The Washington times., 1910-06-04
President, at Dedication of
Statue, Ranks General With
Greatest Cavalrymen.
WIDOW PULLS CORD
THAT UNVEILS FIGURE
Women Shower Roses on Chief
Executive as He Concludes
Address to Students.

MONROE, Mich, June 4-President
tart today was the principal speaker
at the unveiling OF the equestrian statue
or Gen. George Armstrong Custer.
erected by the State Of Michigan, in
this city. Hundreds Of veterans and
plainsmen We're present Standing hl
the midst OF heaps OF flowers, which
had been showered on him by 200 young
women and girls and surrounded by
Federal and State troops in full dress
uniform, the President appeared 10 be
I'D his happiest mood as he addressed
the large crowds that have come from
several states 20 listen TO him.
When his special train arrived. Cen
erals McGurrin and Gates with most OF
the stan Of the Michigan National
Guard, in fun dress. saluted President
Taft
The parade was formed Immediately,
the President riding in a touring car,
Troop B. Michigan Cavalry. acting as
his personal escort
The first battalion Twenty-sixtb In
fantry, commanded by Captain Houle.
had the place OF honor al the head Of
the procession.
The first and third battalions Of the
First Infantry. Michigan National
Guard, Col J. p. Kirk commanding: the
c. A r posts, Monroe camp. Spanish
War Veterans, the Michigan Marine
Corps. the Hospital Corps, the Signal
Corps. and several women's societies
Of the @. A r. were in line
Showered With Roses
At St. Marys Academy the Presi-
dent addressed the students, and was
rewarded by a hail Of roses and bou-
quets from the young women.
The parade passed by the historic
Custer homestead. where Mrs. Eliza
be "a Custer, widow OF the general.
with Mr.. Taft. reviewed IT, Mrs. Gus
ter was greeted most cordially by the
Chief Executive and his attendants
With the President in the reviewing
stand were Governor Warner and
stan, Mayor Martin, Bishop John 5.
Foley, Senator William Alden Smith.
otto kirschner. Of Detroit; Edward
{. Potter. the sculptor. Nevin J. Gus
ter and other members of the Custer
family.
The statue was unveiled by Mrs.
Custer, the President assisting her in
pulling the yellow cord that looSened
the flag. The First Battery OF Nichf-
san Artillery fired a salute OF seven
teen guns as the Tag futtered from.
the statue. while the Twenty-sixth
regiment Band played The star
SpaESled Eanner"
President Taft's Address.
Senator Smith delivered a splendid
address on General Clusters life, and
death, and deeds He was followed
bv the President, who said. in part:
General Custer was typical soldier.
a great cavalryman and stands the
equal Of any cavalry fighter in the
world
He was in many battles at the head
Of his cavalry, and his record is one
OF which the whole country is proud.
After the war for ten years he rem
dered a service 10 the country. which
we do not appreciate as well as we
should Custer was one Of the few Of
fcers left VINO helped us 10 settle the
great West. We do not know as we'll
as we should the hazardous dangers
these officers encountered
The regular army is one that the
United States Well can be proud of, and
the wives Of these men, including Mrs.
Custer, should he eClogiZed for their
bravery IN assisting in settling the
West.
u am here as President Of the United
States TO testify 70 the herOism and the
bravery Of Gen. George Armstrong Gus
ter. who was the most conspicuous and
biggest sacrifice in the settlement OF the
early West"
To Dedicate Tablet.
Immediately after finishing his ad-
dress the President left here for Jack
son, Mich,.w here he will dedicate a
tablet to commemorate the formation
of the Republican party.