The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1873-08-09
Senator Eaynrd's EuIOgy on Gen. Lee,
at the University Of VirR inia.
EFrom the Jackson (Mlss.) clarion.l ]

From the Jackson (Miss) Clarion.l
We are told that the eulogy of a
graduate of the Mississippi University
on our "dead heroes" so aroused the
Indignation of the carpet-bag trustees
that it elected from them n sharp
remonstrance. They could not endure
the spectacle Of Mississippi youth
standing before II Mississippi audience,
and paying tribute to the memories of
the heroic men who had fallen in de-
| fcnse of a cause they cherished. Now,
contrast this scandalous affair at the
Mississippi institution with what oc-
cured the other day on the occasion of
| the commencement of the renowned
University of Virginia.
Senator Bayard, of Delaware had ac-
cepted an invitation to deliver the an
nua address, and in performing the
labor he paid the following beautiful
and eloquent tribute to the great Lee,
the hero of our "Dcad Heroes and
held up his life rs model for the youth
of his State. The report before us docs
not tell that the occasion was marred
by the scOwl Of carpet-baggers who had
usurped the control of the institution.
On the contrary it is recorded that
'thc eloquent allusion OF the orator to
General Lee brought down the house i'll
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 II
moral inheritance infinitely greater
and more valuable in the memory and
character oil the great and good men
whose forms have once again been
clasped to the breast of the land that
gave them birth and which they died
to defend.
/ would not give my dead Qaaary
for any living mother "We would
not exchange or dead Lee for any
living soldier" is the proud response
of every true Nirginian. And what
wonder? Even he, wise, good and
brave as he was, confessedly the first
soldier OF his day, and one of the first
in recorded history-as conscientious
az he was able, and rs modest as he
was khve-was never so powerful in
life asynow in death. His pure spirit
freed from earthly contact, speaks tones
of gentle admonition to us all. Aye,
to all. For as well could you fctter
the sweet wind of the South and hind
it in spring time not TO awaken 10 life
and joy the bird and tloweret of the
northern forest, as TO exclude the fra
GRANGE Of tie life and character of
Robert T.. Lee from the hearts and
minds of men and women of every
section of this country.
l., AL,
poCr address ] could make upon il.
His example at every stage Of hi, career
seems successfully TO challenge criti-
cism. If his memory be cherished, as
can not doubt it will lie, eXhortation
to virtue will be little remedy, for he
will have to beunknown and forgotten
by an American who commits an un-
worthy act.
"Peace-his triumph shall be sung
BY some yet unlnOuided tongue,
Far on in summers that we shall not see."
"And now, even did wish it other
wise, my address must end. Were | to
describe Il diligcnt student and ingeui-
Gus youth, you would think l meant
Lee, the cadet, at West Point.
Did | picture the promise of youth
fulfilled, and show yOu the sliilitul, Wig
liant and courageous soldier and COM
mander, the gentle and careful and af-
fectionate father, the constant, gener-
Gus friend the upright citizen, you
would think OF Lee. And did 1 describe
Il good and great man, struggling
against adversely and exhibiting all
qualities that adorn and dignity hui
manity, you would still say | meant
none but Lee. Let me leave you with
him and bid you farewell, in the words
of one who lashed falsehood and mean
ness with Il sharp severity, hut whose
love of all that makes youth lovely and
age respected was sincere and con-
stant:n
"Who misses or who wins the prize,
Go lose, or conquer as you can;
But if you fall, or if you rise,
BE each, pray God, gentleman"