The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-11-27

day and decoration day. This last named day-the
day which our soldiers graves are decorsted-is
OF recent origin but IL has firmly taken lis place
calendar OF days and bids lair to hold its posi-
ton there as any other of our noted days
All of the greatays, including those OF more recent
origin, intended TO impart and to emphasizes some
instructive lesson Of value to society and 10 the world
at large But what lessons more beautiful, more
inspiring, than those of courage of patriotism and
undying devotion 70 duty which are impaired when
flowers are spread upon the graves OF men who have
died for their country? As analogous TO this habit
OF celebrating notable and historic days ancient
custom has also prevailed which induces people to
observe the anniversary days OF events more local
and more merely personal in their nature which come
nearest TO the hearts and homes of particular classes
and communities also 70 observe anniversary days
in mere family history which have little or no public
interest
When a man who has honoraby distinguished him
self in the higher walks of life, and who has helped
70 make the history of the times In which We have
lived is called to his rest, 1t is emnently proper
that memor al services appropriate to such mourn
full and tragic event shall be held; and that upon
each recurring anniversary OF his Death similar ser
vices shall be repeated. far may be found prac-
ticable to hold services beftting such occasion.
such continued and repeated memorial services are
especially appropriate during the lifetime OF his inn
mediate friends and contemporaries. IL Is not ex-
peeted that memorial services however elaborate or
muress.ve, win confer any real benefit or COM
fort upon the dead. In the nature Of
things they have only the power of influencing and
inspiring the living. They are pledges TO those who
earnestly striving TO their country that
their efforts when successful, win be appreciated.
those who may survive or come after them. To
many minds such pledges most encouraging and
highly productive OF good results. With most men
and women, conscious of power and disposition to
do good there Is a comfort in the assurance that
their works, as we'll their good names, will live
after them. IL has been reyerently said that II is
good for Us TO pray even il prayers not an
swered. This Is upon the theory that the
condition of mind and soul which suggests
prayer Is prOmOtive of good works and indicates a
reliance upon divine power which gives hope for the
future and also upon the additional theory that
there Is reflex action in prayer which benefits the
person who Drays, If nothing else Is accomplished at
the time. But. however that may be- there is OBJ
vious reflex action in suitable memorial services,
which give character and importance to that class Of
services whenever appropriately conducted.
The distinguished dead, in concentration Of
whose life and services these proceedings devoted
belonged to that category Of men who entitled to
the highest hOn0rs while living and to the kindest
and most ahectiOnate remembrance after death has
taken them from By his ability and industry.
aided by gifts which nature had richly bestowed,
he attained distinction at comparatively early
period in his life. and ever afterward
enjoyed public confidence in a most re-
markable degree None claim Tor him entire
exemption from errors and mistakes or superiority
IA everything Some were more radical in many
things than he; others were more aggressive and
exaeting in their methods OF political warfare Still
Others gave more attention than he TO matters OF
mere organization and details in political lie. But
everything considered, no one in our day has ever
displayed more tact and ability in solving difficult
political problems and in achieving success in the
most adverse and embarrassing circumstances
Judged from his standpoint he seemed to be the
man and the only man Tor the crisis on many
occasions. He had the happy faculty, too of keep
ing friends together and of brdging
pleasantdiemmas and threatening political emergen-
cies In s1ch matters he had that strongly magnetic
influence anil those personal qualifications necessary
to leadership in any public position He first came
prominently to the front political leader and as
a power in forensic debate in 1860. At that time
ms party IN this state was greatly IN need OF new
leader and great opportunity thus afforded him
which he most ardently embraced. In the exciting
and historic contest OF that year he exceeded the
Sanguine eNDeCtatlOns of his friends there
after, until the day oil his death, he maintained a
supremacy in his party in Indiana which no polit-
cal friend ever thought seriously OF cOntesting.
How hard and how perSstently his political friends
in this state tried 10 have him made president Of the
iced not now be recounted. How gratifed the same
friends we're when he was a. last made vice-pT9s-
dent, the Office next in rank to that
on Of at here aa1 The How Ts Soese
the country at his sudden and unexpected death
$ remembered By us all as one OF the painful events
of lives. His immediate friends felt If light
which had shed luster upon them had been sudden
ly and almost cruelty extinguished
What 1 have said in this general way of the dis
ting9ished dead recalls some important and con-
trolling incidents in his career 70 which would like
20 allude, and which might perhaps DO considered
matters OF public interest; but fear that such a
reference would be regarded s somewhat inappro-
pirate upon mOurnful an occasion, and in
any event would unduly protract these ceremonies.
will not therefore now attempt reference TO any OF
those incidents, will speak of those relations
which existed between him and me during the last
known 10 some of you, but they have no public in
terest. It 5 due 10 frankness and TO c1ndOr how
ever, to say that the death OF other public man
struck hard and close TO before since
did his IL was an epoch in my own humble ca
reeT. have since felt my hold upon public
affairs 10 be less strong and less reliable than before
and that there is vacant chair at the table
which no one has ever ventured 10 ELL
trust / will be pardoned for this reference TO
myself. 1t explains why am here to-day, and why
/ hope 10 be here again when like commemorative
ceremonies shall be repeated Gov. Hendricks, as
accustomed TO call him, was likewise an
eminent and upright citizen. good neighbOr and a
true friend TO those who deserved his friendship.
His most bitter and critical opponent never denied
him a high personal character aud distinguished
qualities OF head and heart. II is more as former
neighbour and admi ing friends that we present
to-day, and that remember him so wildly and
afectionately, the days and years recede.
Honor TO his memOry Peace to his ashesl
The members of the Hendricks club formed
two files and marched past the grave as the
choir sang the beautiful hymn, Lead Thou
Kindly On" Yellow roses symbolica of sym
pathy were placed on the grave by each mem.
ber As the crowd was leaving, Mrs. Hendricks,
widow of the departed statesman, in company
with ex-senator Thompson and wife was drawn
up to the monument. She was attired in deep
mourning and after viewing the flowers for a
few moments entered the carriage and was
driven away