Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-10-19


When the knights were drawn up in proper
order, Maj. Thos. c. Elder, of Staunton, to
whom that duty had been assigned, delivered
to them the following appropriate charge:
Maj Thomas c. Elders Charge to the
Knights.
~ It is fitting, Sir Knights, that the programme
of our Fair should fnd its conclusion in
Tournament 1t shows that whilst we are alive
to the present. we are not forgetful Of the past
1t shows that whilst we take an honest pride
in exhibiting specimens OF our success and skill
in agriculture and the varied arss of peaceful
industry we would also commemorate and per-
petuate the chlvalr0us virtues of our ancestors
The world just now is too intensely practical
There is a universal race and scramble for
emoument and gain. 1t would seem there is
but little within the gift of man money will not
buy, but few injuries for which it is not an eff.
fectual remedy. The gross materialism of the
day, with its thews and sinews of iron and
breath Of steam needs soul, a sp;rit-for most
unsplrltual 1t is.
Do not understand me, Sir Knights, as de-
crying the physical energy and material deve-
opment now visible everywhere over the civil
liZed world. | know that without the wealth
which comes of the application of labor and
skill and science to capital society, the society
OF modern civilization at least, can be neither
happy nor refined. l would not reproduce the
age In which the chivalry and knight-errantry
you honor to-day most fourished-I would not
assimilate too closely the age we live 10 to that.
The virtues of the latter, though, in kind, man.
ly and ernobiing, were perhaps but few and not
without alloy; Its vices, mauy and widespread.
In truth, an unqualified acceptance of the
present, and blind veneration of the past are
alike erroneous Ia medic tutiss,mus lbs is
| maxiln as sound in theory as it is difficult in
| practice. La the cycles CT the ages, human So
| ciety has advanced and refrigerated, has gained
aud lost; sometimes the gains have exceeded
| the Losses, sometimes the losses have exceeded
| the gains; but as resultant of the whole tn.
world has moved onward. In society, as in the
individual, man Is ever learning, but never able
| to come to perfect knowledge Of the truth -
| Radlcalsfn and Conservatism under whatever
shapes and gulses they may have appeared at
| different perlods-these are the great centrifu-
gal and centripetal forces, ever active, ever We
RANT, which the great reformers of the world
| have never been able so to adjust as to produce
perfect orbit for society Just now it would
seem Radicalism had well nigh annihilated its
opposing force.
These general reflections, in view of our
present condition, have a particular interest
for us. We are about to commence the world
anew. Our ancient Commonwealth stripped
Of her fondy cherished and time honored
institutions, aye, deprived of her autono-
| my by war which. however terrible and de-
yastating in other respects, but illustrated her
uncaculating devotion to principle and added
| fresh renoWn to the valor Of her arms, is about
to be 'rehabilitated. Her separate organism
is to be restored, bat she is required to make
what is called "a new departure In this
novel and difficult situation her connsellors are
| NOR md ho hoctovroi nf bair ocluioa hath
lavish and arrogant Like ancient Job, she
seems to be regarded by them as the guilty au-
thor OF her own mlsfortunes. Her sons are
| told to ignore the past to avoid it as the ma
finer avoids the maestrom, and look only to
| the future; to discard theories and aim at the
practical and useful The political principles
Of our fathers are condemned as distractions.
Their generous social customs and field sports
must be abandoned, the open handed, open
hearted hospitality Of the country mansion is
to be no more they will not pay. And as for
souls rest in peace, thought, Sir Knights, they
understood the point of honor among men and
gallantry towards the genter sex-chlvalry is
applied as term of reproach to us by our at
fectionate brethren of the other section of our
country, who fam would shame US into little
common sense
Now, as have already intimated, it is nc
part of my purpose to detract aught from the
dignity Of labor. Plough your ields-earn the
honorable distinction which high authority
declares should be awarded to him who causes
two blades of grass to grow where bat one
grew before
Utilize the waters that flow in such copious
and sparkling currents from your mountain
sides They will beautify and gladden. your
meadows and plains as well after turning
wheels and spindles as before Make the
mountains that environ our beautiful Valley
disgorge the wealth that lies encased in then
rock-rbbed sides. Exert muscle and brain te
make the utmost of the gifts which munif
cent Providence has bestowed on our State.
But, pray you, do not neglect the graces and
courtesies of life. Our rights NAV be wrested
from us by the mailed hand of power; but il
cannot annhilate our household gods There
are some things of which, thank God
cannot be deprived without cur consent. Hon
or, fidelity, gallantry, true knightly courtesy
can never be lost by those who regard them a.
worth preserving. But like all other virtues
they do not flourish without cultivation. With
out the Olympic aud Corinthian games. ancient
Greece would not have wen an imperishable re,
nown for the manly beauty, polished graces
heroic endurance and indonitable valov of hel
sons.
kemember, Sir knights, it is upon young
men like yourselves-the incoming generation
that the Old Commonwealth must rely for the
preservation Of her honor and renown. All
her interests must be confided to your keeping
Our men of age and experience are no longer
to have voice in public affairs Our disinher-
tied knights, unlike he who won the prize al
A>hly in the days Of the lion-hearted King Of
England. are not permitted to enter the lists
against those who come from abroad.
Never! no never did higher responsibilities
rest upon young men; never were they sur
rounded by more inspiring circumstances You
are to shape the future destiny of the State
rransfuse your young blood into her depleted
veins; rejuvenate and re-invigorate her ex-
hausted form; but, beg yoa, do not make
her too practical. Do not sacrifice everything
to mammon. Preserve something of the chiv-
ally aye knight-errantry, if you choose, of the
earlier days Of the ancient DoIninion.
With these views, blessing | say, on your
noble diversion. 1t is worthy OF all encourage
ment. We should have a permanent order of
nighthood connected with our Fair; and in
honor of an ancient order established by gal
liant old Governor Spotswood and his jovial
comrades who first among the anglo-saxon race
crossed yon blue mountains and watered their
horses in the crystal stream OF our own lovely
Shenandoah, If should be called knights of
the Horseshoe" The decoration Of our order
like that OF the IramonGane order, might be q
| golden horseshoe.
Have no fears for the success of such an Or
der. Witness the pleasing eager interest of
this vast coneourse Ia the present spectacle -
/ lnnumerable bright eyes rain sweet influence
upon you. Yes, the daughters of Virginia are
true to her ancient fame They will smile on
all efforts to preserve the chivalric spirit Of
yore They are the vestals who will keep alive