Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-02-11

- Nv w AhsAESVs
The captain rave an historical sketch
of the organization of the regiment. in
an interesting way, beginning with the
call from the War department, and the
active and patriotic part taken by Coy
ernor Otero in pushing the organization
OF the New Mexico squadron. the gath
cring and departure of the troops for
San Antonio, Tex, the reorganization
there, where many new men were en-
listed, and the reformation of a number
of the troops. The speaker referred
briefly to the thorough drilling, and the
growth of that esprit du corps that
afterwards brought the command into
such deserved prominence. The Jour
ney to Tampa was detailed, the cncamp-
ment there, and the departure of two
squadrons of the regiment for Cuba,
leaving II squadron behind to care for
the various properties Of the entire
command, Captain Curry said it was
the disappointment of his life that he
was left behind, for he and his brave
men had just and high hopes of being
Instrumental in adding to the ~laurels
OF the regiment on Spanish soil. The
choice was between troops f and II
remaining in Florida, and the choice to
remain fell upon II. However, the
brave boys of Troop II made the most
OF 1t. and the speaker recounted the trip
of his squadron from Tampa to New |
York and Montauk Point, where it was
reunited with the other two squadronS.
The captain referred justly to the pa
triotic spirit of his men. and their con
slant readiness. eagerncsS to enter ac-
tive service of their country upon the
battle field.
Then came the presentation. MaiorI
LleWellvn had been selected to make the
presentation speech. and he did it with
eloquence and grace. Rising, his figure
made more striking in uniform, the
major approached the governor with the
medal in his hand. His cX-
cellencN arose as the major approached, |
and everybody listened intently as the
officer made the following Interestingly
address:
Governor Otero: There has been as
to me by the officers of the New
Mexico squadron of the First United
Volunteer Cavalry, the pleasing
duty of delivering at this time to YOU
a short address.
On the 22d day Of last April, a peace
extending over a period of 33 years in
our beloved country was broken, and
the American people We're confronted
With a war with Spain. From the time
of the sinking of the Maine in the har-
Dor of Havana to the 22d day of April,
peerless statesman, that greatest
living Americans, William Mckinley
he president of the United States, has
stood like a wall of adamant against
he restless, seething clamor of an ex-
'ited American people, who would have
plunged our country into a war for
which we were lily prepared indeed.
Never before in the history of nations
has been presented a spectacle of a
more sublime character during the
tbove period and weary days of anx-
Gus waiting; but during this time our
was being strengthened and our
equipped to face the relentless
ront of battle.
How wisely our president wrought
viii be told in history until time shall
'e no more. The country sprang to
and an object lesson of what a
lnited, free American people could do {
n the hour of a great and eXacting I
Emergency was presented. You, sir. as
ommander-in-chief of it's forces, were t
allied upon by our president to furnish ]
he quota of troops assigned to this ter
itory.
On May 6 and Z, 1898, there were mus
cred, under o u orders and instruc- l
ions, troops E, F, G and H of what, '
nder Divine Providence, was destined |
make an imperishable name in his h
Dry and reflect the lustre of fame upon l
%ourself, as well as Upon the patriotic o
eople of New Mexico, who so promptly S
this contingent of the now I
rorld famous regiment - Roosevelt's C
Riders. 1t was my good fortune I
, receive from your excellency a cap a
AIMS commission, and to be placed in $
ommand of troop G, and I see before n
lie here tonight Captains Luna, Curry a
nd Muller. who commanded the other L
Tree troops, as well as a number of the "
and many troopers of the u
Mexico squadron. These officers =
ithout exception, selected by your ex- n
,llency from among our people, were e
! gallant a set of men as aver went o.
nth from any state to do battle and, y
necessary, offer up their lives upon
e altar of their country. re
But what words can 7 find to do JUS a
ee to the men in the ranks who bore IN
,finchingly every duty imposed them. IL
can not describe them in more fitting q
nguage than by narrating an anec- re