Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-09-14


and providing pensions for their widows, minor
children and dependent parents"
While the bill was recently under consideration
by the house sitting in committee of the whole
Representative Edward c. Little of Kansas made
an interesting speech which opens up almost
forgotten bit of American history and the services
of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Kansas cavalry
Said Mr. Little:
"Mr. Chairman, between the close of the Civil
war and the beginning of the Spanish war in 1898
the United States government enlisted only two
regiments Of volunteer cavalry. The gentleman
from Kentucky makes point Of order. He did
not say what it was, but l presume he means
that they do not belong to the Civil war troops
nor to the Spanish troops, and so there is no
way in Gods world to take care of them"
Mr.. Langey--What had in mind was that this
IS bill dealing with the Civil war legislation, and
these men came into the service after the Civil
war over
Mr. Little-Here are two volunteer regiments,
and the only ones in a generation that did not
have a Civil war record Spanish war service.
They do not belong to anything. Nobody cares
anything about what happens to them, and the
gentleman makes the point Of order. Now, Mr..
Chairman l will reply to the point of order by
subpOenaing a witness, and let us find out whether
1t is right to do anything. I am reading from the
official report Of Gen. George A. Custer
'"The point at which we found the Cheyenne
village was in Texas, on the Sweetwater about
ten miles west Of the state line Before closing
my report I desire to call the attention Of the
major general commanding to the unvarying good
conduct Of this command since 1t undertook the
march. We started with all the ratOns and for
age that could be obtained, neither sufficient for
the time for which have already been out.
First, 1t became necessary to reduce the amount
Of raions; afterwards still greater reduction
npJ ytol,ty ~ rnodo
their suppers from the flesh Of mules that have
died the march today from starvation. When
called upon to move in light marching order they
abandoned tents and blankets without a murmur,
although much of the march has been made dur
ing the severest winter weather l have expert
enCed In this latitude.
"The horses and mules Of this command have
subsisted day after day upon nothing but green
cottonwood bark. During all these privations the
officers and men maintained n most cheerful
spirit. and I know not what admire most, their
gaantry in battle or the patient but unwavering
persistence and energy with which they have
withstood the many dlsagreeable ordeas Of this
campaign.
"As the term Of service Of the Nineteenth Kan.
cavalry Is approaching Its termination, and l
may not again have the satisfaction of command
ing them during active operations desire to rec
ommend them-oficers and men-to the favor
able notice Of the commanding general. Serving
foot, they have marched in manner and Mt
rate that would put some Of the regular regi-
ments Of infantry to the blush. Instead Of crying
out for empty wagons to transport them, each
morning every man marched with his troop and
what might be taken as example by some of
the line officers Of the regular infantry-company
officers marched regularly on foot Mt the head Of
their respective companies and now, when ap
pronchlng the termination Of II march of over
three hundred miles, greatly deficient ratlons
have yet to zee the first straggler"
When Gen. George A. Custer sends the heroes
Of that great organization before you for decent
treatment and recognition, they are met with q
point OF order. Is that Il good argument against
It? Which side do they belong to, the Spanish
or the Civil WARP Where you going to
put them? From 1869 down they have never had
any recognition, They have been "unwept, UNI.
honored md unsung" for fifty years. Gentlemen
here two regiments For the first time they
come here and really get the opportunity to ask
for decent treatment, which you are going to give
the militnmcn, and they nre met with II point Of
order. ! hope the gentleman will Withdraw his
point Of order. do not believe It IL good; but
If It Is, ! suggest to him that he do this honor
to General Custer and the two splendid regiments
and let them be treated as you are treating other
militamen.