The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-25
BUNKER HILL.

Most persons probably forgot or
failed to remember that Wednesday of
last week was the anniversary OF the
battle OF Bunker Hill, which historical
event occurred on June II, 1775. For
it was an historical affair, although
scarcely more than a spirited skirmish
when compared with some Of the
great battles fought since that day.
But though neither remarkable for
the numbers engaged or for
the casualties resulting from the
fight, It may be looked upon
as the first stone In the building of
this mighty republic Of ours. Small in
itself. 1t was great in the results
which followed and 1t is not to be
wondered at that the people. those of
New England especially, celebrate 1t
annually with fitting observance.
These celebrations. however, are not
as general throughout the country as
they should be.
That hot little fight had one de-
cisive effect. for 1t taught the British
regulars. much to their surprise, that
the unframed Continentals not only
would fight but that they could shoot
to kill. 1t was something of the same
kind of a surprise that greeted the
Union army at the first battle of
Manassas. 1t was a singular and I'M
accountable infatuation, but neverthe-
less fact that there was wide-
spread sentiment in the north that the
southern army would give way at the
first onset, and the Union army would
go right on through to Richmond with
little opposition. They were apparent
ly ignorant of the fact that the south
ern people were not only brave. pa
triotic and enthusiastic in the cause.
wrong though 1T was. but that they
were accustomed to the use of guns
and well knew how to shoot. The
battle of a few hours opened the eyes
of the north to the unpleasant fact
that they had their work cut out for
them, and that it was to be war in
earnest.
This is history. and the people of
both sides understand it and now feel
no bitterness in connection with it. 1t
is merely alluded to because it bears
resemblance to the other AFFAIR of
eighty-six years before. There were
then some 10000 British troops IN
Boston, and when some 5000 of them.
under General Gage. were sent to de-
stroy the hastily constructed breast
works on the now historic hill, ana
drive out the obstreperous rebels
they started out very much as II they
were going out on dress parade, or to
picnic. They were thoroughly train-
ed and experienced in all the arts or
war, fully armed and equipped and
considered themselves invincible. They
looked on the occupants of the hastily
constructed and crude fort as a motley
crowd of unframed countrymen who
did not know how to fight, and who
would run at the first smell of gun
powder. In short their feeling to-
wards the Americans was one of con-
tempt and derision.
And right there was where they
made their grievous mistake. The
Continentals, poorly armed and equip
ped, unframed in the regular art of
war. were patriotic and enthusiastic,
and as hunters in the woods OF the
surrounding country they knew how
to shoot and to shoot straight. When,
after only really a few minutes of
actual fighting. the British mad lost
more than 1000 men in killed ana
wounded, they were made aware OF
the fact that the despised rebels
could and would fight. If the latter
had had plenty of ammunition the
whole British army then in Boston
might not have been able to dislodge
them-but that Is might nave
BEEN" The real facts are of sufficient
interest to warrant this brief reference
to the incident and its far reaching
consequences. And the people OF this
country should not forget to give all
due honor and credit to
The brave Continentals
In their ragged regimentals,
as some poet put it, and remember
that the short fight of one hundred