Daily Kennebec journal., 1902-02-17
MEETS COMRADES.
Gen. Torrance Visits the Sol
dlers Home at Togus.
Twelve Hundred Veterans Assemble
to Greet Commander Chief.
Addresses Them in Opera House
Visits the Hospital.

The comrades in the National Home
had the pleasure of welcoming the
chief of the Grand
Army, General Ell Torrance of Minne-
apolis, Minn., yesterday. General
Torrance, accompanied by Mrs. Tor
rance, Mrs. Calista r. Jones of Brad
ford, VT, president of the National
Wcman's Relief Corps, and Col. A.
Noel Brakeman of New York City, chief
of staff. arrived by electric from Au-
gusta at 10 O'Clock. The party was
met by reception committee consist
ing of the following officers of the
Home: Governor S. H. Allen; Maj. w.
E. Elwell. surgeon; Capt. w. H. An
derson, quartermaster; Gen. S. ]. Gal
lagher. commissary; and Rev. Hudson
Sawyer, chaplain.
From the station the party was es-
corted to the Opera house. Here as
sembled, marching in with the regular
tread acquired in the martial days of
81 to '65, 1900 veterans. The seating
capacity of the building was taxed to
its uttermOst. Wherever one looked
there appeared nothing but the natty
blue uniforms. brass buttons and ven-
cradle heads of the heroes, scene both
beautiful and inspiring, commented on
by every speaker who addressed the
assembly. In front sat $50 members of
Cutler Post, No. As.
When the assembly had been seated
and the far-famed National Home Or
chestra had rendered a selection, Gov
ernor Allen introduced Commander-in-
Chief Ell Torrance as the first speak
er Gen. Torrance spoke substantially
as follows:
Comrades: I have seen inspiring
assemblies of my fellow citizens since
left my home beyond the Mississippi,
two weeks ago, but I have never be-
fore seen sight like this. AS I look
down upon you it seems to me as
though the old army of the Union, re-
spending to the trump of God, has ap-
peared on earth again, arrayed in all
it's glory. When saw you, today, my
heart beat high. with joy, my pulses
stirred and the sacred recollection of
this scene will always remain with me.
Il am glad to see and to know that
you are held dear in the heart of the
nation and that it remembers it's he
roes. am glad that the alabaster box
is broken and that its perfume is
poured upon the heads of the defend
ers of the flag. I am glad to meet you
in this beautiful place, under the pro-
lection of our great flag; the flag for
which we fought and upon which the
sun never sets. That flag rises higher
and higher and the nations of the earth
must look far above their own banners
tn see where Old Glory waves.
But YOU and | have seen tho day uha,,
the flag hung low; when it could scarcely
be seen through the smoke of the con-
flict; but, thanks to you men, before me
and your comrades that flag still floats,
beautiful beyond description. Its stripes
are widening and widening, it's field is
growing broader and the very stars of
heaven are coming down into it's firma-
ment to make it the hope and the glory
and the inspiration of all mankind.
Il am addressing a company of men
are above kings and princes. Every man
raised his hand to defend the flag of his
country and offered his life on its altar.
Il do not understand how it is, boys,
that you look so well and so young. 1t
is true that the color of your hair, if you
have any, is not what it was 40 years
ago. But there are many of you here
who remember Gettysburg and you can
appreciate my meaning when l say / am
glad to see so many Little Round Tops
here.
Boys, this country is all right. / would
like to take you all in my travels that
you might see it. 1t is great in wealth. in
extent, in intelligence and in moral power
1t is country of which we should be
proud. Since left my home have trav-
eled 1000 miles to the eastward and have
seen all along my route prosperous cit
les. churches, school houses, and every
where happy men, women and children.
Comrades, two generations have been
born and educated since We volunteered.
1t was for them and for coming gener-
ations that We fought.
II am reminded of the Englishman who
sent his son to the public schools in
America. In the course of time the Eng
lishman came over and visited his son.
While here, the son took him to see Bun
ker Hill monument. Father and son
walked around the base of the monument
and then the boy looked up and said:
Father, this is where We licked YOU
1T is true We as a nation have power
to whip anyone, everyone, but that pow
er will never be used in an unworthy
cause. If We did thus use it, it would he
to our discredt.
Il have addressed many and splendid
audiences, some largely composed of
comrades, some of children and others of