The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-03-14

to be forgotten. Grizzled heads in large
numbers could be seen, it is true, but
the soldiers looked young in spirit, as
doubtless they were, and their wives
and daughters rounded up the interesting
picture that was presented.
Comptroller j. j. McCardy, chairman
of the local committee having charge of
the campfire, presided during the even,
ing. Before opening the programme he
SAID the occasion was an suspicious one,
that it was reminder of the old DAYS
when the soldiers We're comrades and
knew what the word "comradeship'''
meant. Then the men lived and worked
and slept together and each knew each
for what he was; then it was COM
mon thing TO drink out Of the same
canteen, especially if a lucky forage
had been made and opportunity were Of
fered to hold a campfire and celebrate
soldier fashion. This campfire, he said,
would be lacking in the fire and the
butternnilk and the things to eat, but
what OF 1t! 1t was campfire just the
same.
Commander-in-Chief Leo Rassieur of
the Grand Army of the Republic, was
called upon to address the encarnpnlent
From the first moment he seemed imbued
with spirit of deep sincerity and he
uttered his words clearly anG forcibIy
lie said he was aware of the fact that
often the old soldier was laughed at. but
he also knew who the scoffers were for
such they could be termed Commencing
thus, he said in part:
VETERANS WORTHY OF HONOR.
Whenever hear anyone talking dis,
paragingly of the soldiers who risked
their lives during the Civil war II
angers me extremely and I feel like tell
Ing. a story I know. Not so very long
ago soldier Of my post down in nv
state died and L was asked by his widow,
TO make some remarks at the funeral
L did so, and took advantage of the on
portunlty to tell the grief-Stricken wife
amt the sorroW-laden sons and daugh-
tefs, that they should be proud and
always remember who they were. The
record of the life of the one who had
Just passed away was monument more
lasting than anything else could possibly
be- Sacrifice, heroism, comradeshin
loVe-these were closely interviewer. like
so many golden threads in laceworlS into
the life, and the death was the reward
his name was the heritage he left.
priceless one. The pastor who officiatad
at the funeral was much IMPRESSED with
what l said and he afterwards told me
story much in point. He said a man
VINO had just suffered bereavement in
the loss of his Wife made the statement
that she had been a good wife. The
pastor asked him if she had been told
this during her life and the man answer
ed no. The reverend gentleman then told
MIN 1t would have been far better if
he had done so.
That is the way I look at it and hero
comes the application Of the story. WHY
should the old soldiers Of the country hn
praised after they are dead? Why not let
them know often ttat their services to
their country have been appreciated.
that they are loved, honored? Whom
does it hurt?
Let me- say in conclusion that you
all still have your duties in life. Take
care of your children and see that they
are educated as they ought to be. Tho
future of this country depends upon the
children who are living now. and If we
benefit our schools we benefit our chill
dreh and thus the country"
Department Commander Ives referred
touchingly to the fraternaI feeling that
always exists in a body of soldiers, say
ing that it was something distinctive. al
ways noticeable, always felt, and with
pleasure. In a reminiscent mood he
spoke of the organization of the Grand
Army in 1866 and made mention of the
fact that from that time the number of
old soldiers in Minnesota had dwindled
fIom 5000 or 5000 to $780, In the whole
country the number had lessened from
100000 to about 100000 He was pleased
te see so many at the encampment and
hoped everybody would leave the city
feeling better than when they came In
closing he spoke strongly In favor of the
proposed primary election law and said
he sincerely hoped it would go through.
Gov. Van SAINT. in following, said the
primary election law was the twin sister
of the Australian ballot and. If it ever
got down stairs" he would put his sig
nature where he knew it ought to be.
Glowingly the governor referred to the
valor of the soldiers in the Civil war
and he added that they were the best in
the wn"l. Ha said the greatest victory
won By t',c soldiers was when th=y
stacked their arms in Washington and
only asked for transportation to their
home.
ADAM BEDE APPEARS.