Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-06-04


the occasion. the nation, state. city and
adjacent farming district united here to-
day in paying tribute to the memory of
Gen. George Armstrong Custer, who. with
254 of his cavalrynen. was slain by Sit
ting Bulls band of Sioux Indians at the
battle Of the Little Big Horn in the bad
lands of Montana, June -, 1876.
Widow Unveils Statue.
\ magnificent equestrian statue OF Gen.
Custer for which the legislature of Mich
igan appropriated $4,000. was unveiled by
the hero's widow. Mrs. Elizabeth E. Gus
ter of New York. Among other guests
of honor was Nevin J. Custer. the cav
airy leaders only surviving brother. who
still resides on a farm near here, in the
neighborhood where the farmer and his
military brothers passed their boyhood.
Two other brothers. Thomas w. and
Boston c. Custer, persisted on the fatal
18th Of June, as did also Lieut.. James
Calhoun, the husband OF their sister Mar
garet.
Gov. Fred N. Warner came today to
give the state of Michigan official repre-
sentation at the dedication. Veterans of
the four Michigan cavalry regiments that
comprised the Custer brigade in the civil
war acted as escort Of honor to the Pres
ident In the parade.
President Taft stood beside the widow
of the martyr of the Little Big Horn as
she tugged at the long streamer of cav
airy yellow ribbon which released the
flags and unveiled the splendid bronze
equestrian statue Of Custer which has
been erected in this city amid the scenes
Of his youth.
Afterward the President made brief
address In which he gave Custer high
credit for his valor and deeds in war.
Prt sident Taft spoke extemporaneous.y.
He declared that Custer took rank with
the greatest cavalry commanders OF the
world.
President Taft's Speech.
From Bull Run to Appomattox, in
every bloody battle of the Army of the
Potomac, he was the right arm of the
commander Of the forces as the leader
Of the cavalry brigade. A brigadier gen.
eral at twenty-three, major general at
twenty-five he showed in his life that
same youth and force that We have in
most of the great soldiers of the world"
The President declared that the phase
of Clusters career, however. which APP
pealed most deeply to him was his share
in the Indian wars.
HE was one OF the 5000 men COM
posing the regular army whose work we
do not fully appreciate as much as we
should. The army then and the army of
IL
may well be proud.
II say this merely to note the indebted
ness of the country to the army during
the opening of the west. and to testify
to the effectiveness and heroism of George
Armstrong Custer in that great. battle
which continued for q decade, that great
war for civilization of which he was the
most conspicuous and shining sacrifice"
The Presidents address though brief.
was delivered with great earnestness, and
he was frequently interrupted by ap-
plause.
Smith Praises Taft
Senator. Smith. who spoke just before
the President, added striking tribute
to Mr.. Taft to his eulogy of Custer. The
senator declared that the present occu-
pant Of the White House would take
rank with the most illustrious of our
Presidents
w lille you remember Grant. Lincoln,
Mckinley. the intrepid Roosevelt and 9TH
ers OF the illustrious line, our President
OF today, In character in breadth OF fit
ness, IN determination, patriotism and
love Of country. is the peer of them ALL.
When Mr.. Roosevelt's name was men,
toned there was ripple or applause.
which changed to a cheer as the senator's
tribute 10 Mr. Taft was ccnciuoeu
Senator Julius Caesar Burrows spoke
directly after the President finished ms
address.
Magnificent in proportion. splendid in
execution, the statue is a fitting tribute
to the man whom it represents" said the
senator. II do not know what it's
foundation is, but If 1t is planted deep in
eternal rock 1t will not be more enduring
than his fidelity
Following Senator Burrows talk, Will
Carleton. the Michigan poet, read poem
which he had dedicated to the occasion.
Indian Scout ''Curly'' Present.
One OF the most interesting participants
In today's celebration was Curly" the
Indian scout who at the time Of the bat
tie was a young boy and was the only
member OF Clusters command to escape
slaughter.
The statue unveiled today in front of the
Monroe county courthouse is the work of
Edward c. Potter of Greenwich, Conn.
The sculptor submitted his model to Gen.
Clusters widow before completing it and
| received several suggestions from her
The result, 1t is said. is a rema bly,
lifeIike representation of the dashing cav
airy leader.
War Incident Represented.
| The statue represents an incident OF
Gen. Clusters career in the civil war.
| Riding ahead of his troops to survey the
/ position of the enemy, Custer suddenly
| found himself almost upon the Confed-
crate lines. Refining his mount up quick
~, horse and rider stood a moment a
bold target for the enemy while the Off
| Ger examined the position Of his oppo-
nent.
SO impressed we're the Confederates by
| his bravery and the beauty of the rider
| and OF his steed that not shot was fired
| Custer returned unframed to his com.
| mand
| The statue shows tho general with his
| left hand lifted high as he reins up his
mount, while his characteristic slouct
| hat IS snatche1 from his curly hair to
| avoid all obstruction to his vision, and
| hangs at arms length in his right hand
at his saddle.
Visitors From Distance.
Thousands of visitors came to Monroe
today from near and distant towns te
witness the dedication and listen to the
address Of President Taft. There were
many distinguished guests, including Mrs
John A. hogan, a friend of Mrs. Custer
and number Of Gen. Clusters army com.
rades of the civil war.
| After the exercises here President TAT
| and his party went to Jackson, Mich. t.
concentrating the organization of tn,
| republican party under the oaks a
Jackson, in June, 1854.