Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-04-26

TIE CONFEDERATE DEAD.-To.day, at
Elmwood Cemetery, the ladies of our
city are offering a beautiful tribute to
the memory of the Confederate dead by
placing wreaths of flowers on the graves
of those who offered up their lives for
Southern independence. All are hon
ored, regardless of name or State, the
unknown grave as well as that of the
dearly belo wed father, husband or brother
receiving its adornment from the hand
Of beauty. The fine weather favored the
occasion, and the attendance at the Gem.
etery was very large. An exciting ru.
NOR was current on the street yesterday
to the effect that the officer in command
ct this post was seeking notoriety by for
bidding any tribute to the Confederate
dead. 1t had its origin in the fact that
Capt. C. A. NJ. Estes, of the 25th Regu'
lars, wrote to Mayor Loyfand that ar
rangements have been made for pub.
lie demonstration at Elmwood Cemetery,
on Friday next, over the graves of those
who fought against the Government in
the late rebellion, and as the public Ger.
emonies proposed are evidently intended
to honor the cause they gave their lives
for, and are therefore reasonable and
inhammatory to the disloyal element still
existing in cur midst, it becomes my
duty, as the military representative of
the Government, to see that stop is
put without delay to such proceedings.
But to prevent the special interference
of the military, particularly in this com
munity where for some time past the
greatest harmony and good feeling have
existed between the military and civil
authorities and citizens, l desire that
you will give me assurances that you
will prohibit any professions, speeches,
or other public demonstrations in honor
of the rebellion, or the men who fell in
its service, and confne the arrange
ments for Friday to the simple act Of
mourning for deceased relatives in the
customary manner" The Mayor re-
plied that he knew of no action that re-
uuired the interference of municipal
authority. DIR. Ford wrote to Capt
Estes and informed him that the cere-
mony was designed to be a simple
tribute of aEectionate regard to brothers
and friends and countrymen who fell in
cause which they thought right; that
no parade or procession, or other dis
play, except the decoration Of their
humble graves with evergreens aud
flowers, and that the address was to be a
semi.religious discourse, not political in
its bearing, nor calculated to arouse
passion or lessen the respect which the
soldiers who fought on either side of the
late struggle feel for each other. Capt
Estes renlied that as the ceremonies
were to be Of a religious nature and the
discourse not of a political character,
which would necessarily tend to the ex-
citement Of sectional prejudices, but
will have a tendency to increase feelings
Of amity, he regretted having been com
PEELED to interfere even thus far in the
matter. Col Kerr, Marshal Of the Day,
wrote an invitation to Capt Estes to be
present, to which that officer replied
that he would be present il possible.
IMrRovISo THE STREETS We arc
pleased to note the fact that the city
authorities have taken notice Of our re
marks in regard 70 the vretehed condi-
ton Of Union street and detailed = force
to 6ll Up the bed places The hole in
front Of the Central Methodist Church
required about one hundred cart loads
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