The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-27

discipline, determination and continuity. In
military affairs, these are necessary. IN
life, they are absolutely essential.
There is tide i'm the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood leads on to for
tune
NO opportunity was lost. The State real
ly had no National Guard. 1t did not even
provide uniforms. Armories were a luxury
unheard OF except I'm far of States Inc
broad fields of the old fair grounds. now
Morton Place. were its drill grounds and
the blue heavens its roof. The IS uniforms
bought each man occupied the choicest cor
ner at home. where each one kept il spot
less, and from which he walked forth
proudly on drill nights or parade occasions.
ignoring the looks of curiosity and oft
times derision Of his friends. At that time
a uniform was almost curiosity here.
There was but one other company I'm exist
ence. Now, owing to the example and active
work of members of the battery, the State
has made ample provision for its Nauonal
Guard. In a word, the battery may be
called the mother of the National Guard OF
Indiana. The battery determined to live
and succeed. 1t turned its attention TO prize
drills then SO popular as a method OF gam
ing money for its treasury. 1t must not be
lost sight of, however, that such contests
are not to be derided, but insure an inter-
est among members. Voluntary organiza-
tons can never be perpetuated under the
monotonous conditions OF military routine
mel ely.
States which are now holding interstate
contests in rifle practice. Competition in all
classes OF work, under proper RESTRICTIONS
accomplshes much and creates needed en-
thusiasm. Where is one from the interest
ing school boy to venerable grandfather
fond of the innocent but blasphemous game
of golf who does not love a victor or al
mire a Lipton-like loser, who has done his
best? To know how to lose when one Is
fairly beaten is itself discipline.
WHERE CREDIT is DUE.
although greater honor and monuments
are due to one who fell facing the enemy,
like Lawton, yet equal credit for Willingness
and patriotism belongs TO the volunteer who
was held in a fever-stricken camp, or to
the man who offered himself and was re-
jected or found the ranks full. Likewise
defeated members OF competitive teams de-
serve credit for conscientious effort, provided
they know how to lose. You didn't know
how to lose, for you never had a chance
after 1885, You took no chances that could
be avoided by faithful ana progressive study
and observation, tedious detail, treless
work and rigid discipline. In short, you had
discipline determination and continuity.
Nations and men require the same. The
success of many of you is, no doubt, due 10
the principles that were unconsciously abb
Sorbed in the battery.
You had your hours. days and years OF
trial. There were moments of darkness;
black clouds often hung over you. There
were dissensions, stormy discussions and
honorable rivalry, but fair play ever pre-
vailed. The principles so thoroughly In
stilled within you always caused the sun
to shine again.
After speaking of the excellent record of
the old drill team of Battery G, and the
splendid work of Lieutenants Thompson,
Garrard, Johnson and Gallon, all of whom
were in the audience, Captain Curtis con-
tinued:
1T was a marvel how young business and
professional men, from every county In the
State and from other States, fiocked to the
city to obtain an opportunity to serve in
the ranks OF this battery. This resulted
from one thing only-and that was the
knowledge of the past of the organization.
Its past successes were due to preparation,
determination, discipline and continuity. No
better words can be thoroughly impressed
upon the minds at this time. OF every MEM
Der, as you have found them useful in your
lfework and will to the end. BY all means
make use of what you have learned here.
Never give up. Do not go TO pieces. Mis-
takes cannot be undone. but their repetition
must be avoided. Bear in mind the fact
that one who possesses all true soldierly
qualities cannot fail, and that mems lives
are not judged by single acts, but by gen.
eral results