Part 22

_Mr. President and Fellow-citizens_--I should be unjust to myself, and, what is more serious, I should be unjust to you, if I did not at this first and last opportunity express to you the deep sense of obligation and thankfulness which I feel for these many personal and official courtesies which have been extended to me since I came to take part in this celebration. The official representatives of the State of New York and of this great city have attended me with the most courteous kindness, omitting no attention that could make my stay among you pleasant and gratifying. From you and at the hands of those who have thronged the streets of the city to-day I have received the most cordial expressions of good will. I would not, however, have you understand that these loud acclaims have been in any sense appropriated as a personal tribute to myself. I have realized that there was that in this occasion and all these interesting incidents which have made it so profoundly impressive to my mind which was above and greater than any living man. I have realized that the tribute of cordial interest which you have manifested was rendered to that great office which, by the favor of a greater people, I now exercise, rather than to me.

The occasion and all of its incidents will be memorable not only in the history of your own city, but in the history of our country. New York did not succeed in retaining the seat of national government here, although she made liberal provision for the assembling of the first Congress in the expectation that the Congress might find its permanent home here. But though you lost that which you coveted, I think the representatives here of all the States will agree that it was fortunate that the first inauguration of Washington took place in the State and the city of New York.

For where in our country could the centennial of the event be so worthily celebrated as here? What seaboard offered so magnificent a bay on which to display our merchant and naval marine? What city offered thoroughfares so magnificent, or a people so great, so generous, as New York has poured out to-day to celebrate that event?

I have received at the hands of the committee who have been charged with the details--onerous, exacting, and too often unthankful--of this demonstration evidence of their confidence in my physical endurance. [Laughter.]

I must also acknowledge still one other obligation. The committee having in charge the exercises of this event have also given me another evidence of their confidence, which has been accompanied with some embarrassment. As I have noticed the progress of this banquet, it seemed to me that each of the speakers had been made acquainted with his theme before he took his seat at the banquet, and that I alone was left to make acquaintance with my theme when I sat down to the table. I prefer to substitute for the official title which is upon the programme the familiar and fireside expression, "Our Country."

I congratulate you to-day, as one of the instructive and interesting features of this occasion, that these great thoroughfares dedicated to trade have closed their doors and covered up the insignias of commerce; that your great exchanges have closed and your citizens given themselves up to the observance of the celebration in which we are participating.

I believe that patriotism has been intensified in many hearts by what we have witnessed to-day. I believe that patriotism has been placed in a higher and holier fane in many hearts. The bunting with which you have covered your walls, these patriotic inscriptions, must go down and the wage and trade be resumed again. Here may I not ask you to carry those inscriptions that now hang on the walls into your homes, into the schools of your city, into all of your great institutions where children are gathered, and teach them that the eye of the young and the old should look upon that flag as one of the familiar glories of every American? Have we not learned that no stocks and bonds, nor land, is our country? It is a spiritual thought that is in our minds--it is the flag and what it stands for; it is the fireside and the home; it is the thoughts that are in our hearts, born of the inspiration which comes with the story of the flag, of martyrs to liberty. It is the graveyard into which a common country has gathered the unconscious deeds of those who died that the thing might live which we love and call our country, rather than anything that can be touched or seen.

Let me add a thought due to our country's future. Perhaps never have we been so well equipped for war upon land as now, and we have never seen the time when our people were more smitten with the love of peace. To elevate the morals of our people; to hold up the law as that sacred thing which, like the ark of God of old, may not be touched by irreverent hands, but frowns upon any attempt to dethrone its supremacy; to unite our people in all that makes home comfortable, as well as to give our energies in the direction of material advancement, this service may we render. And out of this great demonstration let us draw lessons to inspire us to consecrate ourselves anew to this love and service of our country.

INDIANAPOLIS, AUGUST 22, 1889.

_Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument._

A memorable event in the history of Indiana was the laying of the corner-stone of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at Indianapolis on August 22, 1889. The Board of Commissioners for the erection of the monument--under whose supervision the attendant exercises were conducted--comprised: George J. Langsdale, of Greencastle, President; Geo. W. Johnston, of Indianapolis, Secretary; T. W. Bennett, of Richmond; S. B. Voyles, of Salem; and D. C. McCollum, of La Porte.

President Harrison and his party were honored guests on the occasion; he was accompanied by Secretary Jeremiah M. Rusk, Attorney-General W. H. H. Miller, Private Secretary E. W. Halford, Capt. William M. Meredith, Marshal Daniel M. Ransdell, and General Thomas J. Morgan.

At College Corner, on the Indiana border, the President was met by Gov. Alvin P. Hovey, Mayor Caleb S. Denny, Hon. William H. English, William Scott, John P. Frenzel, Robert S. McKee, J. A. Wildman, Albert Gall, Dr. Henry Jameson, and others, comprising an honorary escort committee. Governor Hovey welcomed the President to Indiana in a brief, cordial address, to which President Harrison responded:

I thank the Governor for this larger welcome extended as Governor on the part of the people of the whole State. You have well said that the people of Indiana have been kind to me, and if, when my public career is ended, I can return to you the happy possessor of your respect and good-will, I shall not leave public office with regret.

Arriving at Indianapolis on the evening of the 21st, the President was formally waited upon by the Monument Commissioners and Board of Trade Reception Committee. General James R. Carnahan, on behalf of the Commissioners, and George G. Tanner, President of the Board of Trade, warmly welcomed him.

To their addresses President Harrison replied:

_Gentlemen of the Committees and Friends_--I scarcely know how to convey to you my deep impressions at this cordial welcome back to Indianapolis. I cannot hope to do it. I have been deeply touched by this generous and courteous reception. It was not my expectation when I left Indianapolis a few months ago, under so serious a sense of my responsibilities, that I would return again so soon to my home. But this occasion was one which I could not well be absent from. It is one that should enlist to a degree that nothing else can do our patriotic interests and State pride. It is true, as General Carnahan has said, that I took an early interest in this movement. I felt that until this monument was built, until its top-stone was laid, and its voice had been heard by the people of this State in expressive speech, we had not done that for our soldier dead which we should, and that we had neglected those who died for us. I am glad, therefore, to be present and see this monument started. I reverently rejoice with you on this occasion, and hail the work which these commissioners have so wisely and magnificently begun.

Among other distinguished guests participating in the ceremonies were Mrs. Jennie Meyerhoff, of Evansville, President of the Woman's Relief Corps, Department of Indiana; Col. George C. Harvey, of Danville, commanding the Sons of Veterans, Division of Indiana; Mrs. Zelda Seguin-Wallace and Miss Laura McManis, Indianapolis; Miss Kate Hammond, Greencastle, and Rev. H. J. Talbott.

The march to the monument was one of the most imposing demonstrations ever witnessed in Indiana. Fifteen thousand veterans and others formed the great column, commanded by Chief Marshal Charles A. Zollinger, of Fort Wayne; Chief of Staff, Major Irvin Robbins; Adjutant-General, Major Wilbur F. Hitt, assisted by a brilliant staff of 60 prominent citizens. In addition to these officers of the day was a mounted honorary staff, representing the thirteen Congressional districts. They were: First District, Gil R. Stormont, Princeton; Second, Col. Elijah Cavens, Bloomfield; Third, Capt. James B. Patton, Jeffersonville; Fourth, Marine D. Tackett, Greensburg; Fifth, Maj. J. G. Dunbar, Greencastle; Sixth, Maj. J. F. Wildman, Muncie; Seventh, Capt. D. W. Hamilton, Indianapolis; Eighth, Capt. A. C. Ford, Terre Haute; Ninth, Col. R. P. DeHart, Lafayette; Tenth, Capt. M. L. DeMotte, Valparaiso; Eleventh, Col. C. E. Briant, Huntington; Twelfth, Capt. J. C. Peltier, Fort Wayne; Thirteenth, Gen. Reub. Williams, Warsaw. More than 100,000 people witnessed the pageant.

The monument is a majestic square embellished shaft of Indiana limestone, some 250 feet high, surmounted by a heroic figure of Victory, the pedestal resting upon a great circular stone terrace. The architects were Bruno Schmitz, of Berlin, and Frederick Baumann, of Chicago. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone was conducted by the following officials of the Grand Army of the Republic: Commander of the Department of Indiana Charles M. Travis, of Crawfordsville; Senior Vice Department Commander P. D. Harris, of Shelbyville; Junior Vice-Commander B. B. Campbell, of Anderson; Assistant Adjutant-General I. N. Walker, of Indianapolis; Officers of the Day Wm. H. Armstrong, of Indianapolis, and Lieut.-Gov. Ira J. Chase, of Danville.

Gov. Alvin P. Hovey, as presiding officer, delivered an eloquent opening address, which was followed by the singing of the hymn "Dedication," written for the occasion by Charles M. Walker, of Indianapolis. The speakers of the day were Gen. Mahlon D. Manson, of Crawfordsville, and Gen. John Coburn, of Indianapolis. Their masterly orations were followed by the reading of a poem, "What Shall It Teach?" written by Capt. Lee O. Harris, of Greenfield.

When Governor Hovey introduced the Chief Executive of the Nation the vast audience swayed with enthusiasm. In a voice low, and with a slight tremble in it, President Harrison began his fine tribute to the men who responded to the country's call. As he proceeded his voice rose higher until it rang out clear as a bugle and drew from the multitude repeated and vociferous cheers. He spoke as follows:

_Mr. President and Fellow-citizens_--I did not expect to make any address on this occasion. It would have been pleasant, if I could have found leisure to make suitable preparation, to have accepted the invitation of the committee having these exercises in charge to deliver an oration. I would have felt it an honor to associate my name with an occasion so great as this. Public duties, however, prevented the acceptance of the invitation, and I could only promise to be present with you to-day. It seemed to me most appropriate that I should take part with my fellow-citizens of Indiana in this great ceremony. There have been few occasions in the history of our State so full of interest, so magnificent, so inspiring, as that which we now witness. The suggestion that a monument should be builded to commemorate the valor and heroism of those soldiers of Indiana who gave their lives for the flag attracted my interest from the beginning. Five years ago last January, when the people assembled in the opera-house yonder to unveil the statue which had been worthily set up to our great war Governor, I ventured to express the hope that near by it, as a twin expression of one great sentiment, there might be builded a noble shaft, not to any man, not to bear on any of its majestic faces the name of a man, but a monument about which the sons of veterans, the mothers of our dead, the widows that are yet with us, might gather, and, pointing to the stately shaft, say: "There is his monument." The hope expressed that day is realized now. [Cheers.]

I congratulate the people of Indiana that our Legislature has generously met the expectations of our patriotic people. I congratulate the commission having this great work in charge that they have secured a design which will not suffer under the criticism of the best artists of the world. I congratulate you that a monument so costly as to show that we value that which it commemorates, so artistic as to express the sentiment which evoked it, is to stand in the capital of Indiana. Does any one say there is wastefulness here? [Cries of "No, no!"] My countrymen, $200,000 has never passed, and never will pass, from the treasury of Indiana that will give a better return than the expenditure for the erection of this monument. As I have witnessed these ceremonies and listened to these patriotic hymns I have read in the faces of the men who stand about me that lifting up of the soul, that kindling of patriotic fire, that has made me realize that on such occasions the Nation is laying deep and strong its future security.

This is a monument by Indiana to Indiana soldiers. But I beg you to remember that they were only soldiers of Indiana until the enlistment oath was taken; that from that hour until they came back to the generous State that had sent them forth they were soldiers of the Union. So that it seemed to me not inappropriate that I should bring to you to-day the sympathy and cheer of the loyal people of all the States. No American citizen need avoid it or pass it with unsympathetic eyes, for, my countrymen, it does not commemorate a war of subjugation. There is not in the United States to-day a man who, if he realizes what has occurred since the war and has opened his soul to the sight of that which is to come, who will not feel that it is good for all our people that victory crowned the cause which this monument commemorates. I do seriously believe that if we can measure among the States the benefits resulting from the preservation of the Union, the rebellious States have the larger share. It destroyed an institution that was their destruction. It opened the way for a commercial life that, if they will only embrace it and face the light, means to them a development that shall rival the best attainments of the greatest of our States.

And now let me thank you for your pleasant greeting. I have felt lifted up by this occasion. It seems to me that our spirits have been borne up to meet those of the dead and glorified, and that from this place we shall go to our homes more resolutely set in our purpose as citizens to conserve the peace and welfare of our neighborhoods, to hold up the dignity and honor of our free institutions, and to see that no harm shall come to our country, whether from internal dissensions or from the aggressions of a foreign foe. [Great cheering.]

A camp-fire was held at night at Tomlinson Hall, presided over by Charles M. Travis, Commander of Indiana G. A. R., where an audience of over 5,000 assembled. The orators of the occasion were Hon. Samuel B. Voyles, of Salem; Judge Daniel Waugh, of Tipton; General Jasper Packard, of New Albany; Col. I. N. Walker and Albert J. Beveridge, Indianapolis; Hon. Benj. S. Parker, New Castle, and Hon. Wm. R. Myers, Anderson.

President Harrison's appearance was greeted by a prolonged demonstration, the audience rising with one impulse. Commander Travis said: "I told you I would treat you to a surprise. Here is your President. He needs no introduction."

President Harrison's reply was:

_Mr. Chairman, Comrades_--I think I will treat you to another surprise. My Indiana friends have been so much accustomed to have me talk on all occasions that I am sure nothing would gratify them more--nothing would be a greater surprise than for me to decline to talk to-night. I am very grateful for this expression of your interest and respect. That comradeship and good feeling which your cordial salutation has expressed to me I beg every comrade of the Grand Army here to-night to believe I feel for him.

Now, I am sure, in view of the labors of yesterday and to-day, that you will allow me to wish you prosperous, happy, useful lives, honorable and peaceful deaths, and that those who survive you may point to this shaft, which is being reared yonder, as a worthy tribute of your services in defence of your country. [Cheers.]

INDIANAPOLIS, AUGUST 23, 1889.

_Reunion of the Seventieth Indiana._

The day following the ceremonies at the Soldiers' Monument President Harrison attended the fifteenth annual reunion of his old regiment, the Seventieth Indiana, at Tomlinson Hall. Many survivors of the One Hundred and Second and One Hundred and Fifth Indiana, the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois, and the Seventy-ninth Ohio regiments were present. These regiments, with the Seventieth, constituted the First Brigade--General Harrison's command. The gathering, therefore, was alternately a regimental and brigade reunion.

Col. Samuel Merrill, who delivered the annual address, escorted the President, and amid enthusiastic cheering installed him as presiding officer of the assembly. Other prominent members of the Seventieth present were Gen. Thomas J. Morgan, Capt. Wm. M. Meredith, Daniel M. Ransdell, Moses G. McLain, Capt. H. M. Endsley, Capt. Wm. Mitchell, and Capt. Chas. H. Cox. General Harrison was unanimously re-elected President of the regimental association; he was also chosen first President of the brigade association. The other brigade officers were Vice-President, Gen. Daniel Dustin; Second Vice-President, Gen. A. W. Doane; Secretary, J. M. Ayers; Treasurer, E. H. Conger.

In the absence of Mayor Denny, City Attorney W. L. Taylor cordially welcomed the veterans to Indianapolis. To this greeting the presiding officer, President Harrison, responded:

_Mr. Taylor_--The survivors of the Seventieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, now assembled in annual reunion, have heard, with great gratification, the cordial words of welcome which you have addressed to us. We have never doubted the hospitality of the citizens of this great city, and have several times held our reunions here; and if we have more frequently sought some of the quieter towns in this Congressional district--where the regiment was organized--it has only been because we could be a little more to ourselves than was possible in this city. You will not think this a selfish instinct when I tell you that, as the years go on, these reunions of our regiment become more and more a family affair; and as in the gathering of the scattered members of a family in the family reunion, so we have loved, when we get together as comrades, to be somewhat apart, that we might enjoy each other. It has been pleasant, I am sure, however, to link this annual reunion with the great event of yesterday. It did us good to meet with our comrades of the whole State--those who had other numbers on their uniforms, but carried the same flag under which we marched--in these exercises connected with the dedication of a monument that knows no regimental distinction. [Applause.]

If those having charge now will announce some proper arrangement by which I can take by the hand the members, not only of the Seventieth Indiana, but any comrades of the First Brigade, who have done us honor by meeting with us to-day, I would be glad to conform to their wishes. It is perhaps possible that, without leaving the hall, simply by an exchange of seats, this may be accomplished, and when that is done there may yet be time before dinner to proceed with some other of the exercises upon the programme.

CHICAGO, DECEMBER 9, 1889.

Monday morning, December 9, 1889, President Harrison, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Russell B. Harrison, Mrs. McKee, and First Ass't Postmaster-General J. S. Clarkson and wife, arrived in Chicago for the purpose of participating in the dedication of the great Auditorium building, in which--while in an unfinished state--was held the convention of June, 1888, that nominated General Harrison for the presidency. The distinguished party was met by a committee comprising Mayor D. C. Cregier, Ferd. W. Peck, Gen. Geo. W. Crook, Hon. A. L. Seeberger, Col. James A. Sexton, Alexander H. Revell, Franklin S. Head, C. L. Hutchinson, Charles Counselman, J. J. P. Odell, Col. O. A. Schaffner, F. S. Bissell, and R. W. Dunham.

During the morning the President and Vice-President Morton, under the guidance of Mr. Ferd. Peck, visited the Board of Trade and were tendered an enthusiastic reception by the members of that famous exchange. Then followed a reception and lunch at the Union League Club, as the guests of Mr. Peck and President Bissell of the Club. Other prominent citizens present were Governor Fifer, Geo. M. Pullman, Marshall Field, Joseph Medill, S. M. Nickerson, J. R. Rumsey, N. K. Fairbank, Sam. W. Allerton, A. A. Sprague, H. H. Kohlsaat, Wm. Penn Nixon, A. L. Patterson, Adolph Caron, C. I. Peck, A. L. Coe, John R. Walsh, J. W. Scott, John B. Carson, M. A. Ryerson, V. F. Lawson, and O. W. Meysenberg. Later in the afternoon the President and Mr. Morton, accompanied by Governor Hoard, of Wisconsin, General Alger, and Judge Thurston, visited the Marquette Club--of which the President is an honorary member--and were received by President Revell, Secretary Gould, H. M. Kingman, C. W. Gordon, and C. E. Nixon, comprising the Reception Committee.

The dedication of the auditorium hall in the evening was an event of rare interest in the history of Chicago. President Harrison and his party and Vice-President and Mrs. Morton were the honored guests of the occasion. Other distinguished out-of-town guests were Sir Adolph Caron, Hon. G. A. Kirkpatrick, C. H. McIntosh, and Mr. Wells, of Canada; Governor and Mrs. Fifer; Governor and Mrs. Merriam, of Minnesota; Governor Hoard, of Wisconsin; Governor and Mrs. Larrabee, of Iowa; Mrs. Governor Gordon; ex-Governor Morton, of Nebraska; General Alger, Judge and Mrs. Walter Q. Gresham; Mr. and Mrs. House, of St. Louis, and Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Mackey, of Kansas City.