The weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1869-18??, 1870-05-18


set apart by the Ladies Memorial Associa-
ton of this city for decorating the graves of
the Confederate dead. was ushered in by
threatening clouds. Before the hour at
which the ceremonies were to commence,
however, they had all been dissipated and
genial May sun shonc down on the nu-
merous participants, in their work of love.
At 4 o'clock, P. M. very large concourse
of ladies and gentlemen had assembled at
the Confederate cemetery. A stand for the
chaplain and orator had been arranged on
central mound, and the preparations duly
made by the Masonic fraternity for laying
the corner stone now in course of erection
there. e
The ceremony was opened by prayer and
highly appropriate religious exercises by
Rev. Father McNamara of the Catholic
Church. An Ode was sung by a choir of
young gentlemen. At this point the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons, Deputy
Grand Master Ellis Malone, presiding, ap-
peared on the ground, headed by the Raleigh
Brass Band, and marching under the direc-
ton of Acting Grand Marshal, W. H. Finch
The fraternity then proceeded to lay the
corner stone, according to the ancient forms
of their order. The services were deeply
impressive, and there was large number
of Masons present and participating. The
stone having been adjusted in its place the
Lodge was marched to position around
the stand to hear the orator of the day, Gen.
Matt. W. Ransom, who was introduced to
the audience by Capt. W. Hal Harrison, in
the following address: eae ar -r
Ladies Of the Memorial Association:
1t gives me pleasure to introduce Gen.
Matt. W. Ransom. Approaching thef self
sacrificing devotion which you have mani
tested for our lost cause, and your noble and
praiseworthy efforts to perpetuate the men,
DRY Of those who have fallen so sadly in its
defence, he comes at your bidding to lend
his voice to the sad but just memorials of
to-day.
Gen. Ransom's character and reputation,
both as soldier and an orator, are too well
known to admit of eulogy. A. gallant SOL
dier and commander in the Confederate
army, bearing the scars of battle upon his
form, and the comrade of the brave soldiers
who sleep around us, it is fit, yea doubly
fit, that he should speak to US on this occa-
sion. You will listen to him with interest.
Gen. Ransom then arose and delivered one
of the most eloquent and elegant addresses
it has ever been our pleasure to hear. 1t
was unexceptionable, and was so pronounced
by hearers of every shade of political opin-
ion, and from every section. His flight of
fervid eloquence were soulstiring. We will
not attempt report of his speech. We
hope to get copy for publication at an
early day. VS.
The Grafton having been concluded, and
an ode sung by the choir, the assemblage
dispersed to strew flowers on the graves and
thence to their homes.
Outside the fcemetery and city, graceful
tributes to the fallen brave were also given.
Mr.. G. B. benson, of Pittsboro, N. c., pre-
sented Mrs. Selby, the President of the As
ISOLATION, with two beautiful shields which
were used in ornamenting the entrance to
the cemetery.
The flag on the capitol, by order of the
Executive, was lowered at half mast. n
Col. Frank, commanding the U. S. CARR
son here, also lowered his flag TO half mast
at the same time, to evince his respect and
that of his troops for the occasion. This
evidence of bravery and magnanimity on
the part of the gallant Colonel will, he may
rest assured, be appreciated by all our peo-
pie. Colonel F. is we'll and favorably known
to the citizens of our sister city of Whining
ton, but this action adds another wreath to
the laurel garlands with which he is worthy
to be crowned. Other flags in the city were
also displayed at half mast, and all the stores
in the city were closed.
We close here our imperfect sketch of this
interesting occasion. The results will be
for good. These annual gatherings of me-
moral associations on both sides will tend
to bring about eventually an era of good
feeling. Instead of opening, they tend to
heal the wounds of strife. Especially will
this be SO if the same conciliatory, kindly
and honest utterances are given to the audi
ences as on Tuesday by Gen. Ransom.
On all such occasions let US bury our diff
ferences and heart-burnings and strife. and
in the mournful presence of the dead with
souls purified by a common grief, let us
drop together the tear of sympathy and sor-
row on the grave of Confederate and Federal |
alike. ~ 9l4