The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1906-06-07

suffered many inconvenience for the
blessed Fatherland. Bless their holy
memories.
! One day in each year we behold the
mouths of political ranters, wild
fanatics and disgruntled self-seekers
closed, while they look upon the
graves, eloquent with the loving
tributes of living Patriots.
After all, we love our country. AS
Republicans? No. AS Democrats?
No. AS Populists? No.
Today we are not partisans, we are
patriots. Partisanship, too often
mean, narrow, unworthy, despicable,
is forgotten. And Patriotism, noble
generous, worthy, splendid, blood
stirring, glorious Patriotism takes her
rightful place on the throne of our
hearts.
Another memory of the day is that
of the blessedness of self-sacrifce.
The first instinct of our natures is
self-preservation. Look out for num-
Der one. My precious self must be
kept from harm. My business must
be carefully guarded. No meddling
with the tariff or taxes if it cuts my
profits. If some needed reform is
urged, "Oh! that would increase my
taxes by five cents" Bless your
heart, can't you spare five cents or five
dollars or fifty dollars for the good of
country?
Memorial Day comes. We stop. Is
it true? True, that in times past men
have for the good of others given up
their all? Yes. Men sacrificed
property, joyfully paid revenue taxes
of every sort, left their stores, shops,
offices farms, to serve a cause which
they counted dearer to themselves than
life, or even gold, to phrase it in the
money-mad fashion of these times.
Young men, the flower of our country
gave themselves on the altar of the
Nation. When Gen'l Grant was max
ing his famous trip around the world,
Chinese official congratulated him
on having saved his country. "No,"
said Gen'l Grant, 81 did not save my
country. 1t was the young men who
in answer to their country's call, came
to the frontEith their lives in their
hands, it was these who saved the
country"
At the close of great battle an
Indiana soldier, shot through both
thighs, was being carried to the rear.
1t so happened they passed close to the
division commander. "Stop, boys"
said the wounded man. They placed
his stretcher on the ground. The
General came close, expressed word
of pity and hope that the man would
soon be we'll. "See that, General, -
said the soldier as he turned back a
corner of the blanket exposing his
mangled limbs, ''No, its no use. No
man can live after such wound as
that. But that is not what l wanted
to say, General. Tack in Indiana l
have wife and five babies. They will
have nothing to support them but the
small pension they will draw. And I
love them, General, God only knows
how much | love them. But | would
do it all over again if l could, rather
than see the Union destroyed. have
fought for what [ believed was right,
and l am not afraid to die. Goodbye,
General. Move on, boys" And the
eyes that followed that brave man,
used as they we're to such scenes, were
filled with tears.
Those were times when men gave
their lives and counted them not dear
unto themselves if by any means they
might serve the cause of the Union.
Mothers gave their sons, the pride OF
their lives. Wives gave their
husbands, the stay and support of the
home. Sweethearts gave their lovers
and blighted youths fairest dreams.
Oh, those blessed home folks. How
they watched and waited, prayed and
paid, loved and looked for the dear
ones at the front.
Also Memorial Day brings up
memories of valorous deeds. Every
one loves to hear of the decks of heroic
men and women and the services OF
this day call afresh TO our minds the
remembrance of heroic achievements
At one time during the battle OF
Gettysburg the Union forces pre-
scented an unsupported centre. The
Confederates were pressing the weak
place. Reinforcements were hurry
ing forward, but they were to far
away. Five minutes might change
the day. Gen. Hancock saw the
situation and said to the Colonel OF
the LIST Minnesota $50 unto the angle
and die.'' The first Minnesota
sprang into the breach. The enemy
was held in check. Reinforcements
arrived, and Gettysburg was saved.
But eighty-fve per cent of that heroic
regiment went down in two minutes