The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1898-10-27
PRESENTATION SPEECH
Of Capt. Jas. X yardaman on De-
nveriug the Stars and Stripes
presented to the 5th Im-
mnne perimenr

NNeAAAA
presented to the 5th linz
mHne Regiment
Col. Sargent, and Comrades Of the
stu Regiment, United States
Volunteers;
Icraye your attention for a few
moments this evening while / under
take to perform, in my humble way,
a most agreeable Jet somewhat pa
thetic duty.
am commissioned by a fond moth
er and loving sister to present. you.
With a delicate testimonial Of their
deep interest ia your present and
future welfare. They bid me speak
to you 10 the name Of a faithful aud
~aFeetionate son and chivalric brother,
who but a few short months ago
passed from out Of their llyes-left
the walks Of mortal mau-and en-
tered the Realm Of eternal rest.
This splendid young nan had not
reached the 'highest point on life's
highway, but being weary for a mo-
ment he lay down by the wayside and
taking his burden for a pillow fell In
to that dreamless sleep that kisses
down his eyellds still.
In the midst Of hope-the promise
Of a long life pregnant with possibilt-
as the rays Of manhood 2
MOI ming were breaking over the east
ern horizon and filling his bright
young life with gorgeous eifulgence
Of a glorious day a cloud appeared
upon the scene-at first but a little
speck, but ere noontide had rolled
around, the heavens we're adum-
brated and the dark shadows had fall
len across his pathway,
He had paid the penalty Of life
ne had settled the debt Of eternity
md solved the mysteries Of the
Great Beyond, But amidst it all,
ne bore himself with Roman hero
sm-he played the part Of the SUI
,erb citizen, endured It all uncom-
,lalningly and he met the end as
erenly and calmly as the morning
tar greets the God of Day. His life
vas a simple one-a inject inglorious
or a Cromwell guiltless of his
ountry's blood" To him had not
allen She fate of Of the wise and the
reat-those who had won the APP
Of the multitude moved men
heroic action by the force of their
loQuence, startled the world by deeds
herolsm or blessed humanity by
he breadth and brilliancy Of their
He was too young, but in all
bings he did the best he could under
he circumstances; and who could do
nOre? Every trial was met with AL
triumphant smile-eyery obstacle en-
ountered with a courageous and
spirit, and all along
trough the yicissItudes Of life
trough sunshine and shadows, his
onduct was courageous, cheerful, sub
.me.
His spirit is with you today, my
Omrades, and whatever fate may be-
all you, let the example Of Harry
fields be an inspiration to you. His
'as a life worthy Of emulation, ele-
atlug in It's influences, pointing you
0 higher and n0bler aim. To you,
by brave and loyal comrades, who
1Fm the ranks and render possible
be achievement Of glory for your Of
GERS, l commend his heroic life, and
hink on it-contemplate it and for
.et not that deeds Of heroism auo
cts Of the highest order Of virtue,
re as much your privilege to perform
s the highest officer that ever led
roops to victory or won renown up
tile crimson field Of battle. It is
he boys III the trenches after all
aho make it possible to achieve great
ictories -the day VAS never saved
iithout the prompt aud proper re-
Donse and cooperation Of the heroic
Upon you. my comrades,