The Topeka state journal., 1897-08-25

my of Lee are together. They are one
in faith, in hope, in fraternity, in pur-
pose and in an invincible patriotism,
and therefore the country is in no dan
ger. In justice, strong; in policy, Sc
cure, and devotion to flag, all one. My
fellow countrymen, thank you and bid
you good night
The presidents allusion to the south
and it's unity with the north was re-
ceived with vociferous applause, the
audience standing upon their seats to
cheer, and at the conclusion of the
toast Gov. Black led the applause.
Commander Clarkson responded to
the toast, THE Grand Army" and in a
few words said that the vast army of
young men that marched. to the music
of the drum in 81 were the prime and
flower of the youth of the land. Year
by year they were joining the great
majority to stand with those who fell
in defense of their country. He, too,
paid a tribute to the south and south
ern army. Closing, he created a laugh
by saying that he brought message
from afflicted Nebraska" (Laughter)
His comrades in Nebraska sent word
that they could not come because they
were busy gathering 40, 900 bushels
of wheat to sell at an advance of 100
per cent over last year
''They did not sleep wel1,'' he said,
because the wheat and corn grew SO
fast that it kept them awake. The ca
lamity howlers are on the run, and in
the western horizon is embIazoned the
word Prosperity 2"
Secretary of War Alger, speaking to
the toast, THE Army of the United
States" said it was hard for him to
speak about the army with the presi-
dent present. When the commander
in-chief was away he would issue or
ders, and they would go; when the
president was at hand, the orders did not
always go. The army of the United
States, as far as it went, was the best
on Gods footstool. He had been in
London and had been asked what if the
mi
great military nations.
''I answered." he said, ''that in 80
days We could put millions of fighting
men in the field and back them up with
a wall of fire in the persons of the
veterans
At the same time he thought that the
army should be strengthened somewhat
so that a days notice could see US
ready. He cOmplimented the national
guard and said that it would prove a
great bulwark of the nation in the time
Archbishop Ireland was the last to
speak and was received with vocifer-
Gus applause.
President Mckinley visited the camp
fires during the evening at two of the
local churches and the crowds that
greeted him were tremendous. He
spoke briefly at one, saying:
Ladies and Gentlemen:-TheS Saddest
part of the reunion of the old soldiers
of the army is that at every encamp-
ment we miss many familiar faces; our
COAIEduSS dTS DIMINISHING WIN In6
passing years; the circle is narrowing
and every annual roll call discloses one
and still another not present but ac-
counted for. They have gone from hu-
man sight: they have passed from as
sociation with us here any longer: they
have gone to join the great majority
long assOcia ted; and they sleep within
of that army with which they were so
those green tents whose curtains never
outward swing. Grant is gone; Sher-
man and Sheridan and Thomas and
Macpherson and Logan and a long list
besides, rich in precious memories and
not only have the great commanders
gone but the rank and file of that
splendid army have Joined their old
commanders. They are gone who seem
SO great; their glorious work is done;
and they wear a purer crown than
any man can weave them. Speak no
more of their renown, but in the vast
cathedral leave them. God accept them;
Christ receive them. It is our duty, it
is our business to perpetuate their
memories. II is our duty-it is our
business to preserve and improve and
strengthen and glorify the magnificent
institutions for which they fought and
for which they gave their lives.
Il thank you, ladies and gentlemen,
for this moment that you have given TO
me to pay my respects to that noble
army of volunteers, the Sacrificia1 gil
ants who threw darkness asunder and
thus insured our national existence"