Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-06-09
STATE AND NATION
HONOR S CUSTER
GEN. cusTER's WIDOW is CEN.
TRIAL FIGURE IN UNWILLING
OF STATUE AT MONROE.
IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY is WIT
MESSED BY THE PRESIDENT
AND $4,000 PEOPLE.
Senator VIM. Alden Smith, Orator Of
the Day, EuIogixes Michiean's
Greatest War Hero.

A great epoch in the history OF Mon
roe took date June 4th 1910. when
the beautiful statue erected to the
memory OF the gallant General George
A. Custer, was unveiled by the widow
who has mourned the loss of her be-
loved and brave husband many years
Custer, the true soldier whose life
went out in a desperate battle with
the fierce Indians on the frontier was
worthy citizen OF the republic, a
loved neighbor and friend, an ideal
man, of whom Monroe was justly
proud and to whom the state has paid
tardy and well earned honor.
There were present Taft. president
OF the United States, Michigan's two
senators. Burrows and Smith. with
other distinguished men and some not
able addresses were delivered.
The grey veterans who had served
with and under Custer were like a
page of past history filled with heroic
deeds and Illuminated with a record
OF brave gallantry rarely equaled.
Mrs. Elizabeth b. Custer. widow Of
the gallant fighter, dominated the
days ceremonies, for, though she
never uttered a public word. her mo-
ment came when, with trembling
hands, she grasped the long yellow
satin ribbon, typical OF the cavalry
arm OF the service, and broke apart
the two American hags which con-
cealed the figure OF her loved one
seated on his charger. A smile played
over her face, and after a full look
she nodded In appreciation. Then she
turned to receive the congratulations
OF President Taft, who stood just be-
hind her: the cannon began to boom
their salutes and the band struck up
The Star Spangled Banner" as every
one arose and cheered.
To the tribute OF the state, Presi-
dent William II. Taft added the hon.
age OF the nation holding up Custer
not only as a great cavalry leader Of
the rebellion, but as one who, at the
close OF the civil war, spent years on
the plains and made possible the set
| Element of that vast country and the
building of the transcontinental rail-
roads.
eulogy of General Custer, paid glow
ing tribute to his many heroic deeds.
Scene Brilliant One.
The scene will linger long in the
memory of those who witnessed II.
Nature had contributed her full share
to the days enjoyment, for the air
was fresh and balmy. Around the
statue were massed the elements in
which might be read the history OF
the army. There were the old boys,
the veterans of southern battlefields
and OF the plains. proudly wearing the
red neckties that showed they were
survivors of the Custer cavalry brig
ade. Just behind them were lined up
the regulars, and then the militia,
with the big crowd forming a pic
turesque background. There was a
tinge of sadness in the presence OF
the veterans, but the latter forgot all
about their age and their ailments in
the joy of honoring their old leader
The stand was filled with officers
in full dress and ladies in white
frocks, all glowing with enthusiasm
The presence OF President Taft lent
the note of national significance to
the event. the Importance Of which
was testified to by the presence OF
$4,000 to honor the dead hero and the
chief magistrate.