The Indianapolis journal., 1893-05-31
Eloquent Peroration in Which He Eaic, De-
spite Efforts to the Contrary. History Will
Record that the Union Side Was Right
Wreath Laid on the Casket Of the Silent
Warrior by the Infanta Eulalia.
Graves Of the Heroes Buried in Washington
Cemeteries Decorated Without Clevelands
Aid-AmericaHs at Lafayettes Tomb.
AT RIVERSIDE PARK.


Ex-Governor Foraker Delivers an Address
at the Tomb of General Grant
NEW YORK. May 30.-Memorial day was
observed with the usual parade, but the
National Guard. as body, did not partici-
pate in the exercises. The day was pro-
pitlous. and the streets on the line Of
march were crowded with patriotic and en-
thusiastio spectators. Eight divisions
of the Grand Army posts were in the pa
rade. which was reviewed by Governor
Flower. At all the soldiers and
sailors cemeteries interesting memorial
exercises were held. Many thousands
of people visited Riverside Park and
attended the Memorial-day service at the
tomb of General Grant. The tomb was
tastefully decorated by the members Of u.
S. Grant Post No. S27, and elaborate floral
offerings were sent by Mrs. Grant. the
Loyal Legion. President Cleveland, the
Association of Sons of Veterans of New
York City. the Chinese legation and the
General Meade Post. of Philadelphis. The
oration at the tomb was delivered by ex-
Gov. Joseph Benson Foraker. of Ohio. who
was introduced by Past Commander An
drew Jacobs. Mr.. Foraker said:
1t Is an honor to participate in these memorial
exercises anywhere No matter how obscure
the spot may be or how unknown may be the
Union dead who lie there, tribute to them is
tribute TO all that mighty throng OF heroes to
whom we are indebted for the preserva-
tion or our national life. But TO engage In these
ceremonies at this place Is an exceptional honor.
On this day this spot is the most conspicuous In
the Union. Here Is the tomb OF Ulysses 8.
Grant. He was not only our commanding gen.
eral but he was the commanding spirit In the
field of oil that mighty struggle AS the years go
by his name grows brighter and his character
greater proportions
Governor Foraker then briefly reviewed
the principal incidents in the military ca
reer of General Grant. Continuing. he said:
1t viii magnify your estimate of General
Grants actions if you will only contrast Ii with
what would most likely have happened had the
situation been reversed, and instead Of Lees
surrendering TO Grant. Grant had surrendered TO
Lee. Do you imagine there would have been
any talk about the spring plowing-would IL not
have been about boundary lines, war indemni-
ties and stipulationS for the protection and per-
petuity or human slaveryi 1t Is only when we
contemplate the disastrous consequences OF such
conclusion of that struggle that We realize and
appreciate the services of the great commander
tn whom, without disparagement to anybody
else, we are more indebted for our victories In
the field Peace to his ashes and everlasting
honor and gratitude TO his memory and services.
1se causes that led up to the war of tho
rebellion were then briefly reviewed:
The war had its origin in condition that can
not be fully understood and appreciated by those
who were without personal knowledge of 1t. 1t
is due to the fact that had two kinds OF civil
iZation fastened upon US at the beginning. One
was planted at Plymouth Rock and the other at
jamestown, Va. The one proceeded on the the
DRY that all men were equal in the presence of
the law and the other taught that only white
men were equal. Both grew, and on parallel
lines started on q race of extension across
the continent Rsvalries. jealousies and
arprehensiOns were excited, but all differences
were subordlnated for the common good when,
IN he mr. N IN va Rrna m
the struggle for American independence. But
the constitution that was adopted by our IA
premise @ that contnusd the existence Of these
opposing institutions, and for seventy years
longer the jeaousies, and rivalries, and conten-
struggle for political supremacy. At the start
slavery was In the ascendency and sought to
0st arouas d5s the esSsryy
OF the South foresaw that 1t was
only q question OF time when 1t could no longer
plan with reference to the condition of the
future. The doctrine OF secession was the result.
The plain meaning OF this doctrine was that they
wOuld remain In the Union so long as they could
control il, and when they could no longer rule
they would ruin. Their proposition was that
the Constitution was not the law OF the people,
and as such supreme over States and people
alike, but a mere compact or agreement at will
between the states, which any State had "a right
to withdraw from whenever IL might see fit to
We are now celebrating the four-hundredth
anniversary of the discovery of America, and
what citizen of the United States is not proud of
his citizenship What man, North or South. is
not made glad by the thought that from ocean to
ocean. and from the gulf to the lakes
people, living together in indissoluble union,
with one Constitution. one government, one
flag, one President and destinyi All this
would have been impossible had such q con-
struction OF our Constitution been accepted. =
As the years pass by the pride of Americans In
America and her institutions will grow stronger,
and the feelings of gratitude TO those who saved
us will constantly increase. And. notwithstand-
ing all efforts TO the contrary. it will stand in
history that in that great struggle the side OF the
Union was the right side and the other side was
the wrong side Not little right nor halfway
right not little wrong nor halfway wrong, but
absolutely and everlastingly right and absolutely
and everlastngly wrong.
The benedlction was pronounced by tho
chaplain of the post. the Rev. Mason Gal
Iagber. A salute of twenty-one guns was
fired by the United State war ship Man.
tonomoh. which was lying In the North
river. near the tomb.
The Noah L. Farnham Union Veteran As
sociation. No. l. recently expelled from the
q. A. R.. had an Independents parade from
New York to Woodlawn Cemetery. to dec.
crate the graves of former members.