The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-16
Commander Torrance Delivered an
Address and Then Marched
at Head of Column.
YOUNG SOLDIERS ON GUARD
ASSISTED VENERABLE INFANTRY
MEN TO PROTECT THE BANNERS.
Flags Returned to Their CustOdians
at the StatehOuse Without
Further Ceremony

The closing ceremonies of the dedication
of the monument included the most pathetic
and the most impressive scenes of the day.
Probably the most dramatic event was the
return of the old flags to the State Capitol.
Faithfully the color bearers remained with
their flags and were assisted by a detach-
ment from Company c, Second Regiment,
of the National Guard The young men per-
mitted none to touch the flags and this
gave the old guards opportunity to rest.
The request was general that the band from
the Soldiers Orphans Home be permitted
to lead the veterans on their last march
with the flag. This honor was shared with
Company d, Third Regiment l. n. CT.
The flags were taken from their sockets
by the wrinkled hands of their bearers who
fell into an informal column on the side
walk at the west side of the monument.
Following by twos, the band and the in
fantry company, they once again marched
about the monument while the strains of
THE Red White and Blue" Rally Round
the Flag, Boys "Auld Lang Syne" and
Home. Sweet Home" sounded in their
ears. The march was slow. The faItering
footsteps of the old were a contrast with
the firm elastic steps of the stout young
infantrymen. Among the spectators there
were few who did not feel, with intensity,
the pathos of the scene. 1t seemed as if
the old men felt themselves yielding to the
past forever the emblems which had been
their prides and that they themselves must
soon fade away. Something tragic over
spread the scene as the column. passing the
Morton statue, dipped its colors in venera-
ton of the great war Governor Circling
ba hoc
With slow, heavy strides It's progress
brought hundreds of tired people back TO
the street to witness it. At Capitol avenue
it halted. filling the entire block.
Commander Torrance. of the G.. A r.
marched at the head of the color column
with uncovered head. He asked this as a
privilege. When the halt was made he
turned TO Grand Marshal Carnahan and
said: II want TO ask another privilege
general; / want to pass through this COL
umn and touch every flag here" The per-
mission was at once given and Generals
Torrance and Carnahan walked together.
General Torrance touched every flag with
reverence.
The infantry company halted at the right
of the line and presented arms the vet
Grams carried the flags led by the band
around the Capitol to the south door and
entered the building. There was no cere-
mony in restoring them to their custodians
in the Capitol.
THE FINAL SERVICE.
Inc NeSper service, which closed the dedi-
cation, was brief Senator Fairbanks and
Gen. Lew Wallace sat with Gen. Torrance,
the orator. Invocation was made by the
chaplain of the G. A. r, Department of
Indiana, the Rev. Isaiah Watts, Of Win
chester. He asked the Divine that had so
manifested its aid in the struggle which the
monument commemorated to be ever pres
ent and to further bless the country by
producing such worthy men as had inspired
a succeeding generation 10 build such a
durable shaft After the invocation Can't
W. II. Armstrong, a member Of the Ma
tional Council of the q. A. r. who pre-
sided, introduced Commander Ell Torrance
whose address Will be found below At the
conclusion o. the speech A. O. Marsh an
nounced the night meetings in detail and
the choir of Christ Church clad in its white
surplices. mounted the platform and sang
My Country 'Tis OF Thee" and THE Bat
tie Hymn OF the Republic" The services
closed with a benediction by the Rev H. G.
Meserve chaplain OF the LOYAL Legion
who said: God of fathers our God
and our children's, preserve TO US the
memories OF this day and all the glorious
past here enshrined. May the Lord bless
thee and keep thee. The Lord make His
face 10 shine upon thee and be gracious
unto thee. The Lord lift up His counten-
ance upon thee and give thee peace"