The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-06-20
= =. y ( 77'l'l---..l--777
AT THE CEMETERY.

Passing through the gate, which busy
fingers had beantitied, the procession moved
to the summit of the hill, covering which
are the. graves of the soldiers. The grass had
been newly mown and its fragrant perfume
seemed like holy incense. Upon each Of the
iron post was a wreath of evergreen, whilst
IN the centre OF the plot the large stone to
the ssUnknown Dead" rose like an altar
upon which the choicest gifts OF Flora were
lavished with unrestrained prodgality. 1t
was exquisitely decorated, and surmounted
by cross and floral tiara of 1arest beauty.
The Speakers stand had also been an OBJ
ject of special labor and taste, and both in
the design and execution of the decorations
was telling tribute to those whose work it
was. The military formed around the
tiNery and infantry, maidens clad in pure
whites followed by attendants bearing
baskets Of bouquets, strewed the mounds OF
tine dead soldiers, depositing upon each fresh
and lovely flowers.
AT twelve o'clSsk an impressive and fer
vent prayer was Made by the Rev. Mr..
Booker, of the Second resby terian Church,
and Col. Jas. II. Skinner, President of the
Memorial Association. Introduced Prof.
Hoover, who as orator of the day, delivered
short
ADDRESS
admirably adapted to the occasion, and SWell
calculated to rivet the attention Of the an
dience. We have only room for the closing
paragraphs, which should be read by and
impressed upon the people of every commu-
nifty
But, my friends, can we pay the deep
debt of gratitude, due the Confederate dead,
with flowers alone Where are their dead
ones to-day? Does the widow, or orphan,
or mutilated or distressed comrade wander
| up and down the land homeless. penniless,
| and friendless? II so, the debt has not been
| paid. Has one OF these been turned from
our doors unaided and uncheered? Can it
be that we have spent thousands in grand
parade over the dead, and have shut our
hearts and our hands to those in distress who
were so dear to them.
Never, neuer, let this be truly said OF Viz
ginians. 10 be thus untrue to those who
own manhood and to cast the first blot on
the fair fame of our mother State, which,
whether in the field or the forum. has grown
ever brighter, ever parer, with the growing
| years, until to-day the name OF pvginldn is
the proudest birth right in all this WIDE,
beautiful world.
Mr.. Hoover was followed by Col. Skinner,
who after some appropriate and well-timed
remarks, made an appeal for more funds for
the use of the Association. Only 81, 900 was
yet wanted, said the Speaker, to enable the
Association to derive sufficient amount an
nually to fully meet the demands made upon
it, and improve each year the already lovely
spot where the soldiers rest. He asked the
ladies of the City and County to make just
one more effort.
After the speeches and salutes, the pro-
cession re formed and marched to the
Grange Hall.
Many of the private lots in the Cemetery
received rich share of the floral shower.
Particularly noticeable was the grave of Sar-
geant Funkhouser, OF the old W. A. G.,
above which affectionate hands had erected
beautiful bell Of flowers and evergreen.
It was the handsomest private decoration on
the ground, though scarcely less so was that
OF the monument at the grave of the gallant
1t. Woodward, which was completely covered
with flowers. Many of the other graves were
hidden beneath wealth of blossoms, con-
spicuous among which were the sarcophagus
of Col. Baldwin, and the graves of Gen1 W.
H., Col. NJ. G., 1t. Thomas and Major Jno.
A. Hartman. There were many others equal
ly as beautiful, and scarcely one upon which
the June roses were not laid.
AFTER THE PARADE.
Upon the return Of the procession, the mill
tary were taken to the Grange Hall, where
the arms were stacked and the companies
escorted to the W. A. G. ,Armcry. There
great tubs of delicious beverages awaited
them, and after the hot dusty walk it need
ed no second bidding to induce them to par
take. After refreshments, the soldiers re-
paired to the Hotels to enjoy the sumptuous
repast that had been prepared for them. At
the Virginia Hotel, the liberal-hearted and
enterprising Proprietor, Mr.. Jno. D. Crowle,
entertained at his own expense the entire
Company from Harrlsouburg, ana instructed
the bar, billiard and cigar keepers about the
Hotel to give all of the military every thing
they wanted free. AT the American Hotel,
the Proprietor, Mr.. Cartmell, showed the
same lberality, and, indeed, every thing to
cat drink, smoke and amuse, in every por.
ton of the town, was given by our generous
citizens without charge.
In the meantime the bands had not been
neglected. As special guests Of the Stone
the parade was over, and after first deposit
ing their instruments in the Band Hall,
which was exquisitely decorated, were
marched into an adjacent room, where were
long tables of delicious refreshments, to
which the tired and thirsty musicians did
ample justice. Shortly afterwards they
were taken to the Miller House and served
with splendid dinner.
In the evening, they were again invited
to the Band Hall, to enjoy concert given
by their Staunton brethren, and were treat
ed toas fine music as ever walked the echoes
OF the Valley.
l. After the concert the musicians and mill
tary were treated and toasted until the train
for the Valley, ut 8 o'clock, started home-
ward, when the companies from below were
escorted to the depot and bid farewell.
The companies from Danville and Lynch
burg, remained until about IL o'clock, and
after dark the streets were Illuminated with
calcium lights, and the glare of the fire works
and report of crackers, was seen and heard
from every quarter. In the full blaze of the
wierd calcium light. the flags and decora-
tions were beautiful. while the flash on the
brass buttons and bright coats OF the military
made picture OF surprising attractiveness.
When the express arrived, the military
bid adieu, and ere long the town was quiet
after the most exciting day it has known for
years.
1t is gratifying to note that there was not
single occurrence to mar the pleasure Of
the day. The weather was superb, and
| bo,x, ~ Ro tr,o