Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-07-23
THE ERA OF GOOD FEELING.

ward University, Cambridge, Mass, Maj. Gen.
Devens, Grand Commander of the Army of
the Potomac, presiding, Maj. Gen. W. F.
Bartlett, of the class of 1852, chief marshal
of the day, delivered the speech which is SUBJ
joined. Gen. Bartlett commanded the terri
BILE assault on the mine before Petersburg,
Va, and lost a leg at Port Hudson. He is
justly regarded at the North as man of high
worth. Two years ago he went into the Gin
cinnati movement saying, 81 believe in ad-
ministrations which are above suspicion, not
those which are above investigation" As he
rose to speak, leaning on his crutch, the mere
wreck Of man, he was greeted with hearty
enthusiasm. He said
Mr.. President-The first meeting of the
alumni around the table in this hall, which
we yesterday dedicated to the memory of our
brothers, is one of no common interest to US ;
and think speak for all their comrades in
arms when l say that the thoughtfulness
which assigns to US the honorable duties of
this day is recognized and appreciated. The
day is not without sadness as we read the be-
loved names on those marble tablets, and yet
not without gladness as we reflect that what
ever change of fortune may come to us as the
years roll on, their fame is secure-immuta-
ble-immortal. We shall grow old and wear
out, but they will always keep for us their
glorious, spotless youth. I was glad to hear
from the lips of your distinguished orator yes
terday such testimony to the absence Of nat
ural bitterness among the mass of the people
at the South that it was due in great part 10
the energetic cultivation of hot Drained leaders
for selfish ends. I think that the natural in
stinct of the people everywhere is toward
peace and good will, and were it never thwart-
ed by party intrigue, we should be much near
er to perfect union, such as these men fought
for, than we are to-day. The occasional fire.
brands thrown in the path of reconciliation
are from the hands of those who, while the
battle lasted, sought "bomb proof positions
in the rear, and they no more represent the
lighting men of the South than the plumber
ing politicians who have spoiled them repre-
sent the true hearts at the North. | firmly
believe that when the gallant men of Lees
Army surrendered at Appomattox (touched
by the delicate generosity of Grant, who,
obeying the dictates of his own honest heart,
showed no less magnanimity than political sa-
gacity,) they followed the example of their
heroic chief and with their arms laid down
forever their disloyalty to the Union. Take
care, then, lest you impel by injustice or sus-
pician, or even by Indifference, the returning
love Of men who now speak with pride of that
flag as "our flag" 1t was to make this.
happy, reinited country, where every man
should be in reality free and equal before the
law, that our comrades fought, our brothers
fell. They died not to defend the Northern
capital, or preserve those marble halls where
the polished statesmen of the period conduct
their digni6ed debates! They died for their
country-for the South no less than the North.
And the Southern youth in the days to come,
will see this, and as he stands in those hal
lowed halls and reads those names, realizing
the grandeur and power of country which,
thanks to them, is still his, will exclaim /:
"rhese men fought for my salvation as we'll
as for their own. They died not merely to
preserve the unity of nation, but the desti-
nation Of continent"
Thespeech was warmly y applauded through
out, and at the close, the entire company, of
nearly seven hundred persons, rose to their
feet and gave three rousing cheers. That
leading Republican paper, the Boston Adver-
tiser, in noticing the occasion, remarks:
Rarely do the alumni of any college hear
an address more eloquent, feeling and appro-
pirate to the occasion than that which fell
from the lips of Judge Devens, and the ad-
dresses that followed we're fully in keeping.
But it was reserved for Gen. Bartlett to stir
the hearts of the audience with his noble
words of honor and respect for his ancient
foes, and the enthusiastic cheers which greeted
them showed we'll how true they we're.