The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-08-04
WAS A GRAND WELCOME.
Fred Tobin Was the Hero OF the Hour at
the Corn Palace Demonstration.

Fred Tobin Was the Hero of the Hour 1t
the Corn Palace Denomination.
Wednesday evening was the first op-
portunity Mitchell people have had to
extend welcome to returned soldier
who fought the battles of his country on
foreign shore, and right royalty did
the people do honor to the heroic
young man, whose life blood moistened
the soil OF an island across the sea.
Early in the evening crowds of people
| tlocked down town and both sides of
Main street were lined with admiring
citizens as the band marched up the
street followed by carriage, decorat-
ed with the national colors, containing
Mayor Fullerton and the hero of the
hour, Private Fred Tobin, Co. B.
South Dakota Volunteers.
In the meantime an immense con-
course of people had filed into the corn
palace, every seat in the large building
being occupied and oil the standing
room being taken up. On the stage
there were large flags used for decorat-
ing. Mayor Fullerton presided and
on the stage we're the speakers,
Mr.. Tobin, and Commander Turneaure
and Adjutant McLain, of the G. A. r.
An opening mum ber was played by the
Juvenile band and the quartet, com.
posed of Misses Goodykoontz and Litsey
nd Nd
Nichols at the organ, sang an approp-
riate selection. Mayor Fullerton made
the opening remarks in which he
mentioned the pleasure it gave the
people to honor such noble young
man and he was sure that the citizens
appreciated the full worth of Private
Tobin in the sacrifices he had made for
his country and his flag.
Hon II. c. Preston delivered the ad-
dress OF welcome in behalf of the citi-
zens of Mitchell and he was frequently
interrupted by bursts of applause and
cheers. The speaker referred to the
young hero as born in the province of
Canada OF Irish parents, coming to
Dawson county when q mere boy,
where he had grown to manhood and
on reaching majority had sworn al
legiance to this government and the
constitution. And how little did he
expect that he would soon be called
upon to defend his country, and how
willingly he responded when the vol
unteers were called for, being among
the very first to leave Mitchell for en-
listment. The speaker made many
pleasant references to the young hero,
which were warmly endorsed by his
hearers, exhibiting the bullet which
had pierced his breast causingahis own
blood to saturate the soil Of the isles
OF the sea. He read the discharge pap
ers given the young man and cautioned
him to preserve them as mementoes of
his devotion to his country and as the
seal OF his honor.
O. L. Branson welcomed Private
Tobin home again in behalf of the G.
A. r. of this city. he said that the
old soldiers remembered their victories
at Gettysburg, Donaldson, Appomattox,
and Shiloh and how they were well
coined home by the people of those
days. They had fought their last fight
and won their last victory and now
they were ready to extend the same
hearty welcome to the boys who had
crossed the sea to defend the same flag
in '9S that they did in '62 to '65. He
considered it proud moment to repre-
sent such grand organization on such
an occasion. Mr.. Branson's remarks
were we'll presented and brought forth
much applause. Both speeches were
confined strictly to the occasion and
the sentiments expressed were chesred
to the soho. The quartet and band
each gave selection and all joined in
singing the national hymn. Three
rousing cheers were given for the
brave young private and the audience
dispersed.
Many would like to have heard Mr..
Tobin say something concerning his
experiences in the Philippines but he
did not feel equal to the task. At the
close of the meeting Mr.. Tobin was
presented with bouquet of flowers and
many people surrounded him on the
stage eager to grasp tho hand of the
volunteer soldier and congratulate him
on his safe return.
The occasion was one which stirred
the patriotism of the people and the
references made by the speakers
touched the hearts that deeply as
to cause tears to stand in ones eyes.
Mayor Fullerton in dismissing the
audience said that there were other
Mitchell boys coming home soon and
that the people would again show their
high appreciation OF the young men
who had left their homes for their