Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1897-04-29

Buckner, of the former Confederate
army: George w Childs and Anthony
J. Drexel, Admirals Porter and Worden
Oliver Hoyte and George Jones, Gen.
J. A. Logan, and ex-Secretary George
S. Boutwell,
President McKinley's speech was
short and appropriate. 1t reads as fol
lows
'Fellow Citizens A great life, ,dedicat-
ed TO the welfare of the Nation, here
finds its earthly coronation. Even if
this day lacked the impressivene5s of
ceremony and was devoid Of pageantry,
il would still be memorable, because it
is the anniversary of the birth of one of
the most famous and best beloved of
American soldiers. Architecture has
paid high tribute to the leaders Of
f--~a-.--s,--,t,t-uUvC n rTTUrIUr171
more worthily bestowed or more CRATE
fully accepted by a free people than
tbs beautiful structure before which we
are gathered. In making the successful
completion of this work, we have as
witnesses and participants representa-
tives of all branches Of our govern
ment, the resident officials Of foreign
nations, the Governors of States, and
the sovereign people from every section
of our common country, who joined in
this august tribute to the soldier, patri-
OF and citizen.
Almost IL years have passed since
the heroic vigil ended and the brave
spirit of Ulysses S. Grant fearlessly
took its fight. Lincoln and Stanton had
preceded him, but of the mighty cap
tains of the war, Grant was the first to
be called Sherman and Sheridan sur
vived 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 now no more. Thomas
and Hancock, Logan and Mcpherson
Farragut. Dupont and Porter, and
host of other have passed forever
from human sight. Those remaining
grow dearer to ms, and from them and
the memory of those who have depart
ed generations yet unborn will draw
their inspiration and gather strength
for patriotic purpose.
"a great life never dies Great
deeds are imperishable; great names
immortal Gen Grants services and
character will continue undiminished
in influence and advance in the estima-
mains the corner stone of free govern
ment and integrity of life the guaranty
of good citizenship. Faithful and fear
less as volunteer soldier, intrepid and
invincible as commanders in-chief of the
fident as President of re
united and strengthened Nation,
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 flavor of rare and unique distinc-
tion and his Americanism was 80 true
and uncompromising that his name
will stand for al time as the embodi-
ment 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 people
patient, patriotic and just. Success
did not disturb the ever balance of his
mind while fame was powerless TO
swerve him from the path Of duty
Great as he was in war he loved peace
and told the world that honorable arbi-
tration of their differences was the best
hope of civilization.
with Washington and Lincoln,
Grant has an exhalted place in history
and the affections of the people. To
day his memory is held in equal esteem
by those whom he led to victory ana by
those who accepted the generous terms
of peace The veteran leaders Of the
blue and the gray here meet not only TO
honor the name of the departed Grant,
but to testify TO the living reality OF
greater national spirit which has tri-
umphed over the differences of the past
and transcribed the limitations Of sec
tional lines It's completion, which we
pray God to speed, will be the Nations
greatest glory
II is right, then, that Gen. Grant
should have q memorial commensurate
with his greatness and that his last
resting place should be the city of his
choice, to which he was SO attached in
life and Of whose ties he is, not for
getfnl even in death Fitting too, was
it that the great soldier should sleep be.
side tho noble river on whose banks he
first learned the art Of war and Cf which
he became master and leader without
any rival.
But let rs not forget the glorious
distinction with which the metropolis
among the fair sisterhOod of American
cities has honored his life and memory
With all that riches and sculpture can
do to render the edifice worthy of the
man. upon "A site unsurpassed for mag
niiicence has this monument been rear
ed by New York al n perpetual record
Of his illustrous deeds, in the certainty
as time passes around it will assemble
with gratitude reverence and venerdtlOn
men of all cliines, races and nationali-