The times., 1898-05-31
Special shirt waist offering, 39C.

and TO the discussion of public questions
on Decoration Day. l believe our service
should be a love service; of prayer and
praise snd song; that out of the heroic
memories of the past we should draw
new inspirations of patriotism, and find
new ardor for the preservation of the free
institutions which came 10 us through the
baptism of fire and blood. But, my coun-
trymen, for the first time in our history
on Decoration Day we are al war. Once
more upon the soil of old Virginia the
Federal bayonets are agleam. From day
10 day the boys In blue pass by; the re-
veille the bugle call is heard, even in
this city of the silent dead. This time,
thank God, the war Is not sectional.
There are no brothers arrayed against
brothers; no Americans against Ameri-
cans There is only one uniform in all
the land; one flag in all the sky; one SEN
timent in the breasts of all the heroes of
the republic.
War is a terrible thing; to be Stunned
and avoided whenever and as far as pos
sible. But ! have no sympathy with those
who believe that war should be avoided
at the sacrifice of national honor; at the
expense of humanity. or the loss Of iib-
erty / cannot love those who turn deaf
ears to the unceasing cries of the vic
tins of tyranny, inhumanity and barbar-
ity because liberty and relief can only
come through the shedding of blood. II
/ read Gods history Alright civilization
and Christianity have not come from the
survival of the fittest, but by the sacri-
flee of the best. What puny human in
telligence dares to assert that the blood
of Lexington was not sacred, even as the
blood of Calvary? Warren, at Bunker
Hin: Baker at Balls Bluff; Bagley, at
cardenas. all gloriously died to hasten
the coming of Gods kingdom on earth.
Yea, and Dewey. in the harbor of Ma
Mia. was the blessed messenger of Gods
just wrath.
Il do not know when this war with
Spain will cease. ! do not know whas
sacrifices we may yet be called upon TO
make / DO not know how many head
stones may yet be added to this city of
the dead I do not know how many
mothers hearts may mourn. do not
know how many altars may be desolated;
but | do know that whatever the cost,
the delivering of the New World from
the barbarity and inhumanity Of Spain's
merciless despotism will be worth 1t all.
I do know that the cementing together Of
the hearts of all the people in enduring
friendship and abiding love; l do know
that the conservation of American ener-
gies the uplifting of American sentiment
In so unselfish and holy cause; I do
know that this touching of elbows under
the one flag by the men and the sons of
the men who faced each other on our
battlefelds under two flags; | do know
that this accomplishment of Gods great
purpose will bring to the American peo-
pie Gods choicest blessing and reward.
And I have faith to believe that from
above the opened heavens the great war
President Abraham Lincoln, looks down
approvingly upon our great war Presi-
dent William Mckinley. while Grant and
Lee, could they but speak to US today,
would fire the hearts OF their old lieu
tenants now IN command of the armies
of the United States with the inspiring
cry 'on to Cuba.
I'm Camp Alger beyond the hill. have
seen a part of the new army of the Re
public, strong, stalwart, bright-eyed,
brave, loyal young men, in the flush of
manhood, ready in the service of their
country to storm even the gates of death.
Today ! see around me the surviving vet
Grams of the Old Grand Army of the Re
public. grizzled and gray, some with
empty sleeves. some stumping their
weary way on wooden pegs; and I re-
member that in the years gone by these
old veterans were boys; boys who left
the plow, the forge, the loom, the shop,
the office, the college, the sanctuary, to
fight the battles of their country. They,
too, broke the clasp of loving arms to go;
they, too, left goodbye kisses on tiny
lips; they, too, had mothers. wives, sis
ters, sweethearts; they, too, turned from
home and comfort and peace to follow the
flag. God bless them, living and dead.
May there be cheers for the living as long
as the last survivor blesses the earth; may
there be tears forfthe dead to the end OF
time.
Soldiers rest, thy warfare Ger,
Dream of fighting fields no more;
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking
Morn of toll or night of waking.
"Yesi rest in peace, oh mighty dead
The cause for which you fought can neve'
be assailed again. But in peace, the race
whose freedom you achieved will bics:
you with their latest breath. Rest II
peace-the Union you preserved rema.a:
forever, and liberty, equal rights and jus
tice is the heritage of your descendant:
to the Judgment Day.
God bless the men who followed sh'
flag.
They heard the cry to arms resonnding
They knew the need, they felt theil
might.
They left the corn in the ripe stalk stand
They left their fields to time and blight
They left their loved ones waiting lonely
To battle and bleed for the cause O
right.
Arms in the hands of each freeman CLEAN
With the grand old banner streaming
Ger
Liberty. God and home prayers with then
And the serried ranks of the foe before
And they charged in their glory oe
places made CORY
BY the life blood of loved ones returnIn.
no more.
The clouds of that war are past and scat
tered,
! Dispelled by the light of victory's sun