The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-09-15
THE MASS.
It has been the yearly custom OF the mem
bers of the First Regiment

1t has been the yearly custom OF the mem
bers of the First Regiment
LOUISIANA FIELD ARTILLERY
to attend grand requiem mass celebrated for
the repose of the souls OF the cherished dead,
not only for those heroes who fell while
battling in defense Of the peoples rights and
liberties on the memorable fourteenth of Sep
tember, 1874, but also for those who, having
but their services on that day, have since then
dropped in .life's weary waning"
AS the years increase this list will lengthen,
for
TO the past 60 N ore dead faces.
As the loved leave vacant places.
Every year;
Everywhere the sad eyes meet US;
In the evenings dusk they greet US.
And to come to them entreat US.
Every year.
AS the rusty tongue OF Time, In solemn
tones, from the lofty sptre Of the Cathed raj,
WAS telling upon the ear OF morning the
grand and impressive ceremony began.
The marble floors OF the Cathedral
resounding to the tread of soldiers, an
immense and flutterng crowd throng-
ing the aisles and galleries: eyes with
passion glanelng gay H. and nd hashlng u uni
of the civilian; the gray and vapory incense
curling around the priests. clad In the mourn
ing vestments Of the Church Of Rome; the
voice of the ceebrant, as he chantad that
moving hymn, "DOna els pacem,' In tones
saddened by emotion and earnest in supplica-
tion; the swelling strains Of the organ blend
ing with the clear and sympathetic voices Of
the choir, filling the air with music; the sill
very tinkltng of the little bell, re-echoed by
the deep boom of cannon-all distinct, all
combined, all magnificent presented such q,
spectacle as would move the soul OF the most
callous.
Surrounded by his ''old STAFF In the chan
eel sat. Gen. Fred. N. Ogden. Gov Nichols
GOV. GOV ' John McEnery, b. 3. b. Penn Albert
Voorhees, and clustered near them were sew
eral Of the old officers Of the White League
Mingled with the crowd we noticed the IA
mi!iar faces OF several OF our most distin-
ious creed, had locked to pay homage to
worth and valor. thus showing that though
for the heroes who fell no monument pleads
to remembrance, their recollection i5 fenderly
enshrined In the grateful hearts Of their peo-
plea recollection which even Times ella
cling fingers can never sweep away.
AS we gazed upon this magnificent picture
which lay before US, we ceased to think for
awhile OF the present, aud memory, revisit
ing the scenes OF the past dwelis IN sadness
on those days when the men for whom so
many throbbing hearts were then praying
had shared with us our moments OF bOylSh
happiness and Of professional pleasures.
Rev. Father Chabrier, awho ,officlated, de-
sermons which only find their source In true
religion and enthusiastic faith. We regret
that our space should not permit Its repro
duction In full In these columns.
The Cannoneers Of Donaldson, with the
Louisiana Field Artillery, followed the cere-
monies according to the military ritual with
remarkable ensemble and precision, and when,
at the elevation Of the Host the whole COM
mand simultaneously bent knee to the
ground at a present arms, and the loud
dered In response to the tinkle Of the bell at
the altar, it was indeed an impressive and
solemn scene, teaching the wholesome lesson
that the might Of men never appears stronger
than when bowling before the eternal majesty
of God