The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1890-07-11
Amy OF rnE PoroMAo.

acteristic Speech By General Sherman
PORTLAND, Me-, July A-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 were present
Secretary of War Proctor was elected
president of the First corps.
The veterans met in the city hall yes
terday afternoon. In the galleries there
were many ladies' Among the promi-
nent officers who occupied the seats on
the floor and on the stage were General
Sherman, General T. A. Walker. Hon.
Horatio King, General Fitz John Porter.
General Selden Connor, General G. f.
Coils. Colonel Horace c. King, General
Hodges. General Dickinson, Generals
Locke. GARRISON, Bea1e. Vanvliet Good
ard. John W. Corse. Broadhead. Devens
and Howard and officers of the war YES
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 He held quite q re-
OCPoAOA OAA bnO SSoAOs bu0A1uk AoAOc
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
Grafton, 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:
It Is not the food we eat that gives health
and strength, but that which we digest. It
Is SO with the mind. It is not the books we
read, or the newspapers either, even the
speeches We hear. that enlarge our under
standing. but those we comprehend and d.
gest Now, my friends, have had good
deal Cf experience In my life, and have
learned since 1 have been upon this stage
that the grand review in Washing on term
mated when the Army of the Potomac
passed. It reminds me of a story General
Taylor is said to have told to an applicant
for ONCE in Washington, who urged his
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 &C Inclusion that he was not
there at all.
Now, ! have so many fresh memories OF
that grand review that 1 think ! was there,
aud think that review occupied three days.
The FIRST day the army of the Potomac had
the floor and was upon the stage at that
time, as i am now. taking notes of the posi-
you remember. the armies of the West did
not have n fair reputation for order, drill
and discipline. You got your news of US
through rebel sources tgreat applause] and
We chased them for ]. 500 miles into your very
camps. They had not q very good opin Ion
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 were better drilled than
you were. know 1t, because 1 was their
Commanding General. Laughter and ap-
plause.J
Now let me give you a little bit " private
history, which have not given any one ez-
cept my most intimate friends. 1 was on
that stand before Meade was, and indeed be-
fore President johnson and the Cabinet had
gotten there. Meade came with his STAFF as
you have heard described, and as he wheeled
into the gate of the White House grounds,
up came Custer, and some lady flung him a
wreath-one of those circular wreaths-and
in trying TO get it his mare made on with
him and he went by like q shot. And Custer
was not reviewed at all and his brigade of
CdVdlry NOulO not nave passed muster OF
the Champs de Mars In Paris. 1hs horses
were good, the men were sublime, but not
good looking for review.
Now four orps passed in succession and
the intervals between them were too large.
kept my eye upon them and watched them
all the time. And the worst mistake the
army of the Potomsc made was that you
had two bands loaned you by stay at homes
In Washington. There were these ele-
CANT bands designated to play music OF the
hfUhaaf nd
could not understand them, and don't
blame You for 1t. You don't keep step. Now.
the first duty of a soldier is to keep step
and dress right and keep his eyes to the
front. Now, a good many of them
turned their eyes and heads around
like country gawks, looking at the big
people on the stand Those are little things.
You know there are tricks in every trade,
my young friends-tricks In war as well as
in peace. turned TO Meade and said: ST
am afraid my poor volunteer corps will
make a poor appearance contrasted with
your well fed men," and Meade said: "Well
Sherman, the people in Washington are now
so well disposed toward the army that they
will make all allowance. You need not be
afraid"
Well. that evening got word from Gen
eraI Augur saying II wanted those two
bands ! could have them / said: THANK
you, think 1 will stick to my old bands"
and sent word that n 'ght to all corps com
manders: BE careful about intervals, ac-
eording to tactics, and keep your dress 60
left toward the reviewing stand, and don't
let your men be looking around over shout
ders. Ne will give them plenty of time to
see the capital and see every thing after the
review Is over. Let them keep their eyes
fifteen PAGES to front, shoulders square and
march in the old accustomed way" They
did so.
Well, after the reviewing was over, con-
tend that your review was over, but mine
was not. The two constitute a thing OF meg
nincent proportions, creditable to both. As
to the patriotism within their hearts, as to
the principles which moved these great
masses of men TO e common purpose, we
need not speak, bee tuse history has treated
of it for twenty-five years. But uron the
simple question OF instruction and discipline
we can take lessons to the very last day of
our lives. Now General Walker. for whom
have great affection as well as pro-
found respect. did not give an account of
the cost in human life In furnish n4 that
bold cavalry, nor the great corps that fur
beiieVe. as do believe In Him who rules over
us, that this country spent 81, ooo, 900 ,0oo and
10000 precious lives to teach them the art
thoughts well and give credit to all alike
and remember that this country extends
over the continent and Is not confined to
enc part and that there are good people
everywhere"
Flour Duties Increased.
WA InIv S-Tha "A ~