The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1868-06-02

What other spot SO fitting for their
last resting place? They sleep under
the shadow of the Capitol saved by
their yalor. The view from this spot
bears some resemblance to that which
| greets the eye at Rome. In sight OF
| the Capitoline hill, up and across the
Tiber, and overlooking the city, is a
hill, not rugged, not lofty, but known
as the Vatican Mount. On its summit,
at the beginning of the Christian era
stood an Imperial circus, where gladi-
ators and slaves died, and where the
wild beasts of Rome fought with still
wilder men. In that arena the Cali
lean fisherman gave up his life, sacri-
feed for his faith. Probably no human
life was ever SO nobly reyenged. On
the spot where he persisted was raised
the proudest Christian temple that hui
man hands had ever built. For its
adornment had been sent offerings
from every CLINE and kingdom of the
earth. And now, afIer eighteen centu-
turtles have passed, there are two hun
dred million souls whose hearts turn
towards It with reverence when they
worship God.
The traveller descending from the
Apprentices, sees the dome of st. Peter
rising above the desolate Campagnn
and the dead city, long before the seven
hills and ruined palaces appear to his
view. The name of the dead fisherman
has outliyed the glory of the Eternal
City. 1t is a spectacle of noble life
crowned with heroic death, rising above
and OUTLYING the prido, and pomp,
and glory OF the mightiest empire OF
the earth. Seen from the western steps
of our Capitol, in direction, distance.
and appearance, this sight is not unlike
the Vatican Mount, although the river
which flows at our feet Is larger than
hundred Tibers. ~
For this purpose we are met to-day.
By the happy suggestion OF great
society, assemblies like this are gain
ering In every State of the Union.
Thousands of surviving soldiers are
to-day turning aside from the march of
life to visit the silent encampments OF
the dead comrades who once fought by
their side; from many thousand homes
whose light was put out when these
soldiers fell, they go forth to-day to
join those solemn professions; loving
kindred and friends, from whose hearts
the shadow of grief shall never be lift
ed until the light of the eternal world
dawns upon them; and here are chill
dren, too, whom the war left no father
but the Father above. By the most
sacred right theirs is the chief place to-
day. They come with garlands to
crown their victor fathers. L will delay
the coronation no longer.
Several years ago this was the home
of one who lifted his sword against the
life of his country, and became the I'm
peTdtOr of the Rebellion. This soil be-
meath our feet was watered by the tears
of slaves. The beauty OF yonder proud
Capitol awakened in their hearts no
pride and brought them no hope. The
face OF the Goddess that crowned it
was turned towards the sea, and MOTTO.
wards them. But thanks be to God,
this arena of slavery is the scene OF
vice and crime no longer! This will be
ever a sacred mountain of our Capitol.
Here is u sacred temple, its pavement
sepulchred with heroic hearts, its dome
is the bending heaven, and its altar
candles are the watching stars. Hither
will our childrHn's children come TO
pay their tribute OF grateful homage.