The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-08-28


Hon. Jno. T. Meagher, a member of
the committee which had the erection
Of the monument in charge, presented
the shaft to the Governor in a few
feeling and well timed words. Mr..
Meagher said:
Three years ago the legislature of our state
made an appropriation for the erection OF a
monument to commemorate the great struggle
of defense against the most warlike tribe of In
dams OF modern times which took place on this
beautiful plain twenty mine years ago.
In the absence of our chairman, who was Min
nesota's most distinguished citizen, thelat Gen.
Henry H. Sibey, it becomes my duty and pleas
ure to presentfor your keeping this gift of CRATE
full people, to the memory OF the gallant defend
ers WHO laid down their lives in our states de-
tense.
New Ulm, it's battles and defenders, as time
rolls on, becomes as nseparbly part of our
our great state as the mighty Minnesota, whose
waters received the life blood of the brave men,
slain by savage hands. while defending their dear
ones and homes.
A conflict with savage tribe such as took
place here will never occur again among our peo-
ple and hence it is well for us to commemorate
the last great struggle by our citizens in defense
of their homes against people whose history
in battle yields but a single life-saving act OF
mercy. Such were the foes who were met and re-
PEELED here-from such an enemy the New Ulm
defenders saved our state and its lovely women.
To commemorate that defense this beautiful
monument is erected and now, in behalf of the
trustees, commit it as a full account Of our
stewardship, to your safe keeping
The monument was then unveiled
by DR.. A. w. Daniels, Of ST. Peter,
with salutes from the battery. The
same saluteS welcomed the Governor
Of Minnesota, who made an eloquent
speech in accepting the monument and
presenting it to Mayor Wagner. Gov.
Merriam was well received and made
one of the best speeches Of his life.
The Governor said:
am accorded the privilege, Mr.. Mayor and
fellow citizens of New Ulm, of performing the fin
al act in connection with the law authorizing 8
commission to erect suitable memorial to ties
tify to coming generations the gratitude of the
citizens of Minnesota for the heroic deeds en-
acted near this spot more than a quarter OF 6
century ago. 1t is pleasure 1 highly esteem tt
be the medium of presenting to you this beauti
full shaft of bronze, by which means the people
of the state express their appreciation OF TIT
bravery, fidelity and loyalty of the men who de
Tended this frontier village when attacked b!
bands of Infatuated and merciless Indians, ant
checked the tide of disaster which threatened tt
,or+l,
The state takes pride in commemorative thu
deeds of sacrifice and of heroism of that event
| full day. She does it in letters cast in lastin
bronze that time may not efface the records o
those who fell victims to savage brutality Sh
does it that she may ever exercise her affection
and thankfulness to the living as well as lth
dead. She does it because she desires to fore
ever indicate that the loyalty and sacrifice ar
worthy of communication, and to teach her son
that the first duty of every citizen is to defen'
| his state, and to protect the defenseless agains
| foes from without and within. She does it il
response to a sentiment as old as recorded
| time, that heroic deeds be more perennial II
monuments of brass or marble. Nations hav
ever desired to testify their love and veneratiol
| for noble acts. Brave deeds, great sacrifices
| devoted loyalty, patriotism and wise Leadership
| in war or the fields OF statesmanshlpwl will Away
| be held in grateful remembrance IN the heart
| of the people and perpetuated in enduring meta
or granite. Three hundred years after the bat
tie OF Thermopyle the children in the schools g
| ancient Greece were taught the name OF each on
| OF the famous three hundred men who defende'
that immortal pass, thus holding up to tn
minds OF the young that patriotism and sacrl
flee are worthy of imitation. tits thus model
are created for the youth OF the land 1t is thu
the loftiest ideal is presented as guide to mea
| sure the standard of human action. Happy b
| who is thus honored. Grateful the common
| wealth that is possessed of men worthy sucl
honor and lasting gratitude. Our state
| though but
YOUNG SISTER IN THE REPUBLIC,
| has MANY honOred citiZenE Some are with II