The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-12-20

where the gallant cavalry officer, Gen
eral Joe Wheeler. was born (applause.)
1t is a pleasure for me to meet in this
welcome these veterans of the gray,
these ex-Confederate soldiers, (applause)
and to feel that in common with the
veterans of the blue and all their fell
low citizens they are in heart-touch
with the aims and purposes of this
great republic. (Applause)
my fellow citizens, / congratulate
you upon the prosperity of the country.
/ congratulate you upon the progress it
has made in the last third of a century.
But | congratulate you even more be-
cause as people we are now united
and more devoted to national purposes,
and more imbued with the true national
spirit than we have been since the for
nation of the Federal Union. Gap
plauSe). There are no divisions now.
We stood united in front of a foreign
foe. We will stand united until every
triumph of that war has been realized.
(Applause).
This. my fellow citizens, is a fitting
conclusion of a most remarkable trip |
have made with my associates in the
South. Nothing could be more appro-
pirate. Only as one star differs from
another does this reception differ from
what has been accorded to us at every
step. All have been glorious tribute
to the patriotism of the people and their
love of country. l leave this scene of
gracious hospitality, this wonderful DEM
onstration of devotedness to the Union
and flag with memories that / will car
ry with me so long as life lasts. ZAP
plause). / 60 back to my public duties
at Washington encouraged by your eX-
pressionS of appreciation and the touch
of your warm and generous hearts which
you have made me feel. (Applause). L
go back encouraged to meet the grave
duties and responsibilities which await
me as the servant Of all the people, feel
ing that / will have your encouragement.
your support in the performance Of
those duties and responsibilities to the
honor of my country, and TO the happi-
ness and well being of all concerned.
prolonged applause and cheers)."
General Wheeler, General Shafter,
Secretary Alger, Secretary Gage and
Postmaster General Smith spoke briefly.
After the speaking the party were
driven to the Commercial Club. where Il
reception was rendered on behalf of the
citizens and delightful repast was
served
At half past seven the journey to
Washington was resumed over the
Southern Railway.
SPEECHES AT COLUMBIA.
Columbia, s. c.. Dee. 19.-The Pres
Dental train arrived at 1910 p. m. and
for three-quarters of an hour remained
here. A considerable crowd was at the
Banding Street station.
General Cole and staff. Mayor Lips
comb and city council, Colonel Abbott
an dother officers from Camp Torrance
were present and were presented to the
President and those accompanying him.
The Second Tennessee band was pres
end, and as the train rolled in played
an inspiring air. The prolonged calls of
the people called forth the President,
who was introduced by Mayor Lips
comb. The President said that this
stop was not Il part of his itinerary,
but it was an agreeable though unex
pected pleasure. He was glad to meet
the citizens. and glad to meet the soldiers
encamped here. He then spoke briefly
of the greatness of the American Gov
eminent and of the Constitution and
said in closing that this was common
country, as evidenced at the opening of
the recent war when North and South,
East and West rivalled each other in
their efforts to prove their patriotism.
His closing sentence, Let us here sol
EMMY dedicate ourselves to this great
structural Government" was succeeded
by deafening cheers, and he retired after
Introducing General Shafter. He mere
ly thanked the people for their atten-
ton and said that he was glad to meet
representative South Carolinians.
When General Joe Wheeler was intro
duced, there was greater demonstration
than had been displayed. The dapper
little fighter said that he was no strang-
or in South Carolina, and always felt
at home with South Carolinians. He
was born on the banks of the beautiful
stream which separated South Carolina
from Georgia From his earliest youth
he had been taught to reverence and to
admire and applaud our great Marion:
to reverence our Palmetto regiment
which won such renown before the
walls of the city of Mexico; to reverence
our great Calhoun. He was glad of this
occasion to speak to the people of Co
lumbia.
The other speakers were Secretary
Gage, who referred to the need of n
good treasury; Postmaster General
Smith, who referred in fine style to the
new loyalty and patriotism; and Secre-
tary Alger, who referred to the many
evidences that this was one country,
with common cause.
As the train pulled out the President
and General Wheeler grasped the hands
of hundreds.