Western Veteran from Topeka, Kansas • 18

THE WESTERN VETERAN, they should have the same rights as the Union soldier, and so on, until they will, again, be on top," as they were in 1860. It is fast coming to that, and the only remedy is that the Union soldiers must unite and make their power felt. If they don't, it won't be long before the clause on the Statue-Book, giving them preference for appointments, will be stricken out, and not only this, but their pensions will be cut off also, as the old soldiers have no political organization, and do not, for the future indefense of their country. That isn't the sort of talk we heard when our services were desired from 1861 to 1865: What could be mure absurd than any attemp to make the old rebel cause a mere virtuous mistake, because of the recent scrap with moribund Spain? All this goody-goody talk to wretches who still carry about the rebel flag and are organized into societies fostertng their wrong-doing, is a direct slap at the Union soldier, and, if he is willing to take it meekly fJ RIGJ4M0UND, VIRQIJ4IA. A visit long to be remembered by Department Commander D.W.Eastman and his Quartermaster General, II.

Coulter of the Kansas Department, was their recent trip to Richmond, Va. As the guests of Past Department Commander B. C. Cook, of the Virginia Department, these comrades reached Richmond on the afternoon of February 22, and were received at the home of Capt. Cook with a Comrade's greeting and welcome.

That evening they were escorted to the hall of Phil. Kearney Post, where the Comrades and Ladies of the W. R. joinedwith the boys of Edgar Allen Camp, Sons of Veteran in a Washington's Birthday Canipfire. A splendid programe had oeen prepared, Commander Eastman delivering the married one of Richmond's prosperous young business men.

During the war he served as a member of Co. H. 5th Michigan. Captain Cook lost an arm at Gettysburg, and was also severely wounded at Charles City Crossroads; but he refused to leave the service, preferring to still do whatever he could to reinstate the old llag on treason's soil. He was assighned to the command of a veteran corps company at Harrisburg, until July, 1805, when he was assigned to duty under General Terry, being mustered out anuary, 1868.

He served the government afterwards in various capacities as agent of the Freedmen's bureau at Richmond, provost marshal, military commissioner, revenue collector, tobacco inspector, and collector of customs at that point. He won special compliments for efficiency and fidelity to every trust. Gomrades, Heed j-lis Words. Commander in-Chief, R. G.

Dyren-forth, of the Union Veteran's Union, thus sensibly writes Col. M. O. Frost, of U. S.

Grant Command No. 1 of To-peka, in relation to the rot going around about caring for Confederate graves, etc: "We must, to a man, act fearlessly and energetcally, and untiringly, and continuously, and be constantly on the alert, to stamp out this, "caring-for-Confederate-graves" rot, because, under the guise of kindliness, which is apt to capture the hearts of good and generous men, not stopping to think, this suggestion opens the door to the placing of the law-breakers, who did AUDITORIUM, RIVERSIDE PARK, HUTCHINSON. as a body, take part in elections, to insure that only their friends shall come in power, they are not respected and and pretend he likes it let him have his dose; but, if he is not, there should be a determined organization and a bold fight. We had better have open foes and know who they are than false friends. Talk to every soldier you meet, dear Comrade, and let us get a move on us.

everything in their power to destroy are considered a mere burden and a our beloved Country, on a par with the nuisance. Now, let us get up and show brave and sterling men, who stood up that we have to be considered, and that CAPTAIN B. C. COOK principal address. At the close of the to preserve the Nation.

The nextsug- all this goody-goody slop to the rebels exercises the visitors were introduced, gestion will, then, be that, being all is offensive and an insult to the men and a social hour was enjoyed by all. Americans, they are as good as we, and ho went forth and sacrificed all hope The next day the visitors were shown over the city and visited many of the places of historic interest. The White House of the Confederacy, once the home of Jefferson Davis, now converted into a Confederate Museum, being possibly the one place of most interest to those who participated in the great struggle on either side. In this building a room is set apart for each Southern State. Into these rooms are gathered and displayed in glass cases the sacred relics and mementos of the men and women who took part in that great conflict.

In some future issue we will give a description of the Memorial Hall and make mention of what it contains. After a stroll through the old Capital building, a view of the great Washington Monument, the church where President Davis was attending worship when the messinger came from Lee saying that his army was in retreat and the city must be evacuated at once. The site of Libby Prison where so many thousands of our boys gave up their lives, Castle thunder and Belle Isle. The James River and a number of other sights of interest were hurriedly viewed during the forenoon, they were sorry their time was short for under the genial companionship of Comrade Cook and the many interesting places to see the visitors were lothe to leave the once Confederate Capital. Captain Cook was at one time a resident of Kansas lived at Attica, Harper County, and was a member of the legislature from that county.

After spending several years in Kan sas the captain returned to Richmond, to spend the remainder of his days near his daughter and only child, who had TOPEKA'S LADY CADETS. The above picture was taken just before this celebrated Company went to the Trans-Mississippi Exposition last fall where they had been invited by General Clarkson the manager. They won great praise from the officers of the Exposition, and the daily press gave them lengthy editorials, complimenting their splendid appearance and excellent drilling. At the State Reunion last fall the "old boys" were more than delighted, and in the grand parade they were the principal attraction. The young ladies are daughters of veterans.

The company has been incrased to a membership of fifty and a drum corps of five and two buglers. They are making preparations to attend the National Encampment at Philadelphia next fall In addition to the military features of the Company, they give a splendid stage entertainment, for among their number are several artists of ability, second to none in the city..