The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-06-24
BnnkAr Hill:

= . = !; =; : !: :. = =
Bunker Hill ~s
Tile celebration Of the ccntennial Of the bat.
tie Of bunker Hill, on tic l7tii Inst, was no
less manifestation Of tlit generous hospitality
81 the people Of BostoA and Massachusetts,,
than It Was siittinte o,ttburst Of national pa
tfietism, and desotten to the liberty achieved
by the suffering and blood Of our forefathers.
A nitltits de Of $50, 900 people participated In
the demonstration, making \ procession ten
miles long, animated by a glow and fervor Of
feeling that was the natural outgrowth of genu-
Inc gratitude for the blessings that the conflict
between 1880 unframed and untried provin-
cials and 1000 regular British troops, was the
initial act in comsummating. Representatives
from every portion OF tile Union were present,
and the most significant and expressive DEM
onstration was the warmth Of cordially shown
III greeting the organizations from Maryland,
Virginia, and South Carolina. Not 4 word or
sentiment was expressed to which the most
sensitive Southerner could except. The mem
ton Of the name Of Lee, OF which Gen. Fitx-
hugh Lee was the representative, was received
with the widest and msst earnest manifesto
ton of respect and friendship. There seemed
to be all utter fcrgetfusness Of the embittered
sectional feeling and sentimen: that had cul-
minated in civil war, and the cordial greeting
given by the Federal to tue Confederate SOL
d5ers was agreeably Indicative Of an era Of fra
ternal regard and respect.
So far as the surface indications expressed
the sentiments Of the representatives Of the
more generous and fraternal feeling, or the
exhibition Of more exalted devotion to the I'M
ion Of the States and the principles that cement
it. This was the more agreeable because it
was not in harmony with the action Of the
great majority OF the men from the South who
participated in the celebration. Heretofore, it
has been the fate Of those who have presented
and advocated the very sentiment that constlt,l-
ted the central thought of the Bunker Hill
Centennial-a broad nationality-a fors etful-
ness Of the animosities and acsrbities OF the
past-the recognition of the oneness and indi.
visibility Of the Unisn-and the great princi-
pie OF human freedom that underlies our GOV
erEmental fabric-to be denounced as traitors
to their scetion, and unfit for public recogni-
ton or trust.
n great work Will have been accomplished
Dol the South, it the patriotic gush Of the South
at Boston on the 18th, shall grow int home
Notwithstanding the spirit and language
Of men OF all parties and both races, in the
ATTITUDES where prescription has been the rule
and friendly recognition the exception.
We are still apprehensive that many who at
tended from the South were governed by mo-
tives anything brit akin to the unselfish patriot
fsm and pride OF country that suggested the
invitation and celebration. Partizan dema
gogues and time-servers, who subordinate ev
'erything to the inercenary ends Of self, were
there from Virginia, and when such politica
weather-work as Gilbert C. Walker, is fount
'uttering sentiments of national fervor and kin
ship. we are led to the conclusion that it wa
more for the attainment Of party benefits, thar
nhc cultivation Of national affection, that many
sof them were there. We shall certainly b,
;agrceably surprised If the elevating influenc,
OF tie association OIL the 18th inst, shall hav
the effect to change the character of politica
contests in the South hereafter, and inspir
respect for those who have proclaimed the sen
timent Of national determination so happil,
exhibited at Boston. We must confess that W.
feel supreme contempt for some Of the mar
row and spiteful creatures who wormed them
:selyes into company so respectful and consc
equently uncongenial. And willie we should
hail as the bright harbiager Of peace and good
will to the entire country and of prosperity es
peeially to the South, the practical adoption Of
tthe sentiment that pervaded at the centennial,
we are fearful that the lesson will soon be for.
gotten, and that another political contest will
'bc,characterized by the same malgn and dew
iffishsectionalism that has heretofore sent its
SHIFTS OF poisoned SANDER against those who
A'sve taken a stand for the 'Unien, the Consti-
tuition and enforcement OF the Laws"
4sse Shenandoah Democrat Of this week. re-
.eurs to the Printing Of Records" fer thu
Court of Appeals at Staunton, and devotcs 8
column and half to the subject. The poin
in the whole matter seems to be that tn,