Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1897-05-06
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH

FEILow-CrTIZESs: 4 great life. dedicated to
the welfare OF the nation here finds its earthly
coronation Even If this day lacked the impress
siveuess OF ceremony and was devoid Of pag-
eantTy il would still be memorable because il
Is the anniversary Of the birth Of one Of the
most famous and best beloved OF American SOL
dierS-
ers OF mankind bat never was memorial more
worthily bestowed or more gratefully accepted
by free people than the beautiful structure be
fore which We are gathered
In marking the successful completion of this
work We have as witnesses and participants
representatives of all branches of our govern
the governors of states and the sovereign peo-
pie from every section of our common country
who joined in this august tribute to the soldier,
patriot and citizen
Almost twelve years have passed since the
heroic vigil ended and the brave spirit of
Ulysses = Grant fearleSSly took its flight. Lin
coin and Stanton preceded him, but of the
to be called. Sherman and Sheridan survived
him, but have since Joined him on the other
shore.
The great heroes of the civil strife on land
and sea are for the most part nQw no more.
Thomas and Hancock Logan and Mcpherson.
Farragut, Dupont anc Porter and host of
others have passed forever from human sight
Those remaining grow dearer to Us, and from
them and the memory Ot those who have de-
parted, generations yet unborn will draw their
inspiration and gather strength for patriotic
purpose
A great life never dies. Great deods are i'm
peTishable; great names immortal Gen.
Grants services and character will continue
estimation Of mankind so long as liberty re-
mains the cornerstone of free government and
integrity Of life the guaranty of good citiZea-
ship
Faithful and fearless as volunteer soldier
intrepid and invincIOle as commander-iR-chief
OF the armies Of the Union, calm and confident
as president Of a reunited and strengthened ma
ton which his genius had been instrumental in
achieving, he has our homage and that of the
world But brilliant as was his public character,
we love him all the more for his home life and
homely virtues His individuality, his bearing
and speech, his simple ways. had a flavor OF
rare and unique distinction, and his American
ism was SO true and uncomp romising that his
name Will stand for all time as the embodiment
Of liberty, loyalty and national unity.
Victorious IN the work which under Divine
Providence he was called upon to do clothed
with almost limitleSS power, he was yet one of
the Deople-paticnt, patriotic and Just. Sue
cess did not disturb the even balance OF his
mind, while fame was powerleSS TO Swerve him
from the path of duty. Great as ne was in war,
he loved peace, and told the world that honor
able arbitration Of differences was the best
hope Of civilization. With Washington and
Lincoln, Grant has an exalted place in history
and the affections of the people To-day lis
memory is held in equal esteem by those
whom he led to victory and those Who
accepted his generous terms Of peace
The veteran leaders OF the blue and the gray
meet not only to honor the name of the de-
parted Grant, but to testify to the loving realty
of a fraternal national spirit which has
triumphed over the differences Of the past and