The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-09-06
G. A. r.. MEN ALL RIGHT
Says tbs President, Though a Little
Too Old For War.

\
Too Old For War.
Philadelphia, Sept. Enthusiasm
was rampant last night. Wherever
President Mckinley appeared he re-
ceiVed a tremendous ovation, partleu-
larry at the Academy of Music, where
the Grand Army was officially well
coined to the city and state by Mayor
Ashbridge and Governor Stone.
The president was introduced as
'Comrade'' Mckinley. He said:
1T has given me great pleasure to
associate with you today. have been
deeply touched by many of the scenes
which all of us have witnessed. With
the joyous side of the glad reunion of
old comrades who fought side by side
in common cause and for common
country, there was the other sad side
that so many of our comrades who
two years ago had marched proudly
with you through the city Of Buffalo,
are no longer in the ranks.
The circle is narrowing. AS years
roll on one after another is not pres
ent at our reunions, but accounted for.
They have gone to join the great ma
Jority OF our comrades VINO steep To-
night beneath the low green tent whose
curtains never outward sway.
But with it all, my comrades, 1 could
not but inquire, as 1 witnessed the vast
procession of old veterans and heard
the plaudits of the people, I could not
but ask the question: What has en-
deared this vast army to the American
people? What has enshrined you in
permanent, unperishable place in his
tory?'
The answer comes that you saved
the nation. 1t was because you did
something, aye, you sacrificed some
thing. You We're willing to give UP
your lives for civilization and liberty,
not for the civilization and liberty Of
hour but of ages That has given
you the place in the hearts of the
American people.
Great and good deeds never die, and
the Grand Army of the Republic is to
be congratulated tonight that the union
it saved and the peace it secured at
AppomattoX courthouse more than
third of a century ago is stronger, bet
ter and dearer to the American people
today that ever before in all our his
tory. We are once more and forever
one people-one in faith, one in pur-
pose, willing to sacrifice our lives for
the honor of the country and the glory
of our flag.
"The blue and the gray march under
one hag-we've got but one flag now
the same that our grandfathers lifted
up, the same our fathers bore, and
that flag which you kept stainless and
made triumphant for evermore.
I may be pardoned for saying in
this presence that this has been one of
the happiest days of my life looking in
the faces of my comrades. They are
getting a little too old for war, but they
are all right.
That during last year and this sum-
mer we were able to convene $50. 900 of
the best young men in the United States
was due to the example of your patriot
ism and the inspiration of your ex-
ample"
General Sicl1les of New York was
next introduced and made a brief ad-
dress, expressing his admiration for the
nations chief executive
A few minutes later the presidents
party, with Admiral Sampson and his
staff left the academy of music and pro-
ceeded to odd Fellows hall where Pres
ident Mckinley was the guest of honor
at banquet rendered by George G.
Mead post, the Lafayette post of New
York and the Kingsley post of Boston.
The distinguished visitors were driven
through the Avenue of Fame" which
for the first time they saw illuminated.
Immense throngs surged through the
avenue and the cheering was deafen-
ing. When the chief executive entered
the banqueting hall all present arose
and cheered their distinguished comrade.
The president was introduced by the
POSTMASTER and spoke briefly, referring
to the historic deeds of the Grand Army
veterans, closing as follows:
I have about me the army and navy
which command (applause) and every
one who wants to speak to you tonight
shall speak daughter and applause. The
secretary of war is here, the secretary
of agriculture is here and the president
of Cornell university, who was the
president of the Philippine commission
recently back from Manila is here. And
Admiral Sampson is here and now gen
tlemen of the three great posts, you
have your choice"
The postmaster took the presidents
cue and called upon the gentlemen
named by him. Secretary Root and
Professor Schurman made brief ad-
dresses in which they referred to the
war in the Philippines. Both of them
took the stand that the war should be
carried on vigorously until peace all
over the islands is had.
The presidential party retired from
the hall and drove directly to the Penn
sylvania railroad station, where the
party boarded a special train and left
for Washington.