Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1879-06-21
A Union Soldier after the Riaises,
the Conklings and the Ch0ndlers.

Hon. Mr.. Maginnis, Delegate in Con-
gross from the territory Of Montana, and ubs
entered the Union Army az a private. uss tie
orator on Federal Decoration Day at the Sol
diers Home near Washington. The following
is an extract from his address
"Iet the South mourn iJr hcr fallen sons
garland the graves u Der heroes, and keep
with tears their memory green, IN token oi
that h.ial loye Tor the sunny land. NJ whuf-
bidding they gave up their lives with dcfo-
ton that ntioszed their sincerity ani patriot
ism as pure as that which vafmel sie loyal
hearts that now he cOldly 10 these gayes.-
Let her raise her statues 10 the cLiefiains who
led her hosts, with skill aud bravery, which
honor the American name. All that IL hers,
is ours. by inheritance, by fraterpity-if
some Of you will be cOnqaer0rs-all her glOrics
are parts Of the triumph Of the republic.
Let each keep the record bright, not in
malice but wisdom An experience too costly
10 be lost a light from The past, a beacon Oh
the sea Of time 10 warn the ship Of State from
troacherons shoals A reproach to the states
men Of the past for allowing questions that
might have been settled in peace, 10 ever in-
volye people Of one country, ono Language,
aud ono blood 10 tic awful asouics Of civil
war As a warning to the statesmen Of tbe
future that 20 political difference, no contested
election, no sectional dispute, 10 class griey-
anco is t. be settled except by tie peaceful
methods Of law aud the verdict of free ballot
Asa warning that any class Or section or party
which appeals to violence shall perish beneath
the sword OF The republic from tic face of the
earth.
"Whcn thc soldiers Of ihe North came homo
thcy found Gealy all The places u honor aui
cmolumcnt filed. great parable was made
over them By men who bad prydica by their
efforts. and who were willing H. give them any
subordinate or clerical liinaGion which vas
vacant and was not wanted. But If any Of
the politicians ever vet said 10 the returning
veteran, "liere take my place'-uuder tho
eovcrnmcnt-in Congress, 10 The Cabinet, Jet
the name Of that undiscovered patriot be
brought 10 tie sunlight of fame. Oocasionally
the people forced them 10, but always 20 the
discontinue Of the paceman. Oh. no These
watered their budding aspirations 10 tie blood
of the dead soldier, but uot 10 yield The fruit
10 bis surviving commic. So when tie war
was over they retained their places IN tho
front, TO search the record Of some n0ncomba-
ton. on the other side, and cover bin with
confusion IN tho noisy but safe warfare q
Congressional debate. The conflict that shoul4
have ended on The field is renewed in tue Sen
ate. and such lanTels az revcr wfeathcd tho
hcro's sword bud and blossom on the polti-
clans jaw. 90 shade Of the immortal Fals,aa
confess ihysoll ouidoue in this land Of oufs.-
Thou didfi az least stab and carry oG the dead
body Of Percy while yet warn and bleeding.
Let thy hardened check be sofiened and Thy
brazen brow abashed before the glafiaiors u
our senatorial arena. who knock down and
drag ont the monldcring body Of TIC dead
Conlcderacy ssne fifteen yeaT after tie var"