The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-05-11
>MzMokIAL DAY.-Yesterday was such

sky" After gentle showers about mid
day, the sun came out in the afternoon
in allsi.s spiendor. but veiied by passing
cloudA much of il power wss abated,
while the air was tempered by cooling
breezss. ItSyas aiaay for the Indulgence:
Of patriotic feeling, for putting away
self and consecrating time and effort to
the Offices Of affectionnte tribute to the
hallowed dead. 1t was Memorial Day.
The heart travelled back few years, and
took in afresh all the noble, thrillingand
affecting events which prepared the way
for sad, sad sequel. But hope was
present, too, and the occasion was one
which led the thoughts forward as Welt
rs 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 be mistake to suppose
that they merely feed sentiment, and ore
barren of useful and valuable effects.
They are visits to the Meccas of patriot
ism, from which we return with renewed
ardor and inspiration to engage in the
struggles of life, and with brave hearts
to enconnte. its trials.
At . o'clock, the tap of the drum an
nounced that the 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,
% Sfn Il
flag of the Independent Fire Company
was bordered with Grape and hoisted at
half-mnst. The bell Of the Washington
Street Church was heard for the first
time tolling in memory Of the departed
heroes.
AT q o'clock, procession was formed
at the porters lodge, in Elmwood Come
terry, with the Rifle Club in front, Mrs.
j. Il. Darby, Miss /. D. Martin and other
officers of the Ladies' Monumental Asso-
citation; then followed several hundred
children, in white dresses and black
sashes; nfter when came the Indies, fol-
lowed by q large delegation of the
sterner sex. On passing the Confederate
monument, arms were reversed. Arriy-
ing at the soldiers lot. the Rifles fled
along the South front, guards were
placed, and after fervent prayer by the
Rev. j. H. Stringfellow, the children,
girls and ladies', laden with wreaths,
evergreens and other floral ornaments,
entered the enclosure and proceeded to
decorate the mounds of the hundreds
reposing therein. The graves in other
portions of the cemetery and in the diff
ferent church-yards had been attended
to previously. Nor were the Federal
dead neglected-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. ,5
The soldiers lot had been put in per-
feet condition-weedsa and grass removed, !,
mounds arranged md walks put in
order. In the centre of the enclosure
was moss-coyered temple, trimmed
with evergreens, while suspended in and
around mere memorial wreaths in great
numbers. Over the gateway was On ivy
inscribed shield. "Honor to the Heroes
who Died for their Country. TIE North
front exhibited a pyramid, covered with
evergreen and moss, and surmodnted
by an Anthof, cross and crown. with
nameS Che different battle-f1elds--
Manassas Cola Harbor. Gettysburp.
Seven Pines, ShArpsburg, Wilderness,
Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Chancsl-
lorsville, Chicamaugn; and dozens of
o.hers-and the inscription, ain Memory
of our Heroes who Sleep in Distant
Graves" On the West was q largs GROSS,
on which were the last words Of Stone
WALL jackson, Let us pass over the river
and rest under tho shade Of the trees. "
On the East was another cross, and nm
extract from Father Ryan's Sword of
Robert Lee"
Never hand drew sword from stain as
free, cs:4{ w SSs / Z
And nevor sword led brayer Land, a'
Or braver bled for brighter land,
Or brighter land had cause so grand,
! Or q cause chief like Lee"
The base of the projected monument
to the Confederate dead, in the centre OF
the cemetery, was drapod with Grape.
This monument, when completed, will
be magnificent one. The base is OF
finely-cut granite, upon which is to be q
shaft, emblazoned with the arms of the
State, surmounted by n marble statue,
representing Confederate soldier, with
arms at rest. This statue is now being
worked upon by prominent sculptor in
Italy. BY means of concerts, tableaux
and general subscriptions, $5, 600 have
been paid for this work, and it is hoped
that before next Decoration Bay, the
monument will loom up in oil its beauty
and grandeur.