The Florence tribune., 1901-05-18
RENEWING OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
President Mckinley Meets comrade at
 Wilcox, Arizona.
From the Range Sews.l

Promptly on the time scheduled for the arrival of the train the whistle at the ice plant announced to the waiting throng the approach of the presidential train. It stopped ut the water tank and the crowd made rush for the Olympia, the rear car. The conductor stepped off and announced that they would make short stop at the depot. The bon-fires blazed out in the street 1 while the crowd surged to the depot, the train pulled up and stopped. The president appeared on the rear end of the car and bowed his acknowledge ments to the ovations of the assembled crowd who immediately gathered around to shake his hand.
 During the hand shaking 1. E. Ruth was led up to the president by Post master S. J. Geddes. The old man, now nearly blind, extended his hand which was grasped by the president. Do you know Isaac Ruth" he asked. No" answered the president, Do you remember 'Chub,'' asked Ruth. q do," replied the president and again shook the old mans hand warmly. Do you remember the charges we made together,' asked Ruth. Il certainly do, and didn't we charge brilliantly" said the president. 1 .'l am old and almost blind,' said Ruth, 'I can't see you, bat can feel ] you" and with another warm pressing of hands the two old comrades parted and the train pulled slowly away amid cheers. The old man was led away almost overcome with emotion.
 President Mckinley and Mir. Ruth first met at Knoxville, Tenn, in the civil war. Major McKinler's regiment was then attached to the Fourth army corps and besiegeG at Knoxville. I. E. Ruth was orderly to General J. c. Da- wis, commanding the Fourteenth corps, who in conjunction with the Seven. teenth corps, both under the command of General sherman, raised the siege. The two saw service together for near ly two years after.
 Ruth, being the smallest orderly in these corps, was nicknsmed tChub."
 Ia 1864 Ruth had thrilling experi- ence which brought him into univer- sal notice. At Burnt Hickory, South Carolina, he carried dispatch to Gen eral Stedman. The officer was in his tent asleep. The sentry told Ruth to step inside and wake him up. Ruth went in, shook the general and hand ed him the dispatch. The general put the dispatch under his pillow and went to sleep again. Shortly after General Stedman was called to acceunt before his superior officers for disobeying not received the dispatch. Upon this testimony Ruth was coursmartialed and sentenced to be shot, General Sherman presiding at the trial. Upon receiving
 his sentence Ruth addressed General Sherman saying: ~ suppose I will be . shot without being permitted to say a
 word in my defense.n General Sherman l replied that if he had anything to say
 he would be heard. Ruth made the : statement that he could prove he had :. delivered the message, and the sentry
 was immediately sent for who corrob- : orated Ruth's story. Another mes
 senger was thereupon dispatched to
 search the generals tent for the miss
 ing dispatch. It was found under the . generals pillow unopened. Ruth wai e immediately acquitted.
 : On being interviewed hy New.
 representative MT. Ruth spoke 1T l. glowing terlns of the bravery of Major
 Mckinley. He was every inch a.soldiel
 and always at the head and in advanc,
 of his regiment in every charge, ant
 was idolized by his men. The, oit
 veteran flushed with enthusiasm as h. reeopnted numerous incidents o '' bravery and magnificent conduct o |. Major Mckinley in the field which h n had personally witnessed, vile serving
 together during the stirring days o the civil war.