The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-04-07
John Sherman Delivers an Address
Before the Loyal Legion Of
New York.
In Memory OF His Distinguished
Brother, the Late Gen. w. T.
Sherman.
Who Knew Him-Intimacy Of the
Brothers.

banquet tonight Senator Sherman re-
sponded to u toast in honor OF the memory
OF Gen. w. Z. Sherman in an interesting
speech Of great length. He Isviowod tho
career OF the general from early childhood.
He spoke about the warm confidence and
affection which had always existed between
them; told how they separated aftor the
death OF their father, and stated that at the
time when the general went to West Point
there commenced between them corre-
spondence which continued up to within
one week Of the generals death. only inter
rupted when the thread Of their lives
brought them together at Washington. He
detailed the generals career in California
through the gold excitement as banker and
lawyer; told about his return to the east
and employment in the military academy
in Louisiana. AZ to tho general taking
sides in the war, the senator said the mo-
tive which led him into it was his intense
patriotism. Secession would destroy the
union and therefore he was opposed to
secession. This is certain, he did not enter
the military service on account of slavery,
for his sympathies and friendships were
largely with the south. In letter written
the brother upon election 40 member of
congress. he said: cas- young member, I
hops you will not be too forward, espec-
tally on the question Of slavery, which, it
seems, il rising every year moro and moro
into question Of real danger, notwith-
standing compromises Having lived 2
great deal in the south, think know
practically more about slavsry than you do.
If IL were new question no one would CON
tend for Introducing it, but it is an old and
historic fact that you must take as you
find it."
After reviewing Gen. shsrman's resigna-
tion from tho Louisiana academy ETC., the
ton in March, 1861, to advise the authori-
ties Of the condition of affairs in the south
and offer his services. He was amazed at
the apathy he found. He talked to Presi-
dent Lincoln, who said he hoped they
would not need soldiers. What waa said
BY Lincoln was kindly meant, but it had an
whom leaving, said to his brother: .rhese
men are sleeping on volcano.
bat havs done my duty
The senator toachsd on the attack of osr-
tain newspapers on the general at the time
OF his assertion that 2OO, 1000 troops would
be required to open up tho Mississippi river
full we'll the oharQe of inganity was false,
and understood better than any one else
his strong opinions as to the nature OF the
war, and how easily his frank and open,
but true, declaration could be used as evl-
dence of timidity, or even insanity.''
| The senator went on to show how the
drift OF events soon gave Sherman an op-
portunity to demonstrate his sanity. Speak
of his part In the battle Of Shiloh, chs SEN
ator says that there commenced his friend
ship with Gen. Grant, which. like Damon
and Pythias, has been made the subject OF
song and story. It was one Of tho most in
| tersstinR events Of the war, and continued
unbrokon while both lived.
| Speaking Of the row which was raised
ovar the first surrender arranged between
Sherman and Johnston. The senator said
he knew that the general believed that III
| agreeing to those terms he Was carrying
out the policy outlined by President Lin
coin in the famous interview at Hampton
Roads. He did not know, however, that
the brutal murder Of Lincoln had arounssd
in the minds of northern people deer
feeling OF resentment which would NOT
tolerate the liberal terms granted
to Johnston and remnant of tho rebel
| forces. That fatal bullet had changed the
whole situation. But for this desperate
aot the whole history of reconstruction
would have bsen reversed. AS it was the
old cry against Sherman was again stirred
until the generous kindness of Gen. Grant
came to his relief. new terms were agreed
on and the war closed.
character, the senator said hs was distin-
guished. frst OF all, from early boyhood 10,
love and veneration for, and obedience to-
his mother and affection for his family
He spoke of the Affection in the army fol
| "Unole Billy"