Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-26

and so did the next speaker. In the cir
cumstancee 1t was at first proposed to give
up the debate. Before deciding upon that
course, however, the presiding officer sug-
gested that perhaps Henderson would con-
sent to lead both sides
He demurred for moment, but on second
thought concluded to accept the proposition,
and then ensued debate the like Of which
had never before been heard in the little
school house. For the affirmative side Hen
derson made many strong points that a
decision In its favor appeared to be a fore
gone conclusion, and when he had finished
the speakers who we're to support him In
opposition to himself felt that he had hardly
treated them fairly. After brief interval
for rest he arose again and proceeded to
answer his own arguments. He seemed
fairly to outdo himself, and when he sat
down the second time not one person in the
room could decide which side had Jared
best at his hands. The feeling OF uncer-
tainty was not dlspelled by the subsequent
speakers on either side, and the result, In
fact, was a draw, the judges beng entirely
unable to decide as to the weight of evidence
adduced.
PntcrDnI AdmOnitiOn.
A few hours after his enlistment in 1861
DdNiu ID. i1enuelSUu WeHJ HOlue 10 laIk tDG
situation over with the family. The posi-
bility that some member thereof might so
to the front had often been discussed with
bated BREATH though, as in so many other
instances, it had seemed exceedingly remote
hitherto. But David had transformed pos
sibiity into certainty and his announcement
was like a bombshell in the household.
Besides him there were five Henderson
sons-James, Thomas, George, William and
Alexander. AS soon David had explained
the situation a family council was called.
Every one understood that Davids step was
evocable and therefore no one sought to
discuss its wisdom. Apparently none of the
sons doubted it; at all events every one Of
them was eager to follow David's example.
But this wouldn't do, of course. The father
had passed the age limit and therefore he
must stay at home, but 1t would be impossi-
bic for him to carry on the necessary farm
ing operations alone and some Of the sons
must remain. 1t was David himself who
pointed this out Not all could fight he
said; the industries of the country must go
on despite the war and the duty of the loyal
stay-a home was as noble as that of the
soldier. This was clear enough and the
night was given over to a heated discussion
as to who should not enlist 1t was finally
agreed that three should stay and three
should go. the selection OF soldiers and stay
at-homes to be based upon considerations
of sound sense. Alexander, next older than
David (who was the youngest), had always
been closest to him, and Alexander declared
with flashing eyes that no matter who else
remained at home he should go If David did.
But the final decision was that James and
George, who were married men. should stay
at home, Thomas and William should fol-
10 nd or yuhi
Alexander should remain with his parents
to help work the old farm. He finally
yielded, though protesting bitterly.
1t was 6 in the morning when the family
council was ready to dsperse. Mother
Henderson had sat weeping all night be-
cause David, "her baby" was going to the ,
front, and she remained weeping while
Father Henderson knelt and prayed aloud
at the end of the deliberations. No member
of the Henderson family ever forgot that
prayer. Father Henderson habitually spoke
with broad Scottish burr, but in prayer or
eXhortaton he generally dropped it for
pulpit English" clear and forcible In con-
struction. In the gray dawn of that fall
morning his dction was clearer and stronger
than usual, and at the conclusion Of his
prayer when all arose from their knees the
mental atmosphere was calm and clarified.
Then, taking David by the arm, Father
Henderson led him from the house and out
behind the barn. There the two had a long
talk, at the close of which the elder of the
two men said solemnly
Now, David, am sure you don't yet ap-
precate what you have done; you don't
realize what you have to face. But you
are doing what is right and l have only to
say this: Don't falter. don't want to
see your face again unless you can come
home with honor"
Then the father kissed the son and they
shook tands with a grip that was like a
clasp OF steel
4 Memory In Battle.
The memory of that paternal admonition
remained with David b. Henderson all
through his soldering days. II was weeks
after his company-in which he ranked as
first lieutenant-had gone south before he
was under fire, at Fort Donelson. Colonel