The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-05-11
>MEstoKIAL DAY.-Yesterday was such q
day a: the pious Herbert miaht havesunQ.

sky" After gentle showers about mid
day, the sun came out in the afternoon
in all its splendor, but yelled by passing
clouds. much of its power was abnted,
while the air was tempered by cooling
breezes. 1t was a day for the Indulgence
Of patriotic feeling, for putting away
self and consecrating time and effort to
the Offices of affectionnt" tribute to the
hallowcd dead. It WAS Memorial Day.
The heart Travelled: back II few years, and
took in atrcsh all the noble, thrillingand
affecting events which prepared the way
for IL sal, sad sequel. But hope was
present, too, and the occasion was one
which led the thoughts forward as we'll
as backward. The lesson of duty, in
obedience to which our soldiers died,
receives every year from these pilgrim
ages rich illustrations and fresh incen-
tives 1t would br mistake to suppose
that they merely feed sentiment, anil are
barren of useful and valuable effects.
They are visits to the Mcccas Of patriot
ism, from which we return with renewed
nrdor and inspiration to engage in the
struggles of life, and with brave hearts
10 encounte. its trials.
At . o'clock, the tap of the drum an
nonncel that tho Rifle Club, Captain
Thompson, were on their way to the
cemetery. They were followed by the
citizens generally, in carriages and on
foot. Business WAS partially suspended,
Il. n
flag of the Independent Fire Company
was bordered with Grape and hoisted at
half-mast. The bell Of the Washington
Street Church was heard for the first
time tolling in memory of the departed
heroes.
AT o'clock. n procession was formed
at tho portcrs lodge, in Elmwood Gene
terry, with tho Rifle Club in front, Mrs.
j. L. Darby, Miss l. d. Martin and other
officers of the Ladies' Monumental Asso-
citation: .hen followed several hundred
children, in white dresses and black
sashes: after whicn came the ladies', fol-
lowed by Il large delegation of the
stcrner sex. On passing the Confederate
monument, arms were reversed. Arriv-
ing ut the soldiers lot, the Rides filed
along the South front. guards were
placed, and after n fervent prayer by the
Rev. J. II. Stringfellow, the children,
girls and ladies'. laden with wreaths,
| evcrgreens and other floral ornaments,
entered the enclosure and proceeded to
decorate the mounds Of the hundreds
reposins therein. The grnves in other
portions of the cemetery and in the diff
fcrcnt church-yards had been attended
to previously. Nor were the Federal
dead neglccte,l-the few graves in the
| cemetery found willing hands to deco
rate them. Upon the conclusion Of the
ceremonies, the Rifles reformed, and the
immense throng quietly left the dead to
their repose.
The soldiers lot had been put in per-
feet condition-weeds md grass removed,
mounds arranged and walks put in
order In the centre of the enclosure
was moss-covered temple, trimmed
with evergreens, willie suspended in and
around mere memorial wreaths in great
numbers. Over the gateway was an ivy
| inscribed shield. Honor to the Heroes
who Died for their Country" The North
front exhibited pyramid, covered with
evergreens and moss, and surmounted
by an anchor, CROSS and crown, with
nnmes of the different battle-flelds-
Manassas, Cold Harbor, Gettysburg,
Seven Pines, Sharpsburg, Wilderness,
Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Chancel-
lorsville, Chicamauga, and dozens OF
Others and the inscription, "In Memory
of our Heroes who Sleep in Distant
Graves. On the West was large cross,
on which were the last words Of Stone
wall Jackson, "Lct us pass over the river
and rest under the shade of the trees.
On the East was another cross. and IN
extract from Father Ryan's Sword OF
Robert Lee:
Never haRl drew sword from stain as
| free,
And never sword led Drawer band.
Or Drawer bled for IL brighter land.
Or brighter land had canse so grand,
Or q cause chief like Lee
The base of :he projected monument
to tke Confederate dead, in the centre O
the cemetery. was drapod with Grape
This monument, when completed. viii
be q magnificent one The base Is O
finc!y-cut granite, upon which is to be {
shaft, cmblazonel with tho arms of til,
State. surmountcd by n marble statue
representing Confederate soldier, will
arms at rest. This statue is now beine
worked upon by n prominent sculptor il
Italy. BY means of concerts, tableau,
and general subscriptions, So, 900 have
been paid for this work, and it is hopet
that before next Decoration Bay, the
monument will loom up in oil its beauty
and grandeur.