The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1922-05-11
JUDGE WILSON TELLS
OF GRANTS VISIT

Judge Fred W.Wilson, OF The Dalles,
in an address on General Ulysses S.
Grant before the Tuesday Lunch Club
told of visit of the great general to
the w Wasco county capital in 1888. when
he was guest of Henry Willard on a
tour in celebration of completion of the
old o. r. & N. line.
1.-THE train stopped in front of the
old Umatilla House," said Judge Will
son, "and General Grant stood on the
bottom step of the car. The people.
and they had come from many points.
all walked around in a circle and shook
hands with him. A number of US boys
decided that one hand shake was not
enough, and we slipped into the circle
and passed around repeatedly. | re-
member how suddenly somebody's band
grasped me by the nape of the coat coli
lar, and | was yanked from the line,
and other boys were treated likewise.
That was the last time | shook hands
with General Grant"
Judge Wilson, who has made seri-
Gus study of the life of General Grant
and who has read his memoirs, cited
that one of his greatest characteristics
was his modesty. While he seemed to
realize abilities for the tasks he set
about, Judge Wilson pointed out that
he reached his great place in American
history without the least evidence of
self-seeking. He characterized him as
one of the most romantic and pictur-
esque characters in American public
life. His rise, he said, from an incon-
spicuous captain to the supreme com
maid of the Nations army, and in
seven years to the presidency. was re-
markable.
"As one contemplates how his type
of mind was needed for the tasks fac
ing the nation when he was called on
to take charge, it appears that the
hand of Providence plays an important
part in the careers Of individuals.
Judge Wilson stated that Grant had
passed up and down the Columbia, go
ing and returning from The Dalles by
Hood River. He visited the neighbor-
ing city in 1852 TO attend a court mar
tial. At the time he was first lieu
tenant stationed at Vancouver Bar
racks.
Judge Wilson recalled the pathetic
incident connected with Grants unfor-
tunate business affairs, u status brought
about as result of his trust and loyalty
to betraying friend. He told OF how
the great soldier-statesman had visited
the home Of William H. Vanderbilt. the
banker, seeking the loan of $3.50, 600 to
meet obligations that were morally
binding, if not legal, offering as secur-
ity his swords, medals and gifts OF
gems.
''To his credit, T" said Judge Wilson,
Vanderbilt declined the security but
at once wrote his check for the desired
amount. The swords and collection Of
medals and other personal effects,
whether at the insistenee Of General
Grant or at the desire of Mrs. Grant,
| know not which, we're, however,
turned over to the national government,
and they are now on display at mu-
scum there.
Judge Wilson stated that the spirit
of magnanimity of General Grant was
never displayed in nobler manner than
at the scene at Appomatox, when Cen
eral Lee surrendered.
There they were," he said, ION. a
spring day, with the apple trees IN
bloom, both high minded gentlemen
and patriots, the one supreme IN tri-
umph and the other tasting the dregs
of defeat. In accordance with custom,
General Lee, at the termination OF
u
terms, offered his sword to General
Grant. Bot the latter said: Take
back your sword General, and tell your
boys to keep their horses. They Will
need them for the spring plOwlng-
w. III. McClain. chairman Tuesday,
read excerpts Of an article by Ellis
Parker Butler on"Ghosts What Ain {,
pointing out that all humans had GER
/ tain fears that haunted them.
Miss Janet Slade gave two piano Sc
I Iections that were greatly appreciated.
Harry Farrell, new father. was called
on for a speech. He declared that
man was supposed to know something
about his subject. and that as yet be
was not acquainted with his new daugh-
ter, but that be thought she would be
ready to give a vocal concert on DIS
next appearance as chairman OF the
day.
Next Tuesday at the Pheasant, G. Z.
Sonnichsen will be chairman.