Evening star., 1934-06-24


which also proved to be one of the
most decisive battles ever fought between
United States troops and the red man. Every
man directly under Custer at the time was
slain, not one escaping-not even the news
paper correspondent.
This massacre occurred on June Is, 1876,
and therefore the ffty-eighth anniversary will
be tomorrow though it was several days before
the news of the tragic event reached Washing
ten and then the information was so meager,
and of so startling a nature, that its authen-
ITCHY was doubted by many high Government
officials.
Lieut.. Col. George A. Custer, U s. A, who
was in charge of the detachment of troops an
nihilated upon this occasion, was born in Ohio
graduated from West Point, and began his mil
itary career on June "a, 1851, as second
lieutenant, I'd Cavalry, U. S. A. Throughout the
Civil War he rendered gallant and conspicuous
service being elevated in the Regular establish
nent to the rank of captain June S. 1862, and
on June 20, 1868, was transferred to the Vol
unteer Army as brigadier general, being made
a major general of Volunteers to date from
April Is, 1865.
He participated in all but one of the battles
of the Army of the Potomac, including the
battle of Gettysburg, and was especially actlVe
In the Virginia campaign, rendering conspicu-
Gus service at the battles of the Yellow Tavern,
winchester and Five Forks. He was capable
officer. was repeatedly brevetted, and was re-
garded by his superior officers and by the rank
and file of the Army as one OF the DraVeSt OIL
ficers who ever wore uniform.
In that Grand Review Of May % and "a.
1865. when the Army Of the Potomac and
Sherman's Army marched along Pennsylvania
avenue, none was more conspicuous than Gen.
Custer, mounted on a fractious steed which at
times raced up and down the line, seemingly
beyond control, but which added much life and
color to the greatest parade ever witnessed
along this most noted thoroughfare. Custer
WAS an unusually capable horseman and some
attributed this burst Of speed as intentional on
the part Of the dashing Cavalry leader, who
certainly looked picture and attracted con-
siderable attention.
u sion were assigned q place on the northern
portico Of the Capitol and all down the grassy
slope of the park in front, extending to the
zine Of march. OF this notable event, and
particularly concerning Gen. Custer, The Star
at the time said:
'Tn the early morning Of that bright and
lovely 23d day Of May, there they stood, all
expectancy, in Spring attire, decorated with
rosettes Of the red, white and blue, laden with
bouquets Of fragrant flowers and floral wreaths,
waving thousands Of miniature flags and bearing
aloft multitude Of banners OF their respec-
tive schools while high over all was displayed
the great standard Of that young army, in
scribed: The Public Schools of Washington
Welcome the Heroes Of the Republic Honor
to the Brave
.As the famous Gen. Custer approached, the
boys stepped forward and presented to him
large wreath of the choicest flowers, which he
most gallantly and gracefully received, and
threw over his shouldes, when instantly his
nery charger, apparently frightened, stretched
forward his neck, and seeming to take the bit
bf the bride In his teeth, flriously dashed
hown the hill and round into the Avenue and
but of sight, carrying his rider sitting firmly
IN the saddle, but bent forward. with his long
and profuse Saxon Socks streaming back in
the wind, while the school children looked ON
In an1azement and deep concern. Their anx-