Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-09-07
Mr.. Peabody and his Good Deeds.

The disposition exhibited towards the South
| by the greatest of living Americans is an ex-
ample which puts to shame the unfriendly and
vindictive spirit of so many of his countrymen.
Had the rulers of the republic in their policy
of reconstruction, been actuated by motives as
| singularly free from unselishness and prejudice
as those which govern the life and conduct of
Mr.. George Peabody, the Southern States
would long ere this have recovered from their
| prostration; and the people of the South, in
stead of being harassed by military despots,
despoiled by plundering adventurers, and ca
lumn.ated by partisan press, would to-day be
bound to us by stronger ties of fraternity than
ever before, and happy in the enjoyment of
peace, contentment and liberty.
Not the least admirable characteristic of MIR.
Peabody's benefactions, is their uniform adap-
tation to the want which he proposes to meet,
or the purpose which he desires to consum-
mate. His remarkable appreciation of the ed
| ucational needs of the South is grandly illus
trated in his bestowal of magnificent fund for
their relief. Rising above every sectional con-
sideration which might be supposed in some
degree to affect the citizen of Northern birth
and anti-slavery sentiments, he wholly ignores
the past relations of the two sections, adopts
the citizens Of the broad republic as brothers
of the same political family, and lavishes his
generosity where most of all it may avail in do
ing good, and lead most effectually to resto-
ration OF amity and prosperity.
1t may be that his entire disconnection with
the politics of the day, and his long residence
in England, where he has been a relatively dis
passionate spectator of American affairs, have
something to do with the peculiar magnanim-
ity of his charitable deeds. We prefer, how
ever, to attribute it rather to the native good
ness OF his heart and comprehensiveness of his
judgment, by which he is enabled to feel so
tenderly for the distresses of his countrymen
and deal so wisely in aiding their mitigation.
Hence it is that he has watched with so much
interest the progress of Washington College,
under the presidency of Robert E. Lee, and
has recently availed himself of an opportunity
to manifest his sympathy with the institution
by the liberal appropriation of $685. for the
endowment Of much needed professorship.
This is an act for which not only the trustees
and faculty of Washington College will ever
hold the name of Mr.. Peabody in affectionate
remembrance, but which entities the munifcent
donor to the lasting gratitude of the friends of
education everywhere.
1t is virtually an Endorsement of the institu-
ton, of which its managers may well be proud
it is high personal tribute to the worth and
ability of its eminent president, which should
traction and resentful prejudices of section. 1t
is an act, indeed, which, were it the last in his
life of a similar character, would crown with
permanent fame the useful three score years of
this great-hearted American.
1t is much to be regretted that Mr.. Pea
body's health is still precarious. 1t would truly
gid with more than sunset radiance the closing
years of his life, could he be spared to witness,
throughout the South, the practical fruits
which, under the stimulus of his good deeds,
must sooner or later be produced. Yet, the
knowledge of their coming certainly is doubt
rest assured that when the record of his acts is
written up, he will be credited with pre-emi-
nent part in the restoration of the South, and
virtuous patriotism which the sordid section
alism of the North should hasten to emulate
St. Louis RepuJhcan.