Telegram-herald. ([Grand Rapids, Mich.) 18??-1892, 1891-04-09
GEN. PIERCE RETIRES'
He Turns Over the Command Of
the Soldiers Home TO
CAPT. NlyLEY THE NEW CONNAyDAyT
Gsa- Pierce Talks Feeiinxly 40 His Com
radss On Parting, 10 Which Capt
Maniey Responds - Improve
msuss-Board " eets To-day.

General K. b. Pierce, for four years
commandment of the soldiers home,
yesterday turned over the control and
custody OF the institution 10 mis- sue
cessor, Capt. c. III. Manley. OF Ann
Arbors the new commandment. At
five o'clock all the inmates of the
Home. upon request of the retiring
commandment, gathered together IN
the public hall for the purpose OF
meeting Capt. Manley and receiving an
introduction TO him. Before formally
giving over the keys to his successor.
General Pierce arose, and IN a voice
pregnant with earnestness delivered
the following farewell address 10 his
comrades:
General Pierce's Able Speech.
"Comrades-My administration as
commandant of this home, which dates
four years to the lst OF April, is now
closed, and in resigning my duties
would express my appreciation OF those
who have been loyal members of this
institution, thus doubly meriting the
generosity OF this great State for the
provision made for you IN your intirn.
itles-naturally among so many, and
We have numbered at different times
more than six hundred-tllere have
been refractory ones. who have shared
the fate of offenders. but these were
largely IN the minority, and the sur
rounding atmosphere was not long dis
turbed by their pernlcious influences.
The discipline has not been rigid, but
the rules prescribed have governed.
Among SO many enfeebed and aged
my desire has been To allow privileges,
not, however, unlimited, until these
were abused. then followed the penalty.
But IN tins also there are many, very
many, exempt from such consequences.
In the anxieties of my official position
have always endeavored TO be just and
considerate OF those entrusted to my
care, and in Withdrawing from these
responsibilities would ask you all to
extend to my successor the same
loyalty and obedience you have ac-
corded me.
Tho Noble Boys In Blue.
The valor and heroism of your yoang
manhood, nearly thirty years ago, then
designated you as the "NOble Boys in
Blue" Now with locks whitened and
limbs enfeebled you are "the old sold
iers"-enjoying the comforts and pro-
lection of this beautiful home, provided
for you by a grateful people, rs a part
of your heritage. Be appreclative OF
their willing care--and prove your
selves now, as then worthy of this con-
slderation by your general good con-
duct-defending this institution from
unwarrantable criticism and malicious
attacks, and always demonstrate your
loyalty to the officers in charge. My
best wishes for your present and future
happiness with you all, and now pre-
sent your new commandment, Capt. c.
II. Manly
Capt. Maniey Responds.
At the CONCLUSION of General Pierce's
remarks, Capt. Manley arose and de-
hvered a lifting response. He assured
the men that ne desired to have their
cooperation in making the home what
it was intended TO b.. He would meet
them on equal ground in all matters oi
mutual concern, and hoped that their
relations would be both pleasant and
profitable.
Capt. Manlcy announces that the
management will not be very different
from the old. He expects to make a
good many changes. The first and
most important change that he will
make Is IN the outside appearance OF
the nome, so as to make it Just as at.
tractive and pleasant as aspossible. He will
recommend to the board that the grove
between the road and the river be
cleared away at once, to give good
view up and down the stream. The
ground will make a splendid garden
spot, and the homes larder will not
suffer by the change. tie will recon-
mend also that the little ravine between
the railroad and the dam be converted
into a miniature lake. The State has
given $1,000 TO nix up the grounds. and
he will endeavor TO spend the money as
fast AS he can. That old red house Jus,
northwest OF the home must go, and all
the old fences must be replaced by
neat wire fences. The big lawn In
front, or what will be lawn this sum-
mer, he proposes TO protect from the
intrusion of teams by setting poles at
short distances all along the front. He
will recommend f. B. Shank, of Lam
sing, for quartermaster-g general, and
D.. c. Spaulding. of Lyons, for surgeon,
retaining the present chaplain for a
while, at least.
The board OF control will meet at the
home st 2 O'Clock this morning.
Messrs. Sanford (new member), Shank,
Graves and Sprague, the out of town
members arrived last eyeuinu