The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-07-23

PhOG3A 700 "AASh ohCS IVY, ~ AOW CAO0blAR,
we should beware of oyerlookinG the
value Of moral worth. There is some-
thing to be cultivated by our peoIjlc far
more important than physical progress,
without which no national prosperity
can be real or permanent. AS the elo-
Quont Charming has told us: ''rhe great
distinction of people-the only one
worth possessing, and which brings after
1T all other blessings-is the prevalence
of pure spirit among the citizens"
This is the first esscntini of n-countrys
greatness, and in the namo Of common
country's welfare, we should, in these
latter days of worldly progress, all unite
III urging the importance OF cultiyating
and cherishing high moral tone-puritS
rs we'll as force of public character
Before concluding the task assigned
me at this our first reunion, permit mo
to advert briefly to a few features Of our
Confederate struggle, which, have not yet
received the prominence in tho public
estimation to which their Importance en-
titles them. While the military genius
of our generals and tho courage and
dash of our troops are universally con-
ceded, the individuality which pecu-
liarly distinguished the Confederate SOL
dier is general overlooked. 1t has no
parallel on SO grand scale in military
history, and was decidedly the most re-
lnarkable Characteristic Of our armies. 1t
in military circles abroad, if it has not
already caused something of revolution
in tactics. This same individuality,
which changes the battalion from n mere
machine into an aggregate, intelligent,
thinking unit, has been Of late diligently
cultivated in the Prussian system, and is
fully. appreciated by the German COM
manders- The idea no longer prevails,
rs it did formerly, that all independenco
of action in the soldier should be drilled
out of him, for the brilliant Confederate
victories achieved by this individuality
of the rank and flo has taught the world
its value. a. he use Of temporary and
hastily,cops instructed earth-works in the
field; to SIMPLY the deficiency of num-
bcrs,. vas another equally. striking fea-
ture OF our Confederate tactics. Only q
few occasions are reported on which a
similar System had been regularly adopt
ed previously, and its value on an active
campaign had never been duly recog-
nized. Its wonderful success In. the.
campaign from the Wilderness to Peters
burg demonstrated That brave troops,
under skillful leader, can always re-
main in the field against ut least two or
three times their number, and certainly
should not be forced into Notifications
and surrounded. Lee, although vastly
out1umbercd on this campaign, re-
pulsed every attack of his persistent op-
ponent-a single rank of his half-fed,
half-olothed heroes, hurting back re-
peated assaults Of heavy columns; while
in the campaigns of Sedan, Metz and
Paris, armies equal in numbers to those
of the Germans We're actually surround
Il Il 10 II.
sian commanders. Think Of Lee, with
bers, being Surrounded! Impossible. SO
long as a few spades of earth could be
thrown up along the front and the lines
thus almost Indefinitely extended. I
venture the assertion that in defensive
warfare, Lee has never been excelled, if
he has ever had his equal. in the annals
OF the worlds history, and that his brave
veterans behind temporary field works
were more nearly inyincible to an attack
upon their front than was ever any army
of which history gives us IN account
Again, as regards the cause itself for
which our comrades offered up their
lives. We should never admit that it
involved a useless sacrifice. Far other
wise! Every instinct Of honor and of
manhood, upon the facts rs then pre-
oSHtSt, ASQulIcu Iuo cuOTt. we were
overpowered by superior numbers and
resources; butwe did our duty, and good
must ever result from duty faithfully
performed. We have, rt least, recorded
upon the pages Of history, in undying
'coiors Of blood, peoples protest against
interference. in popular governments,
with the constitutional rights Of the mi
nority. It is protest which will be re-
spected, for it was earnest, determined
and grand. We should. ever bear in
mind the distinction between principle
and the issues which may from time to
time be raised in their defence. Princi-
pies are based upon truth, justice and
right, and are, consequently, eternal.
Issues that may be raised and Joined,
under the forms of a principle, are based
upon exRedieency, upon the adopted po-
licy OF the hour, change with circum-
stances, and are, in any event, temporary
and evanescent. Principles are neither
affected by success nor by failure-being