The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1889-10-09
A Tribute to valor.


A Tribute to VaIor.
NEwBURG, n. Y, October 3.-West Point
to-day was the scene Of some imposing cere-
monies which are destined 10 become mem
orable in its annals and to mark the occa-
sion as a red letter day in its history. The
visit of the International American Congress
and the unveiling Of the portraits Of Grant.
Sheridan and Sherman were the principal
features. Mr.. George w. Childs and his
guests, numbering thirly-hve. came in a
special train from Philadelphia.
The special train containing the delegates
to the International American Congress did
not arrive until about O'Clock, an hour
later than the time scheduled.
There was an immense crowd Of specia-
tors oongregated under the trees on the edge
Of the plain. The battalion OF cadets march
ed in review before the visitors aud then
passed on to Grant Hall, the crowd quickly
following and in a twinkling the hall was
jammed with people.
A platform had been erected at the north
end ofthe room. where the portraits of The
three great Generals-Graut, Sherman and
sheridan--hung on the wall, each veiled in
United States flags The magnificent paint
ings were the gift of Mr.. George w Childs,
of Philadelphia, to the Military Academy.
MOST NOTABLE GATHERING.
The gathering was probably the most
notable that has assembled in many years
at the historic academy. Among the note
worthy citizens of the United States present
were General Horace Porter, General Fitz
John Porter; Collector Erhard of New
York General Hastings, the Secretary Of
War, General sherman aud his old class
mate, General Van Yilet Judge Horace
Russell, Senator Pierce aud Wayne Mac
Veagh These were supplemented by the
distinguished foreign Representatives.
The exercises were opened with prayer by
the Chaplain of the Post, Rev. Mr. Posile-
thwaite The Superintendent then said that
the next step was the unveiing oft por-
traits presented to the Academy BY Mr.
Cailds. He raised his hand, tap Of the
drum followed the flags fell from the por-
traits and they stood revealed in all their
beauty. The battalion presented arms and
the band played Hail Columbia" and the
auditors sprang to their feet and cheered.
GENERAL PoRTER's PRESENTATION SPEECH.
General Horace Porter was then iutro-
duced and made the presentation address.
After referring to Mr.. Childs princely gen
erosity in bestowing upon the Academy the
portraits of her three distinguished gradu-
ates-'one dwelling in our midst. two DWELL
ing in our memories General Porter spoke
Of the career ofthese three G .neials as being
more like fabled tale Of ancient DAYS than
the story Of American soldiers ofthe nine
teenth century The speaker then eloquent
ly sketched their remarkable performances
told how when visitor to the Academy
three years ago the idea Of securing portraits
suggested itself to Mr. Childs-'whose heart
is as large as his purse, and whose geuerosi-
ty dwells in land which knows no front
iers'-and concluded thus
THE POST OF HONOR Is THE PRIVATE STATION.
at now becomes my agreeable duty. in
the name of Mr. Childs. 10 present to you.
as Superintendent Of the Military Academy.
the portraitsof three Of her sons who have
borne the highest military titles. as an offer
ing from an untitled citizen, who. in bis
living. has verified the adlge that the post
Of honor is The private station. HIS good
works have made him honored in other
lands as well as this. where bis name is held
in grateful recollection By the many who
have been the recipients of his practical
philantbrophy.
The address was followed by The Star
Spangied Banner played by the band, tie
audience standing. Superintendent Wilson.
in short address, accepted the portraits.
The Secretary of War then make a few re-
marks.
GENERAL SHERMAN rERsz SPEECH.
General Sherman, who during all these
ceremonies had sa. on the platform with
folded hands and tear-dimmed aud down.
cast eyes, in response to many calls. was
next introduced. As the General arose the
assemblage broke forth into wild cheering.
Hesaid it was by one of those strange az.
pointed accidents OF life that he was per.
mitted to be the ole survivor OF what
General Porter bad termed the great trio Of
Generals Of the late war Il was older than
Grant or Sheridan" he said No three
men ever lived on this earth 50 different
from each other as the three men whose
portraits you ale looking at. Tney we're
different in all respects save one. and that
was in their devotion TO their country Of
whatever talents they possessed. They were
joined together in the true-heart service Of
their country.
His remarks were maiuly sdire-ssi to
the cadets, advising them ~ love and serve
their country, obey the laws and Hose in
authority over them. By the conntry, he
said, he meant the whole country y-ao polit.
cal party.