St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-04-14
THE SWORD OF SMELLING
To Be Purchased as a Relic
Judge Flandrau's Tribute to
Gen. Sibley.

To Be Purchased as Relic
Judge Flandrau's Tribute to
Gen. Sibley.
At the regular monthly meeting of the
state historical society held last evening
at the capitol, ex-Gov. Ramsey in the
chair, the minor business consisted in
the hearing of reports of committees
and consideration of communications
The committee on finance reported bills
amounting to S613. A proposition was
received some months ago from II. II.
Smelling, of Cornwall, n. Y, son of Col.
Joseph Smelling, the dead and gone
commander of early days, for the pur-
chase of the latter's sword, which
is now in his sons possession.
Mr.. Smelling offered to dispose
OF the relic to the society for $1,000. He
now writes that he is in distress and an
invalid, stating that unless immediate
action is taken by the society he must
sell the sword to private parties. Gen.
SanbOrn has now bill in the legiS-
lature appropriating money for the pur'
pose, so the communication was filed to
await the fate of the bill. Judge Elan
drau, of the committee on obituary, de-
llyered feeling eulogy on the late
Gen. II. IL. Sibley, the same being
adopted as the expression of the So
ciety relative to Its deceased president.
The address is given in full and is as
follows:
Mr.. President: 1t has fallen to my lot to
express and record the sentiments of this
society on the death of our late lamented
associate, Gen. Henry Ii. Sibley. l do not
shrink from the duty, because my love for
the man was SO sincere that whether l rise
to an adequate conception of his high per-
S0n1lltV q T. | sc ho av
erted my best endeavor 10 express your senti-
ments.
1t Is a curious fact, which has always ex-
cited my wonder anc admiration that when
our first territorial legislature convened in
1919, under the proclamation of Gov Alex
ander Ramsey, ii should have conceived and
embodied such conception into law estab-
fishing in perpetuity an historical So
ciety for the preservation of the past
ana future events Of our creation,
growth and progress. At that day Minnesota
was on the extreme border of civilization, in
fact it embraced within its limits less of the
softer traits OF culture and refinement and
more of the primitive elements of the orig
lnaI and savage man than any equal terri
toral area on the continent. Far the larger
portion OF II was in the possession of its
aboriginal inhabitants, and the deadly rife
and barbaric tomahavk were III much more
frequent requisition than the pen and the
printing press.
1t is all the more remarkable when under
spring into life q germ destined to expand
into the very flower and fruit of the highest
type of culture and education; and it can
only be accounted for on the basis that amid
all the crude elements of this primitive social
condition there existed some minds of a suffi-
GENTLY high order to comprehend the needs
OF the coming civilization.
Fortunately for us, such men were not
wanting and by their forecast they laid deep
the foundations of our society, which have
been built upon each year with increasing
interest and devotion by their successors
until we have a storehouse of history and in
formation of incalculable value.
Gen. Sibley was always an ardent and de-
voted friend to this undertaking, and, per-
haps, as influential as any other of our citi-
zens in its origination and maintenance. He
was elected its president in 1867, again in
1876, and lastly in 1872 dying on the 18th of
FEBRUARY, 1891, while occupying our execu-
tive chair His interest in our work never
Tagged, no matter how discouraging the
prospect. He allowed neither Indictment
weather no physical duties to withhold MIN
from his post of duty. and think it may be
justly said that about the last earthly crest
he abandoned, as the entertainments of the
enemy drove him toward the last citadel. was
this society. He lived n long and active life;
he filled nearly all the stations of honor and
responsibility that can be embraced in one
career; he lived history was history, died
history. and there will be little of the history
of this country that will come after him that
will not be tinged with the reflection of his
goodness and greatness. No man has ever
passed from our midst that has left behind
him name more revered, or a character
more honored