The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1870-12-28
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CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE.
We have lived to see that banner
torn by overwhelming numbers from
the hands of its gallant, decimated
defenders; but not until after a sslug
gle so prolonged, So resolnte. So dcs-
perate and 50 illustrated by the lott.
patriotism, the sublime devotion and
the high heroic deeds of the Southern
people that IFS name and fame the
world will not willingly let die; and in
ages vet remote, the hearts of the brave
will he nerved TO deeds us true, as they
read the dcathless story of the darning
deeds of those gallant cavaliers who
rode to battle with Ashby, Forrest,
Stuart and Hampton, and of the nigh
ty achievements of the war-worn vete-
rams so often led TO victory BY Johns
ton. jackson, Beauregard aud Lee.
Can we forget Chat glorious contest
in which fell the best and bravcst Of
the South7 They passed away into
the Silent Land far from their homes
and those they loved: sns,e Irnm the
Aela Of battle @" sniling on the fnemen's
ground, when the ranks were wrapped
in vapor and the wind were laid in
sound :" others from crowded kospi-
tails in which they long had painfully
fingered No fond mother, no gentle
sister, no loving wife soothed with
tender care the anguish of their dying
moments; yet were they consoted by
the consciousness of having performed
their duty, and sustained by their I'M
wayering confidence in the future
triumph of the Cause for which they
struggled and fell. ''Their inan!nate
remains now sleep in countless, name
less and unknown graves, strewn from
the Potomac's billowy dash unto the
rolling waters of the Rio Grande; and
their unconquercd spirits have joinet
the sacred choir of those souls uf kind
red fire that roam enfranchiscd through
the starry dome of Heaven. Can W.
forget our noble cnmrades9 Can w
forget the contest in which we battle'
by their side /? Shall we blot out thei
memory from our hearts? Shall w
ever fail to vindicate their cause? All
no, my gallant bretliers from you
throbbing hearts rnshes to your lip
tic indignant response: never, nevel
never.
do not seek to arouse your passion
or iufame your minds for knos
that the circumstances by which 70
are surrounded imperatively requir
that yon should be resolutely calm
and my influence. such as it is, will b
ever eyerted in favor of moderate
though determined councils. l do ne
seek torevive memories which shout
be forever Buried in the graves of on
martyred dead. IT such memories thei
be, let them sleepin deep oblivion.
am no visionary enthusiast vainly Ell
deavoring to bridge With idle tanci,
the impassable ci,asm that parts t
from the past; no sentimental drea,h'
ter Wondering memories, ignores Il
duties of the present hour. l beiie'
in earnest, constant action. am
the onward-rusliing present. recogni
its superior claims. and have no ssr
pathy with those who drift purposeie
down its mighty tide, But / beliey
also, that VIC may fully perform Il
duties of the Present without forgettil
the Past. Howsocver these things i
get, some principles will not abanao
In the name of all that men bold saer
if we are true to nothing else. let
be true in this f.; let us do all, dare
that men may do and dare: endure
that the most envenomed hatred C
inhict, rather than give up one jot
little of our glorious heritage, ratl
than voluntarily abandon our mailer
bic right to be free, rather than
HouEce the slightest recollection of
noblest, grandest struggle man eN
made for honor and for right.
Aud you. my fair sisters the love
high sonled daughters of the Sont
whose pure hearts ever beat viii
warm and true devotion to the sun
land of your birth; who are more c.
ssaat in adversely than in the hour
success; to whom the "Lost eau.
was the grand expression Of hi
aud holy sentiment; to whom Il
cause is even aearer to-day-shront
though it be in sleom aud dciea