Delaware State journal and statesman., 1869-06-08

lain of the Senate, in his Grafton yester-
dav. held that the representatives OF this
nation could never sanction the decoration
of the Confederate soldiers graves until
had been first decided by the Christian
Church to pay honors to Judas iscariol, anu
until we had ourselves agreed to comment
orate Benedict Arnold. In Alexandria no
distinction was made in the matter OF dec
grafton: flowers were strewn on Union and
Confederate alike and at Arlington Yester-
day few flowers were thrown on rebel
graves. In more than one instance the |
military interferred and ordered them to be |
removed. The Grand Army of the Repub. |
| lie intend to issue an order on the supJec.
| In q day or two, defending their action and
replying to the criticisms which have been
made thereon.
| FROM DIR. aARNETT.
Afr. Editor: Having been solicited by
numerous friends to take the initiative in call.
| ing meeting Of the Southern residents of
this city together, with others who may de.
sire 10 participate, for the purpose OF making
suitable arrangements for decorating the
graves OF the Confederate In Arlington Gem
etery, have chosen this method Of respond
ing 10 those friends, and assigning my rea-
sons for advising that no such ceremony
should at this time be attempted. Since the
ceremonies Of the Goth ultimo, upon which
I
remains of Our heroic brethren who sacrificed
: their lives in defending their native land,
and at which you so naturally feel outraged
: and indignant, have taken the pains to
! ascertain the particulars OF this discreditable
y transaction, and with full knowledge oil
! tho facts express the belief that no such tri.
4 butte rs tlat proposed would be permitted by
u those having control of the cemetery. When
II Is knawn that the military employed on
tn arA Ii atgan n
y iederates against the pious and Christian
II offerings of those who might so rise above
y the impulses oil spite, hate, and all uncharit
ableness as to recognize no distinction be-
y tween the graves of friends and foes, werG
= United States marines, who are alone under
N N the control OF the Secretary of the Navy
~ and subject TO the orders of no other mill
" " tary organization, except by his authority
~ you will at once perceive that am justified
es % in concluding that any attempt on the par
~ OF our friends to pay this proposed mark 0
respect would at once provoke opposition Of
the part of the Government. 1t is scarce
Io- reasonable 10 suppose that if the office G
driving off persons and scourgng away in
nocent little children from those note
70. mounds OF earth performed by the Unite
at States marines upon the occasion referre
he to, was sanctioned by the Secretary of Il
ere Navy, and countenanced by the Presidei
,m OF the United States himself, who WI
we present, we would be allowed to execu
hat any such purpose and whilst fully syr
, Of pathize with you in your feelings of indi
ne nation at such conduct, and would mysC
en- cheerfully corporate in any practicable pli
But for manifesting the same reverence and rt
of pect which we feel for our honored dead,
cad we'll as participate In the manly and Chr
ldi- tian office oil doing honor to the remains
ese those who were once our enemies, In vie
ms, OF all the circumstances by which we a
not surrounded, even IL no opposition was
the hibited by the authorities confess thai
rye. would not be in consonance with my te
heir lngs to make this the occasion of an ostt
red tatious pageant with sounding brass a
,ery tinkling cymbal but impelled by saci
iol- sentiment TO silently approach this hallow
the spot as triple mourners, burying deep in
atch silent tomb all emotions OF resentment
,tter the striies of the past, and exercising fir
nion our hearts al impure impulses of worl
the and selfish ambition.
COR ALEX. Y. P. GARNETT, NJ. D
the LETTER FROM CHIEF JUSTICE CHASE
the CHARLEsToS, s. c., May 20, 1855
SOL Dear SIR: Your note inviting me 10
Jhiel tend the ceremony OF decorating, at Mas
pun liza Cemetery, the graves of the brave
mrs i who fell in defence OF the Union during
'"'SS' recent civil war only reached me this mt
of ing.
hul very hoIIy Anhb AcuhuOt bu
es az you on this most interesting occasion
eople it is now too late to make the necessary
~ 1 VI rangements.
muen The nation cannot too tenderly che
ment the memory of her dead heroes, or
onl watchfully guard the well. being ofthose
5 Wess survive. Aud may VIC not indulge the |
uIeu, that ere long we who adhered to the natl
stlnes ,li cause will be prompt also to join In c
aAing memorating the heroism of our country
n tns who fell ON the other side, and that I
,s.oIa who now specially mourn their loss,
ough. senting to the arbitTRment Of arms
WnV resuming all their old love for their cou
ves ss y. ~ and our country, one and lndIvlslble,
lhe ~ Join with us in like commemoration of
|, N, MS fallen brave of the army OF thep The
pou. are not dead. They have only gone be
.ensn' .na and now see eye to eye. Why may no
'MeIs, all borrow from their sacred graves obll
az & his OF past differences, and hencefOrth unite
ssch noble and generous endeavor to assur
W 'Wu VI honor aud welfare of our whole countr
uu.es, M all her States, and OF all her citizens ?
1ause ,,s Very respectfully, yours,