Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-09-23
Grand RAPIDS MICH- FRIDAY AoRNNG sEPTEMBER l0qa

the future as they have been 10 the
past, must oe the anchors which hold
the United States nrmiy 10 . solid. per
mansnt and prosperous national exist
ence, and from the time they LAID
aside the weapons OF war and resumed
the peaceful Ways OF civil life they
have been As loyal To law and order, as
Htlzens. IS they were faithful and
heroic IN the cause Ia which they serv-
ed as soldiers, and the man VINO stands
ready 90 give MS life for his country IN
tlme OF peril can safely be trusted IN
time OF peace, | care not ~ which
party be may belong.
ApprseiAtiss AekBswiedgmsa
To the citizens of Washington, to the
committee who have given so gener-
ously Of their time and energies, have
no words AZ my command To express
for my comrades their grateful appre-
ciation for the magnificenee OF this re-
cepuon and the generous hospltallties
shOwered upon ali who have visited
your city on this memorable occasion;
and 10 the loyal wo:aen who have so
generously aided Ia adding to our
pleasures, and who are present with Us
tonight, can only say for my COM
rades: God bless them all. Looking
tonight upon the national emblems
which adorn this building. | am re-
minded that from out OF this grand
structure goes the certificates OF a ma
tons substantial gratitude To her sons,
lightens the ourthens of their toll and
reminds them OF the glory and great
ness OF their country. Ii IS said that
republics are ungrateful, but lngratl-
tude Is not one OF the characteristics OF
the American nation, particularly to-
wards the men who, al the peril of taelr
lives, made 1t possible that We should
gather here tonight under the folds OF
the stars and stripes. representing a
union OF forty-four states and u pros
porous people.
Eloquent Peroration.
No country under the blue canopy of
heaven mas been more generous 10 her
defenders, and know of no nation on
the face Of Gods green earth where
her people responded more prompt v
and cheerfuliy TO the call of duty in
time of peril. As further evidence
OF the gratitude of the people of this
great republic they select TO preside
over the affairs of the nation one who,
with his comrades, stood ready TO give
mis- lie for the preservation of the
union, and speaking out of the depths
or my own heart. and voiclng the sem
timents and feelings of every comrade,
regardless of party, We pray that he
who ruleth the armies and nations,
and guideth the destinies of all man
kind, may restore TO health and
strength MS beloved partner IN life,
and continue TO grant 10 him health,
| strength. fortitude aud wisdom to meet
| the perplexities and responsibilities of
his great office. and the people of the
/ nation may say with one acclaim: Well
/ done, gOoa and faithful servant; you
reelected honor on the American ma
| tlon, and you were credit TO the great
order OF which You are member-the
Grand Army of the Republic.
Pensisn Bureau Reception.
| The series of entertainments pro-
! vided the visitors reached Climax IN
the reception rendered by the citizens
committee To the members of the IA
| tional encampment IN the pension
bureau building. The affair reached
/ the dimensions and dignity of an IN
sugural ball. The walls of the court
/ were decorated with much taste and
the effect was agreeably striking. The
/ reception was limited to the members
and ladies accompanying them. The
court was filed by crowd oil four Oh
five thousand people, including people
prominent IN Official and social life. The
committee had provided an elaborate
reception including music by tn G
/ marine band, the choral society. Dis
/ trict Commissioner Douglass then IN.
troduced Vice President Morton, after
expressing regret for the enforced
I absence of President Harrison. Mr.
/ Morton was received with most
generous applause and when 1t sub
sided spoke as follows: