The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1873-07-17
senator Rayard'- EuIOgy ON Gen.
Lee, at the UmiVerSiGy
of Virginia.

We are told that the eulogy of grad
uate of the Mississippi University on our
:" dead heroes" so aroused the indigna-
ton of the Carpet-bag Trustees that it
elected from them sharp remonstrance.
They could not endure the spectacle of a
Mississippi youth standing before Mis-
sissippi audience and paying tribute to
the memories of the heroic men who had
cherished Now, contrast this scandal
Gus affair at the Mississippi institution
with what occurred the other day on the
occasion of the Commencement at the
renowned and venerated University of
Nir. ,inia. Senator Bayard, of Della
ware, had accepted an invitation to de-
liver the annual address; and in per-
forming the labor, he paid the following
beautiful and eloquent tribute to the
roes," and held up his life as a model for
the youth Of his State. The report be-
fore US does not tell that the occasion
was married by TIE scowl of Carpet
baggers who had usCrped the control of
the institution. On the contrary, it is
recorded that " the eloquent allusion of
g the orator to Gen. Lee bought down
g the house in storm of applause"
Here it is:
Such and so grand is the Inheritance of
the people of Virginia. But great as is all
this wealth scattered from the fruitful horn
of nature, you have moral Inheritance in
fintelY greater and more valuable in the
memory and character of the great and
good men whose forms have once again
been clasped to the breast OF the land that
gave them birth aud which they died to de-
tend. s | would not give my dead Ossory
for any living mother" = We would not
exchange our dead Lee for any living SOL
der" is the proud response of every true
Virginian- And what wonder? Even he
wise, good aud brave As he was, confes>edly
the first soldier of his day, and one of the
first il; recorded history, as conscientious as
he was able, and as modest he was bravo,
was never SO powerful in life AS now in
death. His pure spirit, freed from earthly
contact, speaks tones of gentle admonitiOn
to us ali. Aye, to all. For as well could
you fetter the sweet wind of the South and
bind it in spring time not to awaken To life
and JOY the bird and f1Oweret of the North
ern forest, as to exclude the fragrance of
the life and character of Robert +. Lee
from the hearts and minds of men and wo-
men Of every section of this country. His
life is more eloquent than any poor address
| could make upon it. His example at ev-
cry stage of his career seems successfully
to challenge criticism. Ii bis memory be
cherished. as l cannot doubt it will be, ex-
hortation to virtue " i'll be little remedy, tor
he will have to be unknown and forgotten
by an American who commits an unworthy
act.
Peace-his triumph shall be sung
By some yet unmoulded tongue,
Far on in summers that we shall not see"
And now, even did [ wish it otherwise.
my address must end. Were | to describe
a diligent student and ingenious youth Won
would think | meant Lee, the cadet, at
West Point Did picture the promise of
youth fulfilled. and show you the skilfut,
vigilant and courageous soldier and COM
mander, the gentle and careful and affec-
tionate father, the constant, generous
friend, the upri ght citizen, You would think
of Lee. And did | describe a good and
great man. struggling against adversely |
and exhibiting all qualities that adorn and |
dignity humanity, you would still say / |
meant none but Lee. Let me leave YOU |
with him, and bid You now farewell in the |
words of one who dashed falsehood and |
meaGneSS with a sharp severity, but whose |
love of all that makes youth lovely and age |
respected was sincere and constant:
Who misses or who wins the prize,
Go lose or co quer as you can;
But if you fall or if You rise,
Be each, pray God. Il gentleman"