Omaha daily bee., 1899-01-24
THEY ARE ALL FRIENDS NOW
Omaha Guards and Thurston Rifles Under
the Same Flag.
BURY THE ENMlTleS THAT HAVE txlSTEl
Members of the Two ORGANIZATIONS
Mingie Together and spend an
Evening I'm Real
Enjoyment.

The reception rendered to the Omaha
guards, or Company G, of the Second regi
ment Of Nebraska infantry volunteers. Mon
day night by the Ladies' auxiliary and as
sociate members OF the Thurston Rifles.
was a grand success. For years before the
Spanish American war broke out there was
spirit Of enmity existing between the two
companies. This was caused by the fact
that they were rivals for honors In a mill
itary line. When the president issued his
call for volunteers the two companies buried
all disputes and decided that it would be
we'll to fraternize How we'll this has been
carried out was exemplfed by the meet
ing and reception OF last night.
The hall was decorated uniquely. On
three walls hung Spanish flags which had
been captured by victorious American arms,
while on the fourth wall hung the flag Of
truce which was run UP when Manila sur
rendered great many of the friends Of
the Guards sat with the friends OF the Rifles
to listen to the evenings program. Cadet
Taylor acted as master OF ceremonies.
General barry Responds.
THE first stspeakar of the evening" was Gem
eral Barry, adjutant general Of the Nebraska
National guard. The speaker congratu-
lated the friends Of the boys in Manila on
the splendid work OF the regiment. He
stated that in his official capacity he had
been informed that while in San Francisco
they had borne the reputation OF being the
most gentlemanly and the best disciplined
regiment in Camp Dewey and when they
had crossed the ocean they had done their
whole duty on the other side OF the Pa
cifc. All Nebraska troops had done their
duty. The Second regiment at Chicka-
mauga had won such a reputation that a
pass bearing the counterslgnature Of the
commanding officer Of that regiment was a
| guarantee that it's bearer was gentleman.
| The general said he knew this, because
| he had visited the camp and observed the
magnificent discipline maintained.
In closing the general paid a magnificent
tribute to the Omaha guards. Although
| they had seen no active service, they had
| done soldiers duty as truly as their com
rades Of the Rifles when they spent the
summer at Chickamauga and obeyed the
orders Of their superior officers. He hoped
| that the time was not far distant when the
First. Second and Third regiments Of Ne
braska troops that had gone forth at theli
country's call might meet in friendship
and the spirit Of comradeship that wal
| begete.
| welcome tne bOyB hO"es
| A letter OF regret from Governor Poynter
expressing his disappointment In not being
able to attend the reception was read b,
| the presiding officer. Major Clarkson as ar
| old veteran and an ex-commander OF the
Grand Army Of the Republic welcomed the
boys Of Company G back to their home ant
paid q most beautiful tribute to the flag.
Judge Estelle said he had done enough
original talking at Thurston Rifle meetings
and recited James Whitcomb Rileys beautl
full poem, "Old Glory" Captain Hodgin'
for the Omaha guards responded for tina
organization. He spoke feelingly Of tn
reception and said that IL the Second reg
ment had not reached Cuba 1t was no
because Of any unwillngness on their part
He aptly illustrated his point by coupl
Of stories He thanked the Rifles for thei
kind efforts and assured them that whel
the boys came marching home. none woul'
be 80 eager to do them honor as the mem
bsrs OF the Omaha guards
Cadet Taylor then announced that suppe
would be served and that dancing woul'
be the order of the evening.
The young people Immediately took ad
vantage Of the invitation to dance and tn
older ones sought the dining rooms, wher
the service was in charge OF Mrs. G.
White wife OF the secretary OF the eXecu
tive committee The dancing was continues
to an early hour.