barker at last; "lot's go 10 that little arhor
down the next avenue and rea awhile, We
shall hear .ho baud cas- ly enough once the
procession draws near"
The arbor was close at hand. but ON ap-
preaching near enough 20 see into II. there,
calmly gazing ON the scene before him sat
been ludicrous had Il not at the same time
boon 30 utterly pathetic. On his head was
a large army hat. such a. worn by mem
beu OF tho Posts. only In the middle were
three tarniahed letterS His tall thin form
was habitod In an old army coat 30 faded Il
night originally have been either gray or
blue, and over tho deep collar struggled a
few locks OF gray hair
AZ sight OF the forlorn old figure, Eugene
Howard said under his breath
"Hullool lguess our old friend yonder
grew tired before We did. and being little
lame. started In advance 10 find resting
place.
'WelL goodness knows he's welcome %
said Frank Barker, a chivalrOus ring In his
low voice. You see - he added half sport
lively and half IN earnest. I'VE Young Amer
lea .nvoluntarily render honor 70 whom
honor. and 40 forth"
Eryene Howard added, mischievouslv;
Reminds me nevertheless OF the old
duffer alluded 20 in my hearing moment
ago.
I've a great mind to interview hlm,
Prank replied quick 10 catch and respond
10 the spirit OF mischief in his friends
voice "he looks TO me a. II he might be q
little non composi but he might also tell us .
story n We set him going come on"
But onca inside the arbor Il was NOT
necessary for tho young men 10 set the ''old
friend going Placing his thin hand against
his hat with n correct military salute, n,
began In a tono which. though firm ant
dignihed, had yet a certain imploring 40
cent;
"Ahl good morning. young gentlemen
rIu On o q United states volunteer, ns yot
sea- and he pointed significantly 20 ths
iotters o. his carefully peaked hat; yes
I'm an old Y. & v. one Of the rank aud nl,
merely but l came over here to-day will
an object ! always so everywhere viii
An objectn
10 paused a moment, a. n 10 make IN,
lust declaration the more impressive, ans