Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1903-08-13
Cen. MILES RETIRES.
The General Commanding the Army
Issues an Address.
now 10 Be A PERFECT SOLDIER,


E1Gt0n or his retirement from hcuV
4 service to-day on account Of havinI
reached the age limit:
s'In accordance with the provision
81 the act of congress of June 80, 1882
fhe undersigned will retire from tn
active service August 8. 1908. In re
1inquishing the command of the arm!
Uf the United States, to which he wal
assigned by the president October 2
1896, he hereby acknowledges his ap'
probation Of the fidelity manifested by
the officers and soldiers during the past
eventful years. To those who were
mis- companions and associates during
one Of the greatest Of all wars he
takes pleasure in expressing his graft
fication that they have lived through
the trials and dangers Of long service
to witness the results Of their forth
fude, heroism and unselflsh devotion to
the welfare Of their country. They
have also in most commendable man.
ner sxemplified to the younger genera
tion Of soldiers those principles Of dis
ripline and patriotism which make the
army the protector and defender, and
never the menace, Of the nation and
its liberties.
"The time and occasion are consid-
cred opportune for expressing to the
army a few thoughts concerning Its
past and that which may affect Its fu-
1ure welfare. 1t is from the best I'M
pressions and influences of the past
that the most desirable results may
be realized in the future.
''Unswerving devotion to our gov
arnment and the principles upon which
At was established and has been main
tanned is essential to the efficiency Of
tho national forces, and especially ID
this 80 In a democratic government
where the individual in order to be a
perfect soldier, must first be a true citi-
zen. The boast that every soldier Of
= great nation carried marshaPs
baton In his knapsack 10 in a higher
sense more than eQualed In significance
by the fact that every American SOL
der personifies sovereign citizenship
and may by his own conduct exemplify
impartial justice to those who have
never experienced 1t, and the results
Of the highest liberty to those who
have been strangers to 1t, thereby aid
ing to secure for his country a moral
Influence not otherwise attainable.
During the darkest hour of our his
tory the first commander Of the Amer
lean forces demonstrated the grandeur
and nobility of his character by COM
batting the evil influences then per-
vading the army and by manifesting
the strongest confidence and faith in
The ultimate Justice and integrity Of
his government. His words Of wis
dom uttered at Newburg 100 years ago
had the effect Of inspiring 'unexampled
patriotism and patient virtues, rising
superior to the pressure of the most
sufferings.' It Is one Of
Inc glories Of our country that the
army has maintained those principles
Tor more than century.
"Eince Its organization the army has
been charged with great variety Of
all subordinate to de-
lending the country and maintaining
The rights Of Its citizens. In the dis
charge Of Its manifold duties the army
has confronted enemies representing
Dvery stage Of human development
lrom the highest civilization yet OBJ
aimed to savagery and barbarism. II
has ever been its duty to observe in
var those chivalric and humane prin-
'iples by which inevitable horrors are
% greatly mitigated. while by unyield-
as prosecution Of warfare against
lrmed forces its valor has been demon
Itrated.
"All honorable activity and life for
he army must exist within the well
lefned lines Of patriotism, untarnished
'onor. sterling integrity, impartial jus
Ice, obedience To rightful authority
nd incessant warfare against armed
nemies Always to maintain truth,
onor and Justice requires the highest
aoral courage. and is equally as i'm
ortant as fortitude in battle. Drill,
iscipline and instruction are but pre-
aratory for the perfection and EN-
|ency Of an army.
The events Of recent years have
laced upon the army q new obliga-
on and an opportunity for q broader
republication Of Its country's prln-
Iples. The United States army Is
ow brought into daily communication
18th millions Of people to whom its
ldlvidual members Of every grade are
le exponents Of American civilization.
serious duty and great honor are
ow presented TO every oficer and SOL
Ter, namely, to exemplify to those
it'll whom he comes in contact our
,untry's principles Of equal and exact
Isfice. immunity from violence. equal
y before the law and the peaceful use
ID possession Of his own.
The lieutenant general has faith
AZ under AZ circgEs,tan 2 he army