Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-08-10
Presentation To Mr. peahodv

at the White Sulphur Springs, over 800 in
| number to witness the presentation of the re-
solutions of the southern visitors to Mr.. Pea
body. The livliest interest was manifested in
the purposes Of the occasion. Mr.. Peabody
appeared duly attended by several personal
friends. Hon. James Lyons addressed the dis
tinguished philanthropist as follows:
Mr. Peabody: The Southern men assembled
at this fountain of health and pleasure, have,
for time, forgotten their pains as we'll as pleas
ures to perform a holy duty-in rendering CRATE
full homage to the most distinguished phi
lanthropist of this or any other age. know,
sir, that some whose nerves are delicate and
vision imperfect do start, while others affect to
start, when they hear of a meeting of Southern
men, and pretend to suppose that the Union is
in danger. To such disturbed and disturbing
spirits | take leave to say that down-trodden
and oppressed as never Christian people were
before-placed below the negro and stripped of
all their constitutional rights-the Southern
men, nevertheless, retain the lofty instincts
which made their soldiers brave and their wo-
men more than Spartan wives and mothers,
and to-day they assemble in the highest inter-
ests of peace and fraternity to do honor to the
nobest friend of the Union-a gentleman of
Northern birth. .ii sife'
Sir, you will bear testimony for us, and when
you shall have heard the resolutions, which |
shall have the honor to read to you, will say of
the people of the South that they love virtue,
and justly appreciate great spirit, whether of
the North or South that all good men are re-
ceived by us as brothers, come from what cline
they may, and the vicious from every cline re-
jected. In this spirit we approach you sir, to-
day, to render homage to one who has dstin-
UuS ho d Oh oil 9th hx,h
exampled beneGcence, and to render thanks for
the aid you have extended to the cause Of edu-
cation in the South. A great Roman, one of
the protoundest thinkers and wisest morasts
the world has produced, whose mind was deep
fountain OF thought and learning, which his
tongue poured out in stream SO pure and
limpid that all who tasted received new life and
vigor-he whom grateful people first proclaim
ed Father of his country said, long years
ago, nothing is more noble, more exalted,
than to despise riches if you have them not,
and lfyou have them, to employ them in be-
ne6cence and liberality." And the most !easa-
ed man OF modern times, of whom it was said
he was the wisest and greatest Of mankind, said
Riches are to virtue like baggage to an army,
the necessary impediments which hinder the
march; ;" that Of great riches, the only real use
of them is in the distribution. You, sir, of all
men known to us, alone have united the wis
dom and philanthropy of the great men of the
ante-C Christian and the Christian era, and In
your noble conduct combine the wise philosophy
of the heather with the benignity of the Chris
tan: and the rare spectacle is exhibited that
while in one hemisphere royalty unveils the
statue which is to hand down to after ages the
likeness Of the great American phianthropis'f.
in another hemisphere nation pours forth its
plaudits of him, and all say God bless him"
Your benefcence is no afterthought of decIin
ing years and misery ambition, for happen to
know that many years ago, while justly ap-
plauding the generosity of another distinguish
ed American to suffering nation, this great
purpose which you have executed was avowed
as the end for which wealth was sought. Rare
man, rarely endowed-rarely, but Justly honor
ed. Who may SO well say, HOMO sum. hui
mani nihil me alienum puto'' But. sir. I
forbear My theme has led rne too far. " o
have heard with deep regret of your i'll he,',tb
and all of every cline ana sex unite in BE- artfeIt
prayer for your restoration. With yo,,r leave.
[ will read the resolutions. =
The resolutions having been read and pre-
sponded as sollows:
Mr.. Lyons and gentlamsD of the Committee
beg to thank you saosa ndy for the senti-
have affected sse most deeply, and are such.
followed as they are o. the resolutions you have
presented, tina, it is Impossible for me to reply
to them as J would. can only answer briefly,
ana feel that even hen | must claim your in
duigenocc. | can Tut say, as regards the kind
~ fatterlng rep larks of your chairman, that
trust the rems Under of the time have to live
may not do osb erwise than justify your good O.
pinion.
l should be glad if my strength would permit
to speak of my own cordial esteem and regard
for the high honor, integrity and heroism of
the Southern people But that. too, must
leave for the present
But must not omit to say that of all the
kind words you have spoken, those referring to
the Southern educational fund have been sweet
est to my ears Coming. as they do, from such
dstinguis he'd and intelligent body, they cor
roborate the opinions already expressed by 9th
er eminent men of the South. The fbres OF
my heart are interviewer with its success, as
am sure are yours, and those of all good men
everywhere.
The enterprise is still very young -only three
years old-but it is growing with every year,
and under the superintendence Of the trustees,
eminent agent, and under the guidance Of the
distinguished gentlemen of the trust, and with
the warm cooperation experienced throughou'
the South, it cannot do otherwise than prove
success, and | am confident will serve as
auxiliary restoring the South to astate OF high
er prosperity and happiness than ever before.
God grant it may be so.