The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-02-15
TO HONOR HANCOCK.


The announcement OF the Forthcoming
dedication at the National Capital OF the
monument TO the lamented Gen. Win
teld Scott Hancock is engaging the
serious attention not only OF veterans
who served under the immediate com
mand OF that superb soldier, but OF vet
Grams OF every command, corps and de-
partment from the Potomac to the lilo
Grande. In the mind and heart of every
living soldier and patriot there is no
divergence OF opinion as TO the merits Of
Hancock. the soldier, and the nobility
and grandeur OF the character OF Han
cock, the man. The record of his mill
tary service, his thorough self-consecra-
tion TO high and holy duty as soldier
and commander in the Union army, can
not be enhanced in its magniiicence by
any human eulogy, or lessen by any fail
ure to do him Justice. The greatest gift
a hero can hcqueth Co those who live
after him is a record OF heroism and true
Americans yield ready the first place in
their affections To the American soldier,
and the most cherished and permanent
niche in their memory's storchouse.
While there is yet light enough from any
star to read n shining epitaph, !the name
OF Winfield Scott Hancock will remain
undimmed, and viii be honored and
revercd ms among the greatest heroes OF
our generation. His popularity while in
lie was not confined TO those who
fought in defense 81 "nA Glory, I" but
among the scattered and faust disappear
ing legions which followed Lee and Jack
son. Longstreet and Beaurcgard from
first to last, TO find n Waterloo event
nally ut Gettysburg, the admiration OF
Hancock and the respect for his memory
was strong and almostuniversal. They,
too, will come in eoodly numbers from
the cities and villages, plantations and
orange groves Of the Southland TO pay
their tribute TO the memory of the great
Union soldier who waged with them so
many n fierce contest. and by whose bat
talions they were driven from many a
battle field.
General Hancock's command of the
military division of West Mississippi.
embracing the city OF New Orleans i'm
mediatcIy after tho war, added greatly
TO his popularity, for bis administration
was consistent and soldierly and never
lacking in firmness. and he oxactcd due
respect for his country's dag and strict
obedience TO the laws. Yet his manli-
ness and courtesy won him the admira-
ton from whom lac was brought ia con
tact, aud the soldiers OF the south recor-
nizcd In him chivalrous and generous
foe.
The latest adviccs from Washington
are To the effect that the pedestal for the
statue IL completed. and that the entire
work will be finished about the first Of
May. IL Is also reported that some
discussion and preliminary action has
been started looking TO the selection OF
Memorial Day AZ the time for the dedi-
cation OF the monument. II seems
hardly possible that such an arrange.
ment has been seriously contemplated.
No greater mistake for such purpose
can be coniccutred. Veterans every.
where, the patriotic people of every city,
town and hamlet, arc at their homes on |
Memorial Day participating In one way |
or another in the local cxcrciscs--thc
decoration Of graves the professions
and other patriotic demonstrations.
and the selection OF that day for the
dedication 81 the Hancock monument
would deprive patriotic thousands from
every section Of the Union 81 the oppor.
tnnity Of being present &C the ccrc.
monies.
II Is 20 be hoped that the press every.
wl'erckand particularly IN Washington,
viii take a proper view 81 this matter,
end make Il a subject for editorial dis.
cussion Il need be. A report Is given