Arizona republican., 1910-05-31
pr. R. H. WiIkinson's address.


 Fellow Citizens, Ladies and Gentle men-You are come to share with us veterans of the civil war in the cele- bration of our annual memorial day. We bid you glad. joyous welcome. May this be an occasion to stir your souls in loftiest patriotism, to give you an inspiration to nOblest thoughts and sublmest deeds. Perhaps it may also give you something of instruction in the fundamental principles of our na- tionaI life and government. The day and hour should call to your minds some of the greatest, most heroic events our nation has ever known or perhaps ever will know.
 Thirty years ago the late MT. Clad stone stopped the Irish fast mail in the queens name. He was at quaint old Chester. 150 miles from London. State business had suddenly demand ed his speediest presence in the capi- tai He asked the signalman to stop the through fast mail. So imperative were that officials instructions he feared to do so even for England's prime minister. Show me the lever. then" said Gladstone, "and I'll do it." And he did it. That was character istic of the man Whenever he could find the lever that would bring to pass what he believed should be done he laid hold of it. He always had the courage of his convictions. That is the spirit that gives birth to the holiest deeds in defense of the lOftiest princi- ples. It fearlessIy champions the rights of humanity.
 apn tbA Snnth threw down the challenge to arms in the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Our Father Abraham seized the mighty lever of war. Seventy-five thousand and more heard the first call to arms and leaped to the front in less than four days. Then it was three hundred thousand. and later three hundred thousand more. Was there ever before in any land such a mighty, spontane- ous uprising? It was to save the Union, to settle forever that the United States are a great undivided nation.
 Speaking of that tremendous upris- ing to battle for the salvation of our country reminds of another to do bat tie for the Prince or Peace. Most of you know of the recent magnificent Laymen's Missionary movement. It has been likened to a huge cyclone sweep ing across the land. In seventy-five cities the laymen of the church have come together in immense conventions. At one of the great gatherings speak CT in the height of burning enthusiasm exclaimed: What powerful uprising to promote the conquest of the heather world" Some one piped in a subdued but distinct voice. Yes, if they don't all sit down again"
 Uncle Sams mighty hosts of boys in blue didn't sit down again. For four long years whether in defeat or vic tory they heroically faced shot and shell, all the frightful carnage of war, with the awful horrors of Libby prison, of Belle Isle and that hellish slaugh- ter pen of Andersonville.
 But. my Grand Army comrades, it is fitting that should turn to speak more particularly to you and for you as was your purpose in conferring upon me the honor of making the address of this hour Occasions like this, fellow com rades. call us back to the sights and sounds of war.
 hear again the first shot against Sumter reverberating among the hills and over the prairies of the north along the valleys and amid the moun- tains of the south. I see the people arousing for the conflict. They gather in excited groups to discuss the prob abilities of war The farmer stops his blow in the furrow to hear the news. thoughtful seriousness is upon ev cry face. I see men receiving the last long embrace of loved ones. There are