Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-05-05
FLORAL DECORATION OF C0NFEDE-
RATE GRAVES.

On Saturday next, the 18th of May, the
ladies of our city intend to decorate
with flowers the graves Of the fallen
Confederate soldiers who lie buried at
Elmwood. Orators have been chosen TO
deliver addresses on the occasion, and
from the well known character of these
gentlemen, the public may anticipate
something of rare literary excel
lence. The society with us, called
the Confederate Historical Relief
Association, will also participate in
the days proceedings, and by their eff
forts will add an additional interest to
the solemnities to be performed. Our
people have been in the habit Of turning
out en, mdsse on days like this before,
and it is sincerely hoped that there will
be no want of feeling to do so now. We
should never forget the noble dead Of the
Confederate armies, and the value of the
sacrifice made by them. When men
ordinarily would attest their sim
cerity it is done by swearing ac-
cording to the usual forms, in which
they may either intend to falsify or not;
it is something about which there is
more or less speculation and division of
opinion by the parties interested. But
as a proof Of the soldiers honesty and
patriotism there cannot be the remotest
ground for doubt, when he marches up
to the cannon's mouth, resolved to die
rather than yield to that which he re-
CARDS as wrong. An act of this sort is
the highest proof of virtue that man is
capable of performing, and challenges
the admiration Of a brave and right
thinking foe. When men have given
themselves for a cause they have surren-
dered the greatest boon this world
affords. Nothing more could be asked,
as there remains nothing to be given.
We should honor such noble deeds Of
sacrifice, and commemorate the lives Of
those.who made them A more appro-
pirate manner of doing this could not be
observed than is now the custom Of the
ladies and gentlemen friends of the Con-
federate cause. 10 repair once year, on
a day set, to the graveyard, and, with
service suitable, there ehssi the praises
of the gallant dead. The flowers are fit
emblems of the purity of thought which
animated those now sleeping beneath
the sod TO give their lives TO the cause Of
our country The ladies who scatter
the flowers are the angels sent 10 do
honor, in the name Of Heaven, to the
god-like heroism of these brave men
while living. More especially should we
who have known these friends when on
earth testify TO posterity the cause and
manner of their dying. IT is a just
rebuke to all traitors and a reward to
virtue which should not be forget
ten. If our countrymen have for
feiied themselves for the good Of so
eiety, the living bene6ciaries ought
never cease to return thanks. If a failure
Of the South TO establish her independ-
enee did occur, the blame can in no way
be attributable to the soldiery who died
in camp and on the battlefield. Every
thing was done by them that could be
accomplished by as many brave hearts
and strong arms in an unequal contest
The victory was decided against US, but
those who fell in the strife must be re-
membered BY every true and sincere
man and weHan IN the South
Let all then, repair to ElmwOod
on next Saturday and mingle in the