Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-09-12

Coy. LETCHER'S ADDRESS, the occa
sion Of the rc-inauguration Of the Statue Of
Washington, at the Virginia Military Institute,
ct Lexington, Va, on Monday last, Governor
fletcher delivered the address. He gave a
history of the statue, Including its first inaugu,
ration in 1856, when Governor Wise made an
address upon the occasion, and quoted largely
rom Mr.. Wise's oraton He also cxcoriated
General Hunter, who stole the statue, but said
s good word for Generals Ayerill and Crook.
lie went into 'brief history OF the origin,
progress, and brilliant success" Of the Institute:
Governor Letcher paid a feeling and hand
some tribute to the memory OF Stonewall
Jackson, and did not forget the great State
prisoner at Fortress Monroe. He denied that
the South was responsible for the origin of the
late war, saying that it was forced upon us,
and mainly by the political parsons and politl
clans Of New England. y He gives short
resume of fact in support OF this proposition.
lie also makes defence Of his own course in
connection with the war, showing that under
his oath of office he could not have done other
wise than he did. He also defends the people
OF Virginia from the charge of being rebels.
After showing by the facts that Virginia
acted according to the teachings of the fathers
OF the Republic, Gov. Letcber pays compli-
Gnent to President johnson: s-..t- .".
And here allow NE 10 occupya moment of
your time in doing justice to that great man
who, under the most trying circumstances, has
exhibited an ability, courage. patriotism,
and devotion to principle, never surpassed ln
the history Of a ruler IN ancient Or modern
zines.
MAY he live ...
Longer .han have time to tell his years!
Ever beloved, and loving may his rule be!
Aud when old Time shall lead him to his end
Goodness and he fill lp one monument
The Governor closed with reference to the
political condition OF cur people and their
duties He said:
The Southern people regard the questions
at issue as settled aud forever settled. They
accept the result, and are prepared to abide by
it in good faith They pledge an honor that
is untarniShed and when brave men and honest
men give such pledge who can doubt their
sincerity, and who can hesitate to believe that
their pledge will be redeemed to the letter."
mo Government can endure which does
not rest upon the affections of its people. A
wise, lust, tolerant, upright administration Of
public affairs will via back the affections OF
,he South and entwine them around the pillars
hat uphold the Union as the ''claspng IVY
ancircles the majestic oak. Kindness begets
:,indness-confdence inspires confidence
charity and tolerance generate love and atec
iion. Let all these ebnoh!iug virtues te cult
lated and encouraged. # he scenes Of the
lest four years cannot be forgotten by either
side, let them at least be forgiven, and passed
by in solemn, dgniied silence. Let each side
cease to remind the other OF the disagreeable
;ao;JnrtC oncurra1 ,1rrpu hot cod hut
27entful period" .......
Let us be patient, and all will yet come right.
"When pressed by dangers and beset by foes.
The Gods, their timely Succor interpose;
md when our virtue sinks, o o'erWhelm,d
with grief
By unforeseen cXpedients bring relief.'
Let Us then be Of good cheer. Let no one
0e disheartened or discouraged. We must all
DO our duty in faithful, independent, and
manly way, and then we may reasonably anti
cpate bright and happy future for ourselves,
our posterity, and our country.
ut should be the policy Of all to lnculclte
spirit of concord, and so act each to the other
as to advance the common interests of al. We
should do anything in cur power to secure the
prosperity of the nation, Augment It's wealth,
develop its boundess mineral and other re-
sources, arouse up its dormant energies, multi
ply lis channels OF inte,c1mmuuicatiOn, en-
courage agricultural, mechancal, and manu-
tacturing industry This i due to ourselves
as we'll as those who are to come after Us, and
who look to US for the adoption of a policy
that will place them before the world in the
most advantageous position. Let US deal
candidly. fairly, honestly justly, and charitab,,
y one with another, and then kneeling around
the altar of common country, let united
prayer ascend to Heavcn-'GOD BLESS AMER
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