The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-10-27

ed that we have already entered upon one Of those
political revolutions which never 90 backward, then
ask who gave to any one the authority TO say
20 or whence cones the infallibty which entities
any one to pronounce judgment so Overwhelming
Why may there not be comprehension of what ID
truly polite and what is grandly right SUM
berng in the hearts OF our American people, pee
Die at once so practical and emotional, so capable
of great enterprise and greater magnanlmit5- pat.
rioti,m which is yei to awake and announce Itself
in reputation of all unconstitutional lnvaslons OF
the liberties of the citizens OF any portion OF this
broad Union? When we remember the awful
strain to which the principles OF other constitution
al governments have been subjected in the excite
ment OF revolutionary epocbs, and how, when seem
ingly submerged by the tempest, they have risen
again and reasserted themselves in their original
integrity. why should we despair of seeing the ark
of our liberties again resting on the summit OF the
mount, and hallowed by the benediction OF Him
who said, Behold | do set my bow In the cloud.
And now standing before this statue, and as IN
the living presence OF the man 1t represents, cor
daily endorsing as do the principles OF the po-
litica school in which he was trained, and in de-
| fence of which he died, and unable yet even to
think Of our dead Confederacy without memories
unutterably tender, speak not tor myself, but for
the South. when cay it is our interest, our duty,
and determination to maintain the Union, and to
make every possible contribution to It's prosperity
and glory, if all the States which compose 1t WILL
unite in making it such Union as our fathers
framed, and in enthronlng above 1t, not Cesar
but the Constitution in its old supremacy
| IF ever these States are welded together in one
great fraternal, enduring Union, with one heart
| pusating through the entire frame, as the tides
| throb through the bosom of the sea. it will be
when they all stand on the same level with sHch a
jealous regard for each others rights that when the
interests or honor of one is assailed, all the rest
feeling the wound even as the body feels the pain
inflicted on one of its, members. will kindle with
Just resentment at the outrage, because al injury
done to part is not only wrong but an indieait
offered to the whole. But if that cannot be. then
| | trust the day will never dawn when the South
ern people will add degradation to defeat and
hypocrisy to subjugation by protesting love Tor the
Union which denies to one of their States single
right accorded to Massachusetts, or New York
to such Union we will never be heartily loyal
while that Lfonze hand grasps It's sword, while yon'
der river chant. the requiem Of the sixteen thou
sand Confederate dead who, with Stuart among
them, sleep on the hills Of Hollywood.
| But will not end my Grafton with an antlcipa'
tion so disheartening | cannot so end it, because
look forward to the future with more OF hope
than dependency. believe in the perpetuity OF
republican institutions. far as any work OF man
NAV be said to possess that attribute.
The comp lete emancipation Of our constitutional
liberty must come from other quarters, but we have
our part to perform. one requiring patience, pru-
dence, fortitude, faith.
| A cloud of witnesses encompass u.s. The bronze
| figures on these monuments seem for the nome t
10 be replaced by the spirits of the immortal men
whose names they bear. AS if an angel spoke,
their tones thrill our hearts.
First it is the calm voice of Washington that
We hear. "Of all the dispositions and habits
which lead 10 political prosperity, religion and
! morality are indispensable supports ln vain would
that man claim the tribute OF patriotism who
should labor to subvert these great pillars Of blu.
man happiness, these 6rmest props OF the duties
of men and citizens"
Then Henry's clarion notes arouse us-"L berty!
the greatest of all earthly blessings. give that
precious jewell and you may take all the rest
Then Jefferson speaks-"Feow citizens, it is
proper you should understand what deem the
essential principles of government. Equal and ex.
act Justice to all men OF whatsoever slate or per.
suasion, religious or political The support of
State governments in all their rights the surest
bulwsrks against anti-republcan tendencies. the
preservation of the General Government in its
whole constitutional vigor as the sheet anchor OF
our peace at home and safety abroad the suprema-
cy Of the civil over military authority, the honest
pay ment OF our debts and sacred preservation OF
| the public faith And should we wander from these
principles in moments Of error and alarm, let Us
hasten to retrace our steps, and to regain the road
which alone leads to peace, liberty and safety"
And last, it is Jackson clear ringing tone to
which we listen
What is life without honor. Degradation is
worse than death. We must think of the living
and of those who to after US, and see that
by Gods blessing We transmit to them the freedom
We have enjoyed.
Heaven hear the prayer Of our dead, immortal
| hero