The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-05-26
HEroFs OF wan AND PEACE.


They're rallying round the flag in
Topeka this week. they're rallying
once again, and they're still shouting
the battle cry of freedom It is not
the same one exactly that they en-
couraged each other with when they
overwhelmed Lee at Gettysburg. But
the Boys in Blue that are left today
have their shoulders to the wheel Of
progress that is slowly but surely
grinding the grist Of a freedom that
will accord to all humanity. in this
land at any rate. its just deserts. They
are the patriarchs at the council ia
bles. where are being shaped . destiny
along more righteous lines for the
nation that they preserved at such a
terrible but willing sacrifice.
That Topeka bids them welcome to
their annual state encampment and
the ceremonies and festivities incident
to the dedication of Memorial Hall.
the enduring and magnificent monu-
ment that the state has builded to
their memory. goes without saying.
Topeka not only bids them welcome,
but also feels highly honored by their
presence. Bestowing honor. whore
honor is due. is not only a pleasure. 1t
is a privilege that Is all too rare.
There has been a no more .signifi-
cant occasion in the whole history OF
Kansas. 1t is a tribute of thought
full commonwealth to the men who
have made it. When the Civil War
was over, not only did the sons of
Kansas who had gone to the front re-
turn to its plains and valleys. With
them came thousands and thousands
of brothers in arms from other states.
Verify did they fulfill the vision of
Isaiah. They beat their swords into
plowshares and their spears into
pruninghooks. They began a battle
with nature. whose vicissitudes were
as severe and burdensome at times, as
were those in their death-struggles
with men. But they conquered. No
other outcome was possible. The men
who defeated the soldiers of the
south were fit for any task. The
journey might be long. and the way
might be hard, but victory was GER
tain to be theirs.
And what victory they won on
these prairies! It is the Kansas of to-
day, a land o'erflowing with milk and
honey, a state where men are more
equal in station and wealth than they
are in almost any other section of the
or the world; an Eden where
there is enough for all who dwell
and a surplus for others who
are not so fortunately situated.
Compared with wonderful Kansas.
their own handiwork, Memorial Hall
is not. after all. much of q monument
for these heroes Of peace az well as
war; grand though It is. and COM
bining as 1t does a great beauty with
a greater utility. 1t typifies. though.
the remarkable accomplishments of
these sturdy men, both on the battle
field and the larger field of life. 1t
is the only kind Of a medium. through
which a people can express in concrete
form their appreciation and acknow-
Judgement Of the debts they owe to
such benefactors.
How fine it is. too. that this memo
rial has been built and is to be dedi-
Gated while many Of those 1t honors
are still alive. Too often is it the case
that recognition follows the funeral
procession well to the rear.
Some say that this is to be the last
big stand Of the old boys in Kansas.
Be that as it may. the good Lord is to
be thanked that so many Of them have
been spared to participate in it. And
1t il to be hoped that they will have
one of the best times in their long
and eventful lives.