The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-01-22


J that there were not occasions whe
D some of them failed TO meet expects
= tion. Generally, when there was fail
= ure il was attributable 10 failure o.
the part of officers rather than the ram
and file.
Now let me tell of Vermont herr
, in war
A l7-year-old Green mountain boy
, left school 10 enlist His first great bat
tie was Gettysburg He was tall anC
awkward. but as brave as Maceo, and
he had acquitted himself so well that
the captain of the company, within a
few months from his enlistment, gave
him the position of first sergeant. The
regiment was under fire for an hour at
the time of Pickett's famous charge be-
fore 1t was ordered in. There Were pale
faces and trembling limbs on every side,
but our hero was as cool and collected
as If III classroom and had a smile and
a word of cheer for his comrades. To
one who seemed little more brighten.
ed than his fellows he said: Cheer up,
Jim! You have the chance of your life
today.
Yes, said Jim. land a right smart
chance TO lose it too. -
THE tide will turn in favor of the
Union from this battle. Let us all do
our duty today, so that in coming years
we may remember that we had part
in the turning of the tide
Jim and all who heard the young
patriots outburst, as it mingled Nth
the screeching and bursting of shells
and the whirring of solid shot, became
interested and to degree Gained down.
A little later came the order, Fall
IN. The first man on his feet was the
young Vermonter, who, with a smile
on his lips and a CHEEKY voice, urged
and an unbroken front. In
that way he went into the battle. He
fought like very tiger, at the same
time doing the duty of half dozen
men as file closer. When the great
charge was over, Pickett had been
driven back, and the 800 or 400 belch-
ing cannon had ceased their roar, it
was found that the earth had drunk the
blood of many Of that Vermont compa-
ny.
Did we do as well as you expected,
captain?" asked the orderly.
Better, sergeant, better. But look at
our thinned ranks. We 10 longer have
u company.
That Is true, captain, but the tide
has turned. We now know that we have
a country"
The republic has produced many such |
heroes, but did any state in the Union.
IN proportion TO her population, produce
more than Vermont! This story, which |
heard years ago, came back to me last |
evening as l heard another in connec-
ilon with that same Vermonter
When the war ended, he completed |
MS education and entered the ministry.
About 20 years ago he was called to a |
leading Congregational church in Mil
Saukee, of which he has been the pas.
or ever since-Rev. George H. Idle, d. |
y. lie is the same courageous, truthful, |
earnest. patriotic man that he was as
soldier in battle.
This brave soldier, devoted minis.
er and superb citizen has recently had
occasion to manifest his courage under
more trying circumstances than any
which developed at the battle of Gettys-
'urg Two years ago a growth OH one
II his lips rendered an operation neces-
airy twas thought that he had entire
y escaped all danger, but short time
go the growth reappeared in his throat
md another operation was decided up-
m. The chances were against him. All
Il his friends dreaded the result, yet
hey knew that without an operation
Ieath was not far away. If this man
vas disturbed, he did not show it in his
ace, in his speech, in his conduct. He
vas the same genial, hearty, kindly
Gentleman, meeting all with word
hat told of his good heart
When he went TO Chicago to undergo
be operation, every member of his fam
ly accompanied him, together with
everal officials of his church. 1t would
ave been easy to think that DIR. Idle
vas taking party to Chicago TO under
o serious operations, but it would not
ave been easy for a stranger to think
nat DIR. Idle was to be operated upon
nth only | chance in 90 for his life.
When the company reached the recep-
ion room, Mr. Idle arose and said with
erfect calmness. Il am ready. doctor. +"
hen he kissed each member of his fam
y. said goodby and asked all in the
Dom to be standing and join him in re.
eating the Lords Prayer His request
'as complied with AS be passed
trough the door into the operating
Dom he saluted the distressed people
nd threw kiss to the loving wife.
The operation required nearly two
ours, and two hours after it was com.
leted he was again conscious, talked
nth his wife. who was at his side the
ioment the doctor would permit her to
inter- the room, and now he is RAPIDLY
and promise H. given that
e Will soon return to his duties rs mas
Dr. OF one of the largest Protestant con-
regations in his city. A. Watrous Z
a Chicago Times Herald :