River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1917-06-07
Washington Letter
(By James A. Frear, NJ. Co.

memorial LAY never CdIIlG WIFI
more grave meaning to the people
of the country than the day celebrat-
ed last week. Exercises were held
at all Of the leading cemeteries near
the City but the most noted OF all
were those at Arlington, across the
river from Washington. Here many
thousands Of Union and Confederate
soldiers lie buried, including over
two thousand unknown dead, and
here the President of the United
States always takes part in the me-
mortal service. During McKinley's
administration many years ago the
writer was privileged to speak at
Arlington with General Nelson Miles
the President arriving with Mrs.
Mckinley on the same day from Cal
ifornia. Last Wednesday, General
Miles sat few feet distant on the
platform, grizzled and gray, but
recognized and honored by everyone
"a hero of two wars and Of service
back in the days of Indian uprisings.
A beautiful day and impressive
surroundings gave last weeks an
niversary especial note. Just out
side Arlington's gates are now en-
camped several thousand young sol
diers training for the officers re-
serve corps. On the opposite side
Of the gates lies Fort Myer, garri-
soned by regular troops and inside
the cemetery at the amphitheatre
near the old Robert E. Lee mansion,
were gathered thousands to do
homage to the heroes of the Civil
War. President Wilson said the
Civil War was for the cause of liber-
ty and the present war in which this
country is engaged is for the pur-
pose of carrying that liberty and
democracy to all the people Of the
earth. General Sherwood, the only
Ex-Union officer of the Civil War
now in Congress was another speak
er on the program. He was intro
duced as a private who had
fought in forty battles, received
notice for gallantry in action in six
general orders and was finally mus
tered out Brigadier General. His
address was for vigorous patriot
ism like unto that of 1861, as were
also the remarks of Department
Commander A. H. Frear, 81 years
Of age, formerly Of Wisconsin, who
spoke at the Tomb of the Unknown
Dead and afterward acted as Chair
man of the amphitheatre meeting.
Another impressive gathering is
being held in Washington during the
present week. Thousands of ex-
Confederate soldiers have gathered
for their annual reunion, and the
Confederate memorial services to be
held at the same cemetery of Ar
lington, June 5. These are stirring
times throughout the country but
when old antagonists like the Blue
and the Gray seek a common shrine
for their dead and renew their vows
Of loyalty to one flag and a common
country, it is time for all people to
join in whatever service they may
be called upon to render for that
country.
The war revenue bill will be re-
ported by the Senate committee this
week and thereafter will promptly
occupy the center of the stage for
some days to come. Against the
protest of Secretary McAdoo, the
Senate has reduced the estimated
tax receipts from $1,S00,000,O00 as
reported by the House. to 81, $780,
100000. A license tax on automo-
biles instead of a per centage tax on
gross sales is proposed by the Com
mittee and various other modifca-
tions will be considered by the Sen
ate.
The principal part of the legisla-
tive program for the special session
has been concluded in the House
and the measures already passed are
now being considered by the Senate
or in conference committees be-
tween the two houses. The Hoover
Agricultural bill is one of the i'm
iportant measures yet to be consid-
cred 1t proposes to give large
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