The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-05-31
WESTERN ASSOCIATION STANDING
JUSTICE BREWER SPEAKS
At the dwelling of the Battle Monu-
mant al West Point.

West Point. N Y. May SIN the
presence of 5000 people the secretary OF
war and many high officials of the army
the battle monument erected by their
comrades in honor of the officers and
soldiers OF the regular army who fell in
battle in the civil war was dedicated
today.
Justice Brewer delivered the principal
Grafton. He said: I'VE stand today in
the presence of a stately column erect
ed by the soldiers and officers of the
regular army of the United States to
commemorate the heroism and sacrifice
of those of their number who during the
civil war gave their lives for their coun-
try and in order that liberty and IN
ion might remain one and inseparable
now and forever It speaks of heroic
achievements. 1t is eloquent with the
suffering and seif-denial and sacrifice
which the great war developed and en-
nobled But beyond all that, it bears
two voices, which one fain would catch
in the words of my talk and speak to
every citizen of the United States.
1T says to US that they whose names
are written on its face gave up their
lives not merely for military glory, but
also that war should cease and peace
VIII all its blessing prevail.
THE greatest need of praise which can
be bestowed upon the army of the United
States is that it makes certain to every
cIJlzen the blessing of peace and order
and law. Doubtless young gentlemen as
you look over the bright fields of the fu>
ture, you see dazzling before you visions
of military glory; the pride, pomp and
circumstance of glorious war is there and
the eagle and the stars wait to rest on
your shoulders; but when the evening of
life shall come, you will realize that the
highest praise which can be awarded to
you is that in your military lives you
have been the defenders of law and the
guardians of the peace; that you have
stood back of legislator and judge and
president and been the unfailing guaran~
tor that in peace they shall act and that
by every citizen their acts shall be res
pected and Obeyed.
Another voice which comes from this
silently eloquent witness says that these
men died that there might be preserved
in our borders, equal opportunities for all.
The doctrine of equal rights and equal
opportunities which has always been the
theory of our political and social instf-
tutions, is Notwithstanding some idle talk
still. as ever, the great fact of our life.
The humblest child may look upon the
White House with expectation. The poor
est and most friendless student may be-
gin with faith and hope his struggle for
a seat on the highest bench of the nation.
A place in the halls of congress is not a
thing of purchase, or inheritance and the
few exceptions which occur, only attest
the fact as well as the strength and vigor
| of the rule. This is today and God grant
that it may ever remain, land of equal
rights and equal opportunities.
1T is fitting that this Memorial to the
officers and soldiers of the regular army
who died in the recent war should be here
for this is the military center of the ma
ton the school of those who are to be the
officers and commanders; and it is we'll
that the lessons of these patriotic and
heroic lives should ever be present before
the young who shall come to prepare
themselves to take the places they filed
and gIorified.
1T was fitting also that this work
should have been undertaken and carried
through by the surviving officers and SOL
diers of the army for it is your comrades
memory that is thus preserved