The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-10

During the Coming Conflict
Time to Strike the Blow.
Ringing sentiments of patriotism
from veterans of the late war and the
patriots who responded to the call to
arms from this state in 1851 resounded
through the spacious halls of the head
quarters building of Acker post last
night.
1t was an open meeting of the post,
and the speeches of officers and pri-
Yates alike were greeted by VocifefouS
bursts of applause, whenever "Old Clio
ry'' was mentioned or the name of the
Don spoken in derision- 1t was easily
the most patriotic meeting held by the
post for many a long day. The new
silk flag of the post waved over the
audience, while they sang columbia,
the Gem of the Ocean" and, in clos
in, America"
The leading topic of the addresses
was the atrocities of the Spanish, and
there was a stirring denunciation of
the Spanish rule in Cuba.
Patrick Henry presided over the
meeting.
Gen. Edward G. Mason was called
upon for an address, and responded
by saying that he did not come pre-
pared to make an address, but, as he
was accustomed to obeying orders,
he would say few words. He .aid in
part:
THE month of April has been a nota-
BILE one in the history Of the American
people. Many events have taken place
during this month which have greatly
effected the future of our nation.
THE dark cloud which overhangs
our political horizon and the war cloud
which is about to break upon US, Is
unlike the one of 81. I do not think
that a Spanish foot will touch Ameri-
can soil in the conflict 1t will be a
battle upon the high seas.
THE eyes of all the civilized world
are now upon us. Many of the arma-
ments of modern warfare will be sub
war is an awful thing. The tragedy
which is about to eliminate has been
breaking for many years. When Co.
lumbus first touched American soil, he
knelt and thanked God for the land,
but little did he think of the atrocities
of Spain on the Western hemisphere
in the years to come. Since then a long
train of misery has stamped the
progress of the nation and her sub
jects.
From the powerful nation of the
fourteenth century. she has become
tattered, torn, decrepid, nation with
out honor and without a fair name.
Cuba is about the last of SPANS
possessions. She has been subjected
to all the atrocities of a most barbarous
rule In 1885 man was sent to rule
the isle who was, for Spaniard, quite
humane. He was recalled shortly af-
forwards, and the men who have sue
ceeded have become worse at each
change. until they sent the man with
the English name, whose villainy and
butchery has exceeded that of the I'M
speakable Turk in Armenia
mo wonder the nation has become
disabled and dismantled; under it's rule
no nation could thrive. The Cubans
are dying by thousands and tens of
thousands. Right now there are a hum
dred dying, and tomorrow another
hundred will die. In talking with a
very wealthy man yesterday he ques-
toned our right to interfere in the
matter. 1 tell you, if we do not in
flag freedom. The bondholders say
that, if we have war, We will never
be able to pay our debt. If we are not,
we will at least free Cuba and under
the rule of our people and under Amer
lean enterprise fair Cuba will again
bloom like a rose.
Our right to interfere in the matter
is in the name of God and humanity.
L think the day is not far distant
when we will bid the Don be gone, and
save the fair island in the name of
God. l also think the day is rot far
off When we will see the last imprint
of Spanish foot on American soil en-
tirely erased"
Gen. Mason was wildly applauded at
times.
William J. Sleepy, a member of the
post, gave an interesting account of
some of the battles of 81 under Nc
Clellan. This was followed by a piano
solo by Miss Swank.
Gen. ]. w Bishop responded to a
call, and made a brief speech
The general told how he left st. Paul
in July of 81, and as they march ed
down Third street, 1000 strong of the
cheers of the friends of the boys, the
greater proportion of whom never re-
turned from the war. Out Of the regi-
ment scarcely 300 survived. Gen.
Bishop thought it quite a coincidence
| that the camp fire should be held Just
| thirty-three years to a day after Lee
| surrendered to Gen. Grant. Just thir-
| ty-seven years ago the country was
| preparing for the conflict of the next
four years. Now everything pointed to
war. In closing, Gen. Bishop said
| Il don't know that the president can
; avert war, but. if war must come, let
| it come in such a way that the honor
of the country and Old Glory will be
respected"
Father Emory, principal of Cretin
| school, was called upon. He said the
| spirit OF patriotism was imbued in the
| children in the schools, and the rising
| generation would be a patriotic one.
| even as their fathers before them had
| been.
| WIFI nm !rYyISNr