The record-union., 1899-05-31

bellion we did not hold this proud po-
sition. Then, princelings most petty
dared to style us mob of shopkeepers,
feared not to make our CorporaPs
guard and tub navy unfailing objects
of rampant ridicule. When we began
to war with each other all Europe
smiled in derision-resolved to let us
fight and fight, as did the nine xii
kenny cats" until there would be
nothing left but our tail, and-then
they expected to take the tail
But, when the Grand Army counted
! it's millions of sterling soldiers when
our inventive genius brought into play
both on land and sea, hitherto unknown
agents of devastation and death, scof-
| fling governments awoke with a pain
full sutfdenness to the fact that Brother
Johnathan was a young giant, with
! strength of arm and wealth of resource
| that dwarfed the haughtiest among
the dominant Powers. Mockery at once
became stupid CONSERVATION, and as
the war drew near it's end our foes
hugged the vain hope that, unem-
| ployed, our mighty hordes of armed
men must destroy the Republic they
had sworn to save.
But the wise of the Old World knew
not the cunning of our statesmen and
did not judge rightly the temper OF
our people. When 100000 Southern
soldiers furled the conquered banner
and sought their desolate homes; when,
within eighteen months, the Republics
grand army of more than a million
men stacked arms and quietly fell into
the busy walks of civil life; when four
millions of untutored-almost helpless
- Oh xrho oil
this was done without any or little
violation of law or order, foreign ma
tions began to understand that, if we
had unmeasured vitality and boundless
treasure, we had also something bet
ter-the virtue of self-control
Then there was quick doffing of
gilded crowns and much pleasant nod
ding of royal heads before Uncle Sam.
France. like a surprised thief, with
haste undignified, abandoned Mexico
England, as mark of her respect, a
pledge of her love- made US a present
| of S15,0000GO, and the petty rulers
! Joined in the chorus, 81 didn't mean
iti'' The war of the rebellion gave the
civilized world an object lesson which
! has not been forgotten, and which in
stalled this Republic in its proper rank,
at the head-far in advance of all ma
tions. The soldiers who wore the blue
and the gray and alike shared in that
glorious attainment made manifest our
capacity for war and our ability to
dwell in peace. We therefore on this
national feast decorate, without dis
tinction, the hallowed beds of Union
and Confederate soldier, because in
each
There are gallant hearts whose glory
Columbia loves to name
Whose deeds shall live in story
And everlasting fame.
The grizzled veterans of the blue and
the cihival1ous wearers of the gray
have turned a new page in our history,
and with o Glory floating over them
have recorded feats and written names
which will never be eclipsed.
We began war for hunlanity's sake.
The outcome amazed the world, but
the afterclap is still on our hands.
Our statesmen have always done the
right thing at the right time, and you
may be sure that Notwithstanding the
foolish words we hear or read, our flag
will come from the smoke of battle
without a dishonorable stain or blot
upon it.
Now you will excuse me if, like the
miser l return to my gold. I love to
toy with the Grand Army of the Re
public. Yesterday we had at the con-
vent pretty memorial services. The
representation of a soldiers grave and
it's graceful monument stood in the CEN
ter of the large hall, while the young
ladies sang "a dirge, and many little
girls, two and-two, passed around the
grave and covered it with flowers. The
scene thrilled my blood, and tears were
ready to fall
Then bloomed new flower of love in
my heart for my old friends of the
Grand Army, and l blessed them, be-
cause by this festival, which is all
their own, they have made each school
fame where shall burn, unto time un-
told, the pure fire of patriotism. Could
my voice ring out from Post to Post
you would hear me say: Men of the
Grand Army! On, precious remnant of
an heroic agel your sacrifices, your
vatchful care of this free land, all our
own, merits a greater reward than the
ration can confer upon youi Should
any portion of the people fail you, he
yet assured that synagogue, church,
and the schools which your example has
made the very nurseries of patriotic
men and women, will keep your memory
green so long as God and country re-
mains the favorite watchword Of our
children! Your names are on Amer
ica's roll of honor; you have passed
inspection, and now. at attention
stand ready to be dismissed from life's
dress parade We regret that natures
God must, in the course Of a few years,
call you from our midst. We fear the
parting hour, but while you are here we
will cherish yOu-follOW your camp-
and when taps come pattering down
the inevitable night. and the bugla
sings Light out!' we will still be at
your side and say:
You're now at the foot of the hill, Old
Man,
At last, at the foot of the hill;
The sun has gone down in a golden glow.
And the Heavenly City lies just below.
Go in, through the Pearly Gate Old Man.
The beautiful Pearly Gate.