The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1892-04-02

eoSsNA l
terly and unequaled argument and elo- ,
quence had converted the north and
thousands of broad minded men in the
south to the idea that the United States
was a nation, with the right to use all
the resources of the country to enforce
its laws and maintain its authority. The
possibility of these questions being de-
cided by the arbitrament of war was
ever present to the suggestive thought
of this young lieutenant.
sherman had been b ought up and
trained IN the school of Hamilton, OF
Webster, and of Henry Clay. His bible
was the constitution. He had magma
ton, but no sentiment; passion, but no
pathos. His imagination led him to
glorify and idealize the republic. It's
grandeur, its growth, and it's possibili-
ties captured and possessed his heart
and mind.
This intense nationalist and accom-
plished soldier was selected by the state
of Louisiana to be the superintendent
and organizer of her state military
school. He was at the head of a univer
sity which was fitting youth for careers
in civil life and training them, if needs
be, to fight for their country. The insti-
tuition grew so rapidly and wisely that
the attention of the state
authorities was attracted to
ite able and brilliant principal.
He did not suspect treason, and they
were organizing rebellion. To capture
this born leader of men was to start with
an army. Social Establishments, political
cal pressure and appeals to ambition
and principles. Suddenly the truth
burst upon his frank nature. He was
poor and had a large and helpless lam
lily. He held an honorable, congenial.
lucretive and permanent posi-
ton. The future. il he abandoned
his place. was dark and doubtful, but
the union was in danger. an he did not
hesitate a moment. His letter of resig-
nation to the governor of Louisiana
reads like a bugle-call of patriotism: "As
] occupy a quasi-miiitary position under
the avs of the state, it is proper to ac-
quaint you that / accepted such position
| when Louisiana was a state in the union.
Recent events foreshadow a great
change, and it becomes all men to choose.
If Louisiana withdraws from the federal
union ] prefer to maintain my allegiance
! 10 the constitution as long as a fragment
| Of it survives. Il IS " On no earthly
account will | do any act or think any
thought hostile to or in defiance to the
old government of the United States"
Mr.. Depew then passed over in review
the leading vents of General Sherman's
military career dwelling at length on
his famous march to the sea. Continu-
ng his remarks on the patriots charac-
ter he said:
The later years of most heroes have
been butfeted with storms, or have come
TO a tragic end. CAESAR, in the supreme
hour of his triumph, fell at the foot of
Pompey's statue. pierced by the daggers
of his friends. Napoleon fretted out his
great soul in the solitude of st. Helena.
Wellington lost popularity and prestige
in the strifes of parties. Washington
was worried and wcaried into his grave
by the cares of Office and the intrigues
of his enemies enemies, as he believed,
also of his country. Grants death was
FASTENED and his last days clouded by
the Vaccinations Of politicians and the
crimes of trusted associates. But Cen
eral Sherman. in retirement, led an
ideal life. Only Won Moltke shares with
him the peaceful pleasures of content
and of his peoples love.
II u "a Nv iNPecii' ~ i'o'
full of military influence and appreben,
sive of dangers to liberty and perils to
the life of the young republic. Some of
them even distrusted Washington and a
dictatorship. After him they set aside
all the revolutionary generals and Sc
lected statesmen for presidents. But,
with confidence in the power and perpet-
uity of the nation. came the popular
strength of the successful soldier. None
of our heroes have Deer able to resist
the destinations and the dangers of the
chief magistracy. except General Sher-
man. Though declining political prefer.
ment for himself, he reioiced in the hon,
ors bestowed upon any member of his
old army.
His daily walks were a series OF tri.
umphal professions. The multitudes
never obtruded upon his privacy, but
separated as he approached and united
us he passed, to expressed their individ,
ual and collective affection and graft
tude. His versatile genius met instantly
and instinctlvely the eXactlng require.
ments of an impromptu address before 9
miscellaneous audience. He possessed
beyond most men the quick sympathy
with the occasion, the serious and hu
NOR. the fervor and story, the crisp argu
ment and delicacy Of touch, which make
the successful after dinner speech. He
was the most charmingly unconscious Of
conversationalists. In his etfacement o.
himself and cordial recognition of other,
picturesque narrative of adventure ant
keen analysis of character, dry humor
and hot defense or eulogy Of a friend hi,
talk was both Il panorama and a play
He was always a boy, with a boys low
of fun. keen interest in current events
and transparent honesty of thought anC
expression. He lived in and with tn
public. There was something in tn