The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-03-12
A SWORD ron col. cARRARD.
The Guards GAIT TO Their Command
ing Officer.


Col William Garrard was presented
a handsome sword from the members Of
his battalion at the monthly meeting Of
the Guards last night The presentation
was sprung upon Col. Garrard without
giving him any chance to anticipate H.
The sword, which is a very handsome
weapon. was presented to the Guards fair
by northern manufacturing company.
and was for sale at one Of the tables at
the beginning OF the fair 1t suddenly
disappeared. and not even the manager
of the table at which it had been placed
knew what had become Of it. It reap
peared last night.
Col Garrard was in the chair and the
usual business of the meeting was pro-
ceedins when Capt. W. W. Williamson
OF Company requested the attention of
the meeting for few moments. He ad-
dressed Col Garrard as follows.
About twelve years ago you assumed
command of the Savannah Volunteer
Guards. At that time they presented
you with sword. which, although never
dipped in blood. has been kept untarn-
ished from any other stain. When you
took command the battalion was rapidly
marching down hill, but with your I'M
firing and persistent effort you have sue
ceeded in marching il Up again, so that
to-day you have a command that any man
can well feel proud of. During your ad-
ministration many enterprises have been
brought TO a successful termination. 1
may mention the holding of three fairs
and the building of two armories. But
II has been during the past year that
your GROWING effort has been accom-
plished. by your constant efforts Com
panies A, B and C have produced Com
pany d, thriving and vigorous infant.
In fact, in one year the child has grown
larger than its parents. BY this addi-
ton to the family you now have a com
plete and the only independent battalion
in the state of Georgia. The members
of this corps. knowing full well that its
success is largely owing to you, and
wishing to show their appreciation of
your efforts in their behalf. purchased dur
ing the late fair this sword for presenta-
ton to their commanding officer. In pre-
senting it to you let me remind you that
it comes from the rank and file as an
evidence of their abiding faith in your
ability to carry to a successful termina-
ton any work you may undertake.
The Biblical sentence of faith, hope and
charity has been translated in the new
version to faith, hope and love. and as the
first sword was presented to you in faith,
in hope that you would prove worthy Of
1t. so this second sword is presented in
love and admiration of your having
proved worthy of the first. l voice the
sentiment of the corps when l say may
this sword in your hands. for many years
to come, lead the Guards to continued sue
cess and prosperity"
There was a large attendance of the
members upon the meeting, and they eX-
pressed their hearty approval of Capt.
Willamson's remarks by frequent APP
plause. When Capt. Williamson conclu-
ded and Col. GaTrard arose TO reply the
applause lasted for several minutes. Col.
Garrard acknowledged in a modest man
ner to having done every thing in his
power for the success of the corps since
he was chosen to the command of the
corps His love and affection for the
corps, he said surpassed that for every
being on earth with one exception. his
wife, and go long as he lived he would
continue his efforts for it's advancement
and upbuilding He had said once before,
he said, and he repeated it again without
intending any reflection on any other
corps that he had rather be a private
in the ranks Of the Guards than an Off
Ger in any other command. lie hoped, he
said, to see every company up TO its fun
limit by the end of 1895.
The sword is a mounted officers saber,
with a nickel-pIated and silt scabbard.
and blade of finely tempered steel. II
will be appropriately engraved.
The executive committee of the Guards
fair will meet Friday night 10 receive re-
ports and ascertain the results from the
fair.
The meeting decided not to accept a
proposition of the Swedish quartette to
give an entertainment here under the aus
pices Of the Guards.