Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-05-31
me subscription prize OF tha
PUBLIC LEDqER is es per aunum
for Daily, ana 90 per annum for
weekly. POSTAGE FREE.
rHR cRREMoNIRs To-pAY.

NE On4G4ONA1S ~ AA
The decoration Of soldiers graves by
the blue and the gray at ElmwoOd Gene
E,ry on the Gath of May was considered
a notable event in the annals Of the
times aud attracted the attention Of the
press all over the country. An orator
who represented those who wore the blue
remarked that for years some Of the ex-
Federals had gone there quietly on dec
grafton days and scattered flowers on
the graves Of the fallen heroes OF the
Lost Cause. Both sides were fairly
represented on the occasion, both in the
public ceremonies and the immense con-
course of people. Such an event had
never before occurred, although the true
soldiers we're prepared for it as we'll six
or eight years ago, perhaps, as now. 1t
was telegraphed all over the North at
length, and from no quarter have we as
yet seer any unkind criticism. But if
that was something out of the usual way,
what will be said when the C~onfederates
20 as they do to-day to take part in
ceremonies that belong peculiarly to "a,
tioual cemeteties2 Forrest aad Pillow
aud a host Of those who followed them
or other leaders until the surrender will
be there to show by their presence a
proper respect for all Of Valor and prin-
ciple and honor that we're personifed in
those who fell fighting for the Union
cause. They show, too, a high sense Of
reciprocal feeling to the survivors Of that
cause who 90 recently marched with them
under the old Confederate flag and the
stars snd stripes side by side to do honor
to our dead at Elmwood. If the people
of the whole country could behold this
sceGe and fully understand the cordial
relations that prevail between the ex-
soldiers Of the war, even when differing
in politics, they would acknowledge that
perfect entente cordisle prevails. This
is no new love or suddenimpulse. These
men who tried each others steel on the
battlefield met and shook hands in 1866,
and when thrown together have lived as
good neighbors aud friends ever since.
They went quietly TO wssk, and with few
exceptions have had little to say Of the
past. Another class Of men sprang up
and became sgitators. They famed the
passions and preindices Of the late
civil strife and kept the country dis
turbed. The true and earnest men
Of both sides have resolved, even
at this late day, to demonstrate
in q practical way to the world that 9Th
them the war is over, and that true valor
on either side is not at q discount. The
wal was brought on by false teachings
and sisapprehensions. If all the peo-
plerof the Nation couldhRye met face-to
face aud talked over the-diHorences, all
could have been settled without blood.
shed. The evils Of that auife. the heart
burni6gs and p~fejndices can nowhere be
buried better than on such occasions as
this. We have 70 deal with
the living present and refer to
the dead past; not to resurrect its skele-
tons, bat 70 learn lessons Of humanity
and wisdom. There win be sensible
verbs spoken to-day by men whose sin.
ceS:E has nezss been doubted. We lit
tie weigh their importance now or know
what impressions viii be left on the pub.
lie mind. The world will yet credit the
Southern people with sincerity and pa.
triOtism, as wen as heroic qualities. and
il dsyolyes yet upon many who took
part in the late unfortunate struggle "a
assist in working out a better and higher
destiny for the people than has been
dreamed Of in oil these long weary years
- Is