The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1889-05-16
Governor eordsn,s Rsoeutiop,

ELIZABETH, N. j., May, 9.-Goy-
ernor Gordon, of Ga, was rendered a
reception here tonight by the Drake
Zouaves and other veterans of the
Union army at the armory. After the
formal introduction Governor Gordon
spoke as follows:
GENERAL DRAKE, LADIES, AND
FELLOW SoLDIERs-I scarcely know
how to thank you for this
magnificent reception and for the
honor paid me in the general
orders converting this command and
making me the special guest of the
gallant veteran corps. / thank you for
the tribute paid me in these general
orders, but had you characterized me
as an ardent friend of the republic and
OF all men who love 1T and support it,
your compliment would not SO far have
exceeded my merits. 1 appreciate also
the courage which General Drake has
exhibited in thus honoring the man
who so nearly victimized him in the
badge episode only a few weeks ago.
When / read in the morning papers
that General Drake, of New jersey,
was about to be expelled from the
Grand Army of the Republic for pin
ming badge OF the order upon General
Gordon. OF Georgia, and when furth-
er read the fiery fulminatlons of the
redoubtable warriors who were
whetting their tOmahawks for General
brakes scalp, began to think that
prudence dictated that find immedi-
ate refuge within my own Jurisdiction.
The Indignation of these irate gentle
men were so intense that hasty re-
treat or another civil war seemed the
only alternatives, for not only had 1
received one badge at the hands
of your gallant corps, but as !
| rode along the blue line of these thous-
ands of brave old warrior veterans they
| had covered my breast with badges
until was bedecked as might have
been marshal of France by his own
brave followers. If, therefore, the ire
OF these red hot puTsuers OF General
Drake s should increase in proportion to
the number of badges, what would have
become of me. Imagine my relief,
however. when on examination
| found not single G.. A. r. badge but
badges of companies and regiments
and civic organizations and all appre-
hensiOn for General brakes reputa-
ton and my own safety at once sub
sided and the blissfuI assur-
the war was really over
and that peace was to pc permanent.
But TESTING aside, how sad is such an
exhibition of temper upon so ludicrOus
"a misrepresentation. do not know how
such a scene may effect others but as
for myself [ would trust with thou
sand fold more confidence the honor
and safety of the republic to the keep
, ing of those worn and battle SCARED
! heroes who buried their sectiona
! prejudice at Appomatox and whC
were glad to extend soldierly greeting
, to sincere man who had Tough
against them, than to trust that repub
! lie to the men who were unable to hid
: their passions even while doing homo
) to the memory of Washington. Wha
; is it in mans character that brave mel
I and noble women of all ages and all civ
/ iliZed countries most love and admire
/ What is it that history loves to recOr
0 that lives longest and evokes the high
: est strains in song and in story? Tha
the sculptor makes speak IN the dunn
white marble and the painter immol
q talizes upon his canvas? Is it passio
f and prejudice and hate, or is it nc
: rather godlike generosity and loft
y courage tempered, beautified and Ell
It nobled by the spirit of magnanimity.