Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1902-06-05

| -
tion of all government: from the pos
session OF home issues the desire ia
shield, the enthusiasm to protect, the
patriotism to endure conflict, the wis.
dom to enact law, the courage to en-
force order, the conscience to erjoy
the arts end the glories oe existence
amid an enduring peace, winch alone
can transmute the discords of the pres
emit, into the harmonies of the future.
1t has been affirmed that history is
past politics, and politics present his
tory. If this be true, the observance
pf tins day, with its touching custom
of srewing the graves of the departed
with flowers, emblems all, silent mes
sengers bearing heavenward the re-
membranes and the gratitude of the
American people; also the assembling
of the children and youth of each city
and hamlet in the Republic as Wit
nesses of the veneration paid to the
memory of the absent heroes, will
make history that will go down
through the ages, and for the qnslity
of which no loyal American cltlzell
will ever blush.
1t need not be asked how they will
achieve, and by what means, whether
by diplomacy or by arms, they will
secure firm and stable government,
surely they will know how best to OBJ
tain it. Recently an American tray
eler lost his way in a deep Alpine pass.
Meeting little boy he asked. where
is Kandersteg The lad replied 81
don't know, but there is the road thst
leads to it" SO the ceremonies Of this
day, with its sentiment and Its lessons,
mark the road that leads to the un-
assailable fortress of human liberties,
and from its perpetual observance
there will srise an invisible influence
that SHALL be as ozone, giving red
blood in the hearts and determined
marrow in the bones of the future de-
tenders of our flag.
If were asked which | regarded as
one of the special privileges of my
life, should answer, to have been per
mitted to bear an humble part in saw
ing tho Union, but greater still, to
have witnessed the valor of our SOL
dlers in action, bearing their cross
over scorched fields, with bloody feet
-on--0n to victory.
A few OF these veterans are here to-
day. No word OF mine can add to the
glory or to the value of their
past services. No slur uttered
by the unthinking, can datract from
their consciousness of duty brayely
performed. Our present duty can
only in part be expressed by appreciat-
ing what they have accomplished in
order that the human family might
forever enjoy the precious heritage of
liberty, without which there are few
civic virtues.
Hon. Thomas II Miner, tits with the
greatest pleasure that present you
the greetings of the loyal citizans of
Mo. Valley here assembled.
Thos. III. Milner, of Belle PLANE, who
was orator of the day, heaped eulog-
iums upon the soldier, and by recount
ing their deeds and privations endeav-
ored to arouse sentiments of patriot
ism in the hearts of the young, to
make them feel the price that was
paid for the milk and honey" which
they enjoy unmolested. He paid high
tribute to the rank and file and called
attention to the fact that the officers
we're only able to be great through the
fidelity and greatness of the common
soldier. He spoke tenderly of the
5000 members of the q. A. II. who in
the last year have passed muster and
have joined the triumphant army be-
yond, over whom Is kept the silent
bivouac of the dead
Col. w. .. Newton recited the poem
why ] wear this badge" in a very hap.
Ply manner Raw. MacAllister at the
beginning of the service had invoked
the blessing of the God of Nations up
on the veterans and the service in
their honor. At the close Rev. Doug
las gave expression to the feelings of
reverence and thanksgiving, and the
choir, band and audience joined in
America" Comrade Byers sounded
taps and the days exercises we're over
but all felt glad who had participated
and who had united with the vast
throng who had that day
"strcwn with flowers the tomb. of patriots dead
Upon the eternal camping ground where their
silent tents are spread,
And where glory guards with sacred tread
round tie bivouac of the dead "
Washington ID c. May 9Th.
E J. Davis, Esq, Commander Belden
Post No so, Iowa G. A. IL, Missouri
Valley, Iowa. Dear Sir:
1t is with very great regret that /
find | will not be able to be with you
on Memorial Day. 1t is the opinion of
the best informed that Congress will
not adjourn until about July LIST. We
hope to get away sooner, but fear we
will be detained beyond that time. 1t
has been my sincere desire to be with
you, and join in payment of tribute
of respect to the memory of our soldier
dead, and feel that the circumstances