The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1899-06-09
A sAsER PRESENTED.


the regiment, Colonel Robert II. Sar
q gent, with Il saber as a testimonial o.
+ their respect and well wishes. TIL.
presentation took place shortly after {
y o'clock at the regimental headquarters
The men of the regiment had been as
sembled at this place and formed a cir.
Gle around the colonel's tent. In front
OF the tent as guests of the regiment
l were Mrs. Sargent, Mrs. Liddell and
} Mrs. Orton. Major James X. Varda-
man announced that the regiment was
summoned there for the purpose of pre-
sentlng a saber to the commander as a
token of esteem. 1t vas the purpose of
the officers to present the saber itself at
this time, but as it had not been COM
pleted as yet the expressions of esteem
would be given and that the saber
would be delivered to Colonel Sargent
upon completion. He then introduced
Major J. NJ, Liddell to speak in behalf
OF the officers.
Major Liddell said in part: Colonel
Sargent; Just as the ties which have
existed for twelve months in the of.
tlclal family Of the 18th United States
volunteer infantry are to be broken ND
and the associations, which have been
made sacred by the communion of
chlvalric souls, are to be severed, NV
brother officers have assigned to me n
most welcome and pleasing duty. One
year ago the organization of the 9Th
lmmunes was begun by you. Some of
those whom you summoned to your
council knew nought of the art of war.
Some We're learned in the theory of
military science but knew nought of its
practical applications. But all came
with loyal hearts to brave with o the
terrors and if need be the disasters of
war.
"lhoSe who had been trained by Won,
whose very souls We're afame with
martial ardor, We're denied the glorious
privilege OF participation in active hos.
%tlllties. Answering the call of vonr
country you lead us against an irwin
chile foe. Too late to participate in the ,
glory of the charge up San Juan Hill, :
against the stone embrazures of Ell ,
Cahey, we We're Just in time to s%uccor {
md relieve the surviving heroes of .
those engagements, who had been =
stricken down by this lurking, insjdi- !
Gus, unseen foe. :
We saw them die upon the wharf in g
Santiago, with prayers for home and r
loved ones on their lips. There was :
'courge and pestilence and death. II +
into this you lead us, and these Il
brave boys all followed you. There was ,
not one OF them who faltered or shrunk 4
rom his duty, but there were more of h
hem then. Some have gone to their Il
ZONES shattered and broken in health. :,
brave boys are sleeping beneath n
Cuban soil. :
You have been always kind and E,
to your officers. Over orr =,
aults You have thrown the mantle of "
We have ever found in Won a +,
aithful friend and perfect leader. Our b
associations have been delightful and :,
he love Tor and confidence in our com ~
handing officer, inspired a year ago, =,
'aS grown to the fullest confidence. r
We stand today upon the threshold "
separation. We have performed our w
asst military duty. Whereso'er Won =,
nay 60 you bear with You the love and f.,
ontidence Of Your officers. As a testi. X
lonial of their esteem | am commits. 4.
by them to present you with this h.
eautifnl saber, Take it, colonel and 70
hen our country again calls defenders =,
ronnd her standards we know that os
his will be the first to flash in her de- u,
-,
The words of Major Liddell were h,
'armly received and frequently he was =,
by applause. Tears came Az
} the eyes of many as he spoke of W,
ardships endured and of friends who y,
led and Colonel Sargent was visibly r.
when he stepped forward to uts
He said: -
Soldiers and Friends--It is with q $50.
Ill heart that accept this saber. In Il,
ears to come shall hold this day in o.,
remembrance and | thank Won l.,
n thls token OF yonr good wishes and nc
teen. -.