New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1891-08-26

AS the procession drew near to the
monument, thousands of people congre.
gated on the surrounding squares await
ing the unveiling~of the historic shaft.
The band struck up familiar air, the
defenders were ushered to the front and
amid the closest attention Hon. John +.
Maegher of Mankato stepped forward
and in behalf Of the monument COM
mittee presented the memorial to the
governor in the following words:
Three years ago the Legislature of Our
state made an appropriation for the
erection OF monument to commemor-
ate the great struggles of defense
against the most warlike tribe of Ind.
ians of modern times, which took place
on this beautiful plain twen,y-nine years
ago. In the absence of our Chairman,
:heila.e General Henry Hastings Sibley,
who was Minnesota's most distin-
guished citizen, it becomes my duty
and pleasure to present for your keep
ing this gift of a grateful people to the
memory Of the gallant defenders who
laid down their lives in our states de-
fense.
New Ulm, its battles and defenders,
as time rolls on, become as inseparably
a part of our great state, as the mighty
Minnesota whose waters received the
life blood of the brave men slain bv
savage hands while defending their dear
ones and their homes. A conflict with
a savage tribe, such as took place here,
will never occur again among our peo-
pie, and hence it IS we'll for us to COM
memorate the last great struggle by our
citizens in defense of their homes
against people whose history in battle
yields but h single life.saying act of
mercy. Such were the foes who were
met and repelled 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, I com.
mend it, as a full account of our stew
ardship, to your safe keeping.
When he had finished, DR.. Daniels
of St. Peter unveiled the monument at
the same time that several salutes were
fired Dy Burg's Battery. At this juno
ture Gov. Merriam responded to Mr..
Maegher in a speech that was at once
appropriate and eloquent. The COVER
nor makes a.fine appearance on the
platform, has good voice and delivers
his addresses with happy effect. He
said:
1 am accorded the privilege, Mr..
Mayor and fellow citizens of New Ulm.
of performing the final act in connection
with the law authorizing commission
to select a suitable memorial to testify
to coming generations the gratitude Of
the citizens of Minnesota for the heroic
deeds enacted near this spot more than
a quarter of century ago. It is a
pleasure I highly esteem to be the medi-
UNI of presenting to you this beautiful
shaft of bronze, by which means the
people of the state express their appre-
citation of the bravery, fidelity and loyal
ty of the men who defended this frontier
village when. attacked by the infuri-
ated and merciless Indians, and checked
the tide of disaster, which threatened
to devastate our entire southern bor-
ders. 81
The state takes pride in commemora-
ting the deeds Of sacrifice and heroism Of
that eventful day. She does itin lettesr
cast in lasting bronze that time may not
eface the records of those who fell VIC
Tins to savage brutality. She does it
that she may ever explain her affection
and thankfulness to the living as well as