The Topeka state journal., 1897-07-22
LOGAN DAY.
George r. Peck Pays an ElO-
Quent Tribute
To the Memory of Gen. John A.
Logan
AT the dwelling of His Statue
Today in Chicago.
G. EAT VOLUNTEER
Is the Name the Orator Be-
slowed Oh His Old COmrade.
John A. Logan III Pulls the
Chord That Drops the Veil.
goo Ex-COnfederates March IN
the Procession.
GREAT VOLUNTEER
Is the Name the Orator Be-
slowed on His Old COmrade.
John A. Logan III Pulls the
Chord That Drops the Veil.
goo Ex-COnfederates March in
the Procession.

Chicago. July 22-The John A. Logan
monument in Lake Front park was
dedicated with much pomp this AFTER
noon. A few minutes past O'Clock,
john A Logan III, the 5-year-old
grandson of the 'tBlack Eagle pulled
the silzen cord which parted the wells
concealing the magnificent likeness of
the great commander as he rallied the
broken ranks of the federal troops and
led them on to victory before the city
of Atlanta, July q, 1854.
Crowds began assembling along
Michigan avenue at an early hour this
morning, anticipating the crush which
was to follow, and proceeded to estab-
lish themselves in position for a day
of sightseeing. Reviewing stands
lined the broad thoroughfares facing
the monument. Window space was at
a premium.
Shortly before o'clock the reviewing
stand at the monument began filling
with distinguished personages. Seats
were provided for 5000.
Governor Tanner and suite of Illi-
noiS; Governor ScOfield and suite, of
Wisconsin,; Governor Mount and suite,
of Indiana, and Governor Ho1comb and
staff, of Nebraska, were among the
first to enter. following Immediately
after the presentation committee. Sec
retary of War Alger and judges of the
supreme and circuit courts came next,
escorted by Chairman w. H. Harper of
the executive committee, and George
r. Peck, the orator of the day. Sculp-
tor St. Gaudens followed. The Logan
family-AIrs. John A. Logan, Major and
Mrs. William F. Tucker, Captain and
Mrs. John A. Logan, were almost the
last to enter the stand.
The boom of cannon on board the
revenue cutters Gresham, FesSenden
and Calumet, anchored in the bay, an
nounced the hour of one.
The Rev. DR.. Arthur Edwards arose
and in an eloquent prayer opened the
ceremonies.
Henry w Blodgett, chairman of the
presentation, on behalf of the com
the state; and amidst the rattle of ar
tiHery little Jack III' tugged at the
silken cord, the wells fell from the stat
ue and the thousands applauded. Again
the artillery salute rent the air as the
United States band struck up the stir
ring Battle Scenes of the War;
Governor John r. Tanner, in a short
speech, accepted the monument on be-
half of Illinois, and gave way to the
orator of the day, George r. Peck. Mr.
Peck paid an eloquent tribute to the
soldier-statesman with whom he serv-
ed as a comrade in arms. The speak
er said:
Illinois is proud and happy. Waiting
patiently for a fitting time, she opens
all her welcoming gates and bids the
world take note what breed of men she
rears. Here is the product of her SOIL
ant heart to be enshrined. This great
city, the lake with all it's breadth of
waters, the prairies stretching outward
to the west and the sky rningline light
and cloud in an ever-changing picture
are resplendent witnesses of the scene
The event, the hour and the men are
historic
Once, upon day like this, the pulse
of summer was beating hot and fierce
when great leader fell, as leaders
must fall if it be so appointed. Some
pT-n 6a1~ fr :
day. They remember the clustering
pines, the thickets, dark with the foIi-
age of July, the spires of Atlanta WOO
ing them forward, yet a little further
remember always, the message speed
ing like an arrow in its flight, that told
how Mcpherson lay dead in his har-
ness, ere yet his fame had passed it's
dawn. Surely am not wrong in say
ing that never was this nation in more
deadly peril than when the army of the
rudderless ship, in the grasp of the
storm.
''Of what avail are men," says Car
lyle, when we must needs have a
man?" But the man came; nay, he was
already there, flashing, as was his won't
in that imperious way which scorns to
parley with fate, but subdues it with a
glance. On that day-July %, 1861
John A. Logan was born to immortal
ity.
Here we place his image for all gen
C1dl1AAIS- mere we salute the soldier,
the statesman and the man, in memory
of that sublime moment when he took
into his keeping the flag, the issue and
the cause.
Anniversaries are harmonies; and in
observing them, we set history to
music. On that day none looked for
ward to this. But time has a magi-
clans hand, and, when it has trans
formed real things into dreams, touches
the dreams and straightway they are
real again. Behold the bronze cpl
carma VirumQue, to all who shall gaze
on these heroic features, out of the
past the Battle of Atlanta comes back
distinct and clear, though then but a
weltering struggle. The years give US
could not when the smoke of battle was
over US, that devoted army-which was
the incarnate west-desperately facing
the foe, while one thought filled every
heart: Logan is heren' In their agony,
having no other refuge, they took coun-
all would go we'll if he guided their for
tunes.
Art has a subtle vision. 1t worships
beauty and, therein, If we but knew it,
shows it's wisdom. Poems and songs
are links which unite it to nature, and
to human nature which is the flower
of all things 1t puts light and color
speak the universal language. 1t shapes
ideals into form, as Phidias carved in
the rude marble those dreams of beau
~ that haunted him when he thought of
Marathon. How can we ever forget,
while this brave figure guards the
City's front, that art is the true minister
of life? Its nob1eSt conceptions rise
from events which have moral gran
deur in them; from iIlumined moments,
Nhen some soul has reached it's highest