The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-05-31
CEREMONIES ELSEWHERE.
CELEBR ALTON AT ARLINGTON.

and National Representative mt the
Cemctery-Gcncrnl Banks Oration-At
the Tomb OF the Unknown Dead-An
Address by MIR. Moore, of Illinois.
WASHINGTON, May 80, 1872.
The remains of more than sixteen thousand Union
soldiers repose at Arlington, a larger number en-
tOmbed than III any similar cemetery. In COM
plance with executive orders issued by President
Grant and Governor Cooke, all the departments OF
the government and the District offices closed
during the day to enable the employees to partici-
pate with the Grand Army Of the Republic in the
ceremonies connected with the decoration Of the
graves. The House OF Representatives took a recess
from halfpast twelve until evening in order that the
members might enjoy the same privilege. Thou
sands of persons the Arlington grounds,
which were tastefully and profusely decorated.
The main stand accommodated 200 persons. The
back of 1t was beautified and draped with Ameri-
can flags, over which were suspended evergreen fes-
toons shields, anchors and other app opriate en-
blems. Overhead, placed in horizontal position,
were two American flags of the largest size, while
smaller flags were draped round the railing Of the
stand. The stage for the orator was ornamented
with banners, evergreen and boquets.
Surrounding the main stand were the Words an
nlentOridnl,' In letters OF green box.
At one O'Clock President Grant arrived, and
seated with him on the stand were the Secretary
of War; the Postmaster General Secretary Robe
son. Mr.. Mort, the Japanese Minister, with lwakura
Porter and Babcock; Consul Perry, the soldiers
and sailors orphans, large number OF ladies and
Republic national salute having been fired the
Marine Band played several pieces OF music, and
comrade Duncan recited an original poem
GENERAL BANKS GRAFTON
General N. p. BANKS then delivered the grafton,
In the course of which he sald:-
We come here to honor those gallant men who
left position, home, family and friends and gave
themselves to death They were our brothers,
fathers, neghbors and friends. In this beautiful
CITY, in this beautiful valley OF the Potomac, sur
rounded by woods, In common with our fellow
citizens oil over the land we lay upon their graves
varied seasons.
Alter speaking OF the results of the Unions trl-
umph he said :-"Among the numerous subjects OF
cOngratulation that attend this anniversary there
was one source Of serious and abiding regret. The
a IL se nor with the neceses Of the
country. Our first duty Is to determine what Is
necessary to more complete domestic peace, and
then to ascertain who has power to secure II. The
first requisite In reestablish;ng the peace of the
country is harmony between the contending par
ties Of the late war; both as to the objects and the
measures Of government. The consent OF both s
Indispensable. One party can make war: It re-
quires two to make peace. War is the natural re-
source of gnorance peace Is the result OF the purest
and rarest wisdom 1t Is this difference between
the conditions of peace and war rather than any
perversity in human nature that has led men to
assume that is the natural condition Of society
War IL easiest but 1t is not on that account, more
coveted or more natural than peace In all iorms
ter, but they determine, the nature and character
OF the government. To maintain its existence 1t
must be adapted to the condition and character OF
the minority. All laws OF restraint originate in
this principle. 1t Is only the vanquished that can
accord peace. To the vict0rs belong power,
violence, immolation, determination but they can
not enforce peace, and the condition of every
try Is dependent upon the manner In which these
great powers are exercised
After giving illustrations of this great lesson, he
said, in conclusion, at IN dililcult to say what
should be the rule OF action in our own land. l
know OF no principle which requires TO sur
render the control OF our political institutions to
those who have opposed and would cripple or de-
stroy them but II we are assured OF their co-opera
ton In the work OF restoration and preservation
there is no price that we could not well pay for
their aid IL Is to our recent enemies that we must
look for permanent peace, and we have right to
hope, aye, to demand OF them that they shall
aid in the obiteraton OF the feuds OF the past and
i'm the great work Of the future. With this c0-0pera
ton faithfully accorded, no favor that the wealth
and power OF the people confer should be with
held. May we not hope for this result The choice
and the responsibility are with them. Most heartily
do commend the recent acts OF Congress and the
Executive In this direction. Most ferventy do the
people pray for the moment when those that were
divided may be united and those whose ambition
1t was to destroy may be az ready to give
institutions Of our common country. In the dark
est hour OF strife that was the spirit which pervaded
the ranks OF the army. The survivors would now
gladly welcome the evidence OF restored confidence
and friendship, and the immortal dead, whose
memory we revere, would In another world Join
with angelic chorus In songs OF praise for the resto
ration of peace In tho land they defended among
the people for whom they died. To this duty we
should oonsecratc ourselves. reme""@"-'"" a'w"vs