The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-10-04
SPOKE Of THE WARS
Congressman Chester !. Long
Made a Fine Speech,
GIVEN GRAND RECEPTION
As He Entered the Tent
Crowded With Veterans.

Representative Chester I. Long never
fails, year after year, to receive hearty
welcome from the old soldiers Of Wich-
ita at their reunions, and yesterday after
noon at Riverside park was no exception.
The warmth of the reception was pro-
bounced and not TO be considered lightly.
Representative Long is just on his re-
turn from Washington. He went there
from this city two weeks ago to at
tend the funeral Of the president who
had passed away-the president whose
friend he had been for years. On his
return, he spoke yesterday at lola to old
soldiers. and arrived here just preceding
the meeting yesterday.
When the speech was over, there was
rush for the speaker-the usual recep-
ton was given him. Perhaps it was
little warmer than ever-Mr Long had
made a better speech than he ever had
made them. He had discussed things
which suited them. he had made refer
ences to public policies and questions Of
the past that had pleased and instructed
them His tribute to the president re
Gently taken away from the country, was
pathetic IN its strength. His sugges-
satisfactory way Of dealing with such
acts and those who commit them, was
appreciated.
When Mr.. Long entered the big tent at
2:30 the then speaker was interrupted
for several minutes by the cheers and
reception given the representative. When
he went on the platform 1t continued.
Before the time came for him 70 speak,
the audience was restless. But it waited.
n ono f1fr X
ed the monster tent from wall 20 wall.
1t fringed the outskirts. Il confined it
self as nearly as possible to within hear
ing distance. but It was difficult TO do
even this.
Mr. Long. when introduced by CAPTAIN
Burgess, declared that it was pleasing 20
him again to meet the old soldiers Of
Wichita in reunion assembled. He said
that without dispara cement 10 other re-
unions all over Kansas which he had adj
dressed his year, this was one of the
very best Even though there was q
street fair and races going on simultan-
eOusly this reunion had its percentage Of
the crowd. At other places there often
had been nothing but the reunion, and all
attended. Here, and at the distance
Riverside is from town, when there was
no incentive for mere pleasure, the at
tendance Y as very pleasing. It showed
the people were there for serious pur-
poses.
Mr. Long paid his tribute 20 the sol
diers of the war Of the rebellion. 1t is
r. strong one. He declares unreservedIy
that had It not been for the soldiers Of
that war, their precepts and example.
we might have had today q divided
countrv-perhaps by this time a score
of governments within our border-in-
stead Of one great undivided nation. The
soldiery of the war Of the rebellion did
fits duty in that war. When IT settled to
the avocatious Of peace, It readily took
up questions TO be decided as a result Of
the war in which it fought 1t was right
on those questions. They We're settled TO
the country's and their credit. Then
came the provision of methods by which
revenues and means should be devised
10 maintain the growing and reunited
country. In other words, the fiscal pol
ley of the nation attracted the atten-
ton of the late soldiery and It was right
on that question. 1t settled the issue
rightly. Then on the questions of fin
Rncc and national credit this same force
was felt, and again the soIdiery was
right
Meanwhile. Mr.. Long calls attention.
new war arose. We went 10 war with
Spain. We settled that war. Questions
anew arose. They demanded the same
attention the soldiery and other citizens
had given past questions. They received
It. The questions grew out OF the war
with Spain and were of moment There
was a peace commission at Paris to de
eide the future policy of the United States
with reference TO Porto Rico and the
Philippine Islands. The commission was
doing its work The president. the one
recently taken from us, wished to ascer-
tain, as he always did. the sentiment of
the people on the attitude of this country
towards these islands. lie left Washing
ton He proceeded to the Omaha exposi-
lion. On the way. and returning he adj
dressed many old soldiers reunions With
one accord the late soldiery declared for
the retention Of the islands. The presi-
dent instructed the Paris commission.
The islands We're retainod-"and." says
mr.. Long. Eve have them YET"
just at The time of the ratification OF
the treaty. there arose q fresh distur-
bance. Certain Philippine people-a por-
ton of one tribe of the sixty over there
rose in rebellion against the authority
of the United States. The question was
whether we should shoot back or haul
down the flag, bring the soldiers and
sailors home. and abandon the islands TO