Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 158, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1910 — UNVEILING OF STATUE CEREMONY IMPOSING [ARTICLE]

UNVEILING OF STATUE CEREMONY IMPOSING

Independence Day Celebration and the Unvoting of Monument Attract Large Throng to Rensselaer.

10,000 PERSONS PRESENT Day Long to Be Remembered In History of Old Jasper—Amusements and Patriotism Hold Sway. If the weather had been made to order a finer day could not have been found for the unveiling of the soldiers’ monument and the celebration of the Fourth than we had Monday. It was neither too hot nor too cool; it was just right.

Even before many of the citizens were ,up the crowds began to arrive and by noon fully ten thousand people were in town, many of whom remained until late at night, The Rensselaer boys’ band furnished the music for the day. They were assisted by a few members of the Lake Village band. The day’s celebration began with foot racing, fireworks, etc., followed by an automobile parade at 11 o’clock. J. Hansen was awarded the first prize and Amos Alter, of Union township, the second prize for the handsomest decorated cars. The aerial acts by the Baldwins and the plantation singing by the colored troupe, and the moving picLure shows entertained the crowd until 2 P. M., when the ceremonies attending she unveiling of the monument began. The dedication of the monument was t day long to be remembered and places Jasper county in the Jead in Indiana in patriotism and as the patron of high art. It was a step that will be ' followed elsewhere in the state, as artistic taste developes. The monument was erected by the soldiers and by patrons of true art. The famous “Bloody Ninth” has distinguished itself in the field of art as it did on the field of battle.

Mrs. Alfred Thompson, more than any one person, deserves the credit of this noble memorial. She was indefatigable in her appeal to the patriotism and culture of our community and of the state at la,rge. She carried her banner to victory. Milroy Park and this imposing example of sculpture give her high rank as a benefactor of the city and county. Miss Mary Washburn, the well know sculptress, has, in this heroic figure, given another proof of her genius and added reason for pride that she is “to the manor born.” She is winning golden opinion in Chicago. The figure was subject to most favorable criticism by the sculptors Lorado Taft and Charles Mulligan. It stands so as to present a striking view from

Washington street. With the completion of the park, we will have one of the highest examples of monumental art. The exercises began at 2 P. M. with Invocation by Rev. Charles L. Harper, followed by a chorus of eighteen ladies. Chairman G. F.Meyers then introduced Judge Hammond, who delivered the opening address. The great throng gave him enthusiastic welcome and close attention. In part, Judge Hammond said: “It is a great personal gratification to preside at the dedication of the monument to this distinguished soldier and especially on the anniversary of the birth of the Republic. While the nation at large is celebrating the day, we might well, in addition, rejoice in this event which more particularly concerns our own community and state. The monument Is to the valor, not only of General Milroy, but to those who were his comrades in arms. It is a memorial to the honor of all. Great praise is due to the generosity of our citizens in its erection. In particular is praise due to the work of Mrs. Afred Thompson, who originated and executed the movement.

“All the great generals of the civil war are gone, General McGinnis being the last, having died a few weeks since. General Milroy has been dead twenty years. General Milroy may not have been ‘great’ In the ordinary sense of the term as applied to ancient and, modern warriors. However, if the term ‘great’ be limited to pure patriotism and bravery, then no general ever lived who was more entitled to the name great than Milroy. He had no conception of fear. ' Of him, Major Benham, of the regular army, remarked in action, ‘There goep Old Milroy. The rebels may kill, but cannot scare him.’

"General Milroy always took the initiative in battle unless restrained by superior authority. He inherited fighting blood both from maternal and paternal ancestors. Through his ancestor, John McElroy, Earl of Annondale, he was descended from Robert Bruce, the Scottish king. The name, changed to Milroy, on immigration here in Colonial days, is identified with warfare from Indian times. His father, General Samuel Milroy, married Martha Houston, a near relative of General Sam Houston. “General Robert H. Milroy was born at Salem, Indiana, June 11, 1816. Largely self taught, he entered Norwich Military’* University in 1840 and graduated as class valedictorian in 1843. He experienced much hostility during the war from the prejudice of West Point graduates. He served as captain in Co. C, Ist regiment Indiana Volunteers in the Mexican war, afterward graduating in law in the Indiana University and then locating in this city (then a village) in 1854. In 1858 Judge Hammond also located here and from then until the Civil war was more or less intimately associated with General Milroy. A simple trust and faith in others was characteristic of General Milroy, but, if anyone infringed on his honor, distance from the General added greatly to his safety. He was a good lawyer, but, owing to haste in diction, was not equally good as an advocate. He was a splendid speciman of physical manhood, being six feet, two and one-half inches in height, with unusual and symmetrical developement and excelled as a boxer and swordsman. Through secofiding a proposed duel, he became estranged from his church in 1861, but late in life renewed his church allegiance. “At the first news of the fall of Fort Sumpter, he raised Co. G, of the Ninth* Indiana, of which Judge Hammond was lieutenant, and was soon commissioned co|onel in the three months’ service and passed through a number of Engagements. The Ninth then reenlisted for three years, with Milroy as its colonel, and February 2,1862, he was commissioned brigadier general, serving under Slgel and Fremont, and -in March, 1863, he was commissioned major general. To check extreme outrages on loyal citizens by rebel neighbors in his district, he ordered restitution in twenty four hour% J|Sth the alternative of death. This induced th* ofTer of SIOO,OOO for his head by the rebels and complaint by the rebels to the federal government. On investigation however, the order was not revoked. In the second battle of Bull Run he held that if his wing of the forces had been supported, a, great mistake would have been avoided and a different result would have been reached.

“Carl Schultz says: ‘General Milroy was extremely democratic in treatment of his troops, discussing plana with and taking views of his subordinates with the greatest freedom and was respected and liked by all.’ “As evidence of the esteem in which he was held, he had three swords pre > sented him, one, a gold-plated sword, by his officers; the second, a SI,OOO sword, by the 25th Ohio, and a third by loyal citizens of Tennessee. \ In

civil life he held. a number of positions, including that of member of the Indiana Constitutional convention in 1850; trustee of the Wabash and Brie canal; superintendent of Indian affairs in Washington territory, etc. Ha died in Olympia, Wash., March 29, 1890, aged seventy-three years. In Jasper, Newton and Benton counties, his name is a household word and esteem and affection is accorded him by all. “The monument now unveiled is the product of the labor, skill and genius of Mary Washburn, the sculptress, formerly of Rensselaer, is a high wo’-k cl art and will for ages perpetuate the memory of Milroy and his soldiers. About his statue are grouped his soldiers’ names, and coming generations will trace with pride their ancestry to names graven on its entablature.” At the conclusion of Judge Hammond’s speech the monument was unveiled, three young misses unwrapping the ribbon that held the flag that concealed the mammoth bronze figure of Gen. Milroy. As the flag fell to the base of the monument, cheers rent the air.

Following the unveiling, V. A. Mils roy, of Olympia, Wash., a son of Gen. Milroy, was called upon for a talk. He responded as follows; “I appreciate very much the privilege and opportunity of being present on an occasion of this character, and to be able to express in person for myself and * brother, our very sincere gratitude to the many old neighbors and friends of my father, and all those who have participated in bringing the dedication of this beautiful park and the erection of this splendid monument to the memory of my father and the many Ipyal citizen soldiers who went from the county in defense of the Union. Especially do we appreciate the loyal and patriotic motive that prompted Mrs. Thompson and hex co-workers who initiated the movement that has culminated so successfully.

“I also wish to express my admiration for the genius of the gifted artist, Miss Washburn, who designed and produced this splendid monument. This community has. cause to feel proud of her and her achievement. I thank you, ladies and gentlelhen, one and all.” The unveiling exercises closed with a speech by Hon. Frank B. Posey, of Evansville. We are unable to reproduce the speech, as he had no manuscript of it. Relatives of Gen. Milroy were present at the unveiling were: V. A. Milroy, a son, of Olympia, Wash. C. E. Milroy, wife and daughter, of Chicago. Mrs. Alice Keith and Mrs. Jennie Beck, sisters, of Delphi. Missqs Dorothy and Mildred Knight, Harry and Robert Milroy, of Delphi. Donald Milroy, of Chicago. Will Armltage, wife and daughter, of Lafayette, and John Armltage, of Delphi. After the unveiling, a game of base ball took place at Riverside Park between Rensselaer and Winamac, and the crowd down town was entertained with day fireworks, balloon ascension, etc. The balloon arose to a great height and the parachute dropped about 2% miles west of town. In the evening the free street acts concluded the days’ celebration,