Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-07-10
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Annual Reunion nj Portland. Me.--Char'
acterstic speechBy General sherman.

httefihuc Npttcn Dy tehefhi NuffHluus
PORTLAND, Me, July 4.--The society
Of the Army OF the Potomac had rainy
morning for the opening Of their annual
reunion in this city During the fore
noon corps meetings were held in the
city hall Some of the corps were
largely represented, but Of others only
dozen members or so we're present.
president Of the First corps
The veterans met in the city hall yes
terday afternoon. In the galleries there
we're many ladies' Among the promi-
nent officers who occupied the seats on
the floor and on the stage we're General
Sherman, General f. A. Walker, Hon.
Horatio King, General Fitz John Porter,
General Selden Connor, General G. f..
Collis, Colonel Horace G. King, General
Hodges, General Dickinson, Generals
Locke, Clarkson, Beale, Vanvliet, Good
ard, John w. Corse. Broadhead, Devens
and Howard and officers of the war ves-
sells in the harbor.
While the band was playing Hon.
Hannibal Hamlin came on the platform
and the whole society rose and gave
him three cheers lie held quite a re-
ception on the stage, shaking hands
with many, while all gathered around to
greet him After an address of welcome
by Mayor Melcher, of Portland, the
meeting was called to order by General
Coils.
General Walker then delivered the
oration, which was an historical review
Of the career Of the army of the Potomac.
After the Grafton by General Walker
was finished the chairman introduced
general Sherman, who received a pro-
longed ovation and spoke as follows:
Comrades OF the Army Of the Potomac and
Ladies and Gentlemen of Portland
II Is not the food we eat that gives health
and strength, but that which we digest II
is so with the mind. 1t Is not the books we
read, or the newspapers either or even the
speeches we hear, that enlarge our under
standing. but those we comprehend and d.
gcst Now, my friends, have had a good
deal Of experience in my life, and have
learned since | have been upon this stage
that the grand review in Washington term
mated when the Army Of the Potomac
passed. II reminds me OF a story General
Taylor Is said 10 have told to an applicant
for ofiice In Washington who urged his
claims from having been at Buena Vista.
General Taylor said he had heard OF so many
things having occurred there that although
he had thought he was there himself, he had
come to the conclusion that he was not
there at all.
Now. ! have SO many fresh memories Of
that grand review that think ! was there,
and think that review occupied ihree days.
The FIRST day the army OF the Potomac had
the floor and was upon the stage at that
time, as am now, taking notes Of the posi-.
tions, that might proht by them. For, "
you remember the armies Of the West d d
not have fair reputation for order drill
and discipline. You got your news Of us
through rebel sources Igreat applause and
we chased them for 500 miles into your very
camps. They had not a very good opinion
OF our Western armies and we found that
even the authorities at Washington had not
a very good opinion Of our Western armies.
They thought We were rather liable to dis
order. Now. assure you. my friends OF the
Potomac. We we're better drilled than
you were. | know H. because | was their
q 'mmanding General Laughter and ap'
piau=e.i
NOW let me give you a little BIZ OF private
history, which have not given any one cN-
cept my most intimate friends. | was on
that stand before Meade was, and indeed be
fore President Johnson and the Cabinet had
"a
you have heard described, and AS he wheeled
into the gate Of the white House grounds.
up came Custer and some lady flung him
wreath-one of those circular wreaths-and
IN trying to get 1t his mare made ~ with
him and he went by like a shot. AID Custer
was not reviewed az all and his brigade Of
cavalry would not have passed muster OF
the Champs de Mar. ia Pars. 1hs horses
were good, the men were sublime. but not
good looking for review.
Now four otps passed in succes sion and
the Intervals between them were too large.
I kept my eye upon them and watched them
all the time And the worst mistake the
army OF the Potomac made was that you
had two bands loaned you by stay at homes
In Washington There were these elc.
giant bands designated to play music OF the
highest order and the latest operas. You
could not understand them. and I don't /
blame on for IL. You don't keep step. NOW
the first duty OF soldier j. TO keep step |
and dress right and keep his eyes 10 the |
front Now. good many OF them
turned their eyes and heads around |
like country gaWks, looking at the big l
people on the stand Those are little things /
You know there are tricks n every trade. /
my young friends-tricks in war as well as /
In peace. turned to Meade and said; II /
im afrail my poor volunteer corps will /
make poor appearance contrasted with |
your wei, fed men," and Meade said; "Well. /
sherman. the people In Washington ale now /
70 we'll disposed toward the army that they /
v IN make all allowance. You need not be /
,fraid."
Well. that evening got word from Gen.
'ral Augur saying II wanted those two /
bands could have tlem said. Thank 4
fou, think / viii stick 60 my old bands" /
Ind sent word that IA ght to all corps com
nanders; BE careful about intervals. ac-
ording TO tact cs, and keep your dress e.
eft toward the reviewing stand, aud don't /
ct your men be looking around over shoul
lers. Ne will give them plenty Of time to
zee the capital and see every thing after the
tyiew is over. let them keep their eyes
fifteen PAGES to front, shoulders square and
march In the old accustomed way." They
Ia so.
Well. after the reviewing Nas over. I con
end that your review was over. but mine
vas not. The two coust tutea thing Of mag
ineent proportions. crcditable TO both. As
o the patriotism within their hearts, as Co
ne principles which moved these great
nasscs OF men to "a comm purpose. We
eed not speak, bee use history has treated
{ t for twenty nvc years But uron the
imple question OF instruction and discipline
re can take lessons 60 the very last day ~
ur lives. Now General Walker for whom.
have great affection a. well as pro
ound respect did not give an account 81
be cost In human life in furnish ng that
old cavalry, nor the great corps that fur
ishcd the war with muscle and brain. do
elieve. as do believe in Him who rules over
=. that this country spent 81. .o000oo.0n and
10lu precious lives to teach them the art
{ war. Now let our chill iren dig, So trcst
loughts well and give credit to all nlikt ]
nd remember that this country extend
yer the continent and is not confined G,
ne part and that there are good people /
very v here"
Flour Duties Increased.
WASHINGTON. July 5.-The Secretary
f State has received the following dis
atch from Raymond Williams, United