Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1879-05-31
Eloquent and Beautiful Address of
Hon. A A. TAYLOR.

Large ANteEd ce-Qu1etl out InNSreBp
ing Occasion,
EIOqutnt and Beautiful Address Of
Hon. A. A, Taylor.
The graves Of the Federal dead, who
fell in the noble defense of their
country, and whose bones lie resting
under the sod in the National Gene
terry in this city, were decorated yes
terday, according to the beautiful and
honored custom, which is observed
each recurring year, Is merited trib-
ute 70 the sacred memory Of Cur fallen
heroes snd braves. 81 ssI
These occasions, no matter how &ttfs
advertised, and how unostentatioUs,
always serve to eftEses crowds ,af Rea-
pie to the city. This was no exeep-
ton. The visitors gathered in from
al directions by ali means OF convey
anee, until there was quite a large
crowd OF them, though not as many as
have been seen before upon like occa-
sions.
As has been published from time to
time, no formality, procession, or any
thing Of the kind was observed in the
decoration ceremonies. The Floral
Committee prepared their flowers at
the postoffice and cent them out to the
Cemetery. The supply of flowers was
much more mesgre than 1t is want to
be, chiefly on account Of the prevailing
drouth and scoTehing weather. Still
there were enough to strew q small
quantity on eseh grave.
The grounds Presented their usually
neat and well kept appearance, 10 fact
they grow more beautiful year after
vera under the very careful attention
bestowed by the keeper, Sergeant
Thomas Ridge. Miniature flags float
ed from every grave in the grounds. A
valuable addition is under way OF con-
struction near the north corner OF the
cemetery, in the shape of large, conn.,
modious and elegant stand, construct
ed of brick, marble steps, etc. This
wss used for yesterdays ceremonies.
Although the day was wonderfully
oppressive with heat and sunshine, a
large crowd, much larger than was ex-
pected, assem- bled on the ground at ,
o'clock, the hour set for the decora-
lion. The exercises opened with sing
ing by an excellent choir provided for
the occasion, singing to music fur
nished by Prof. John Marshall, on an
organ furnished by Marshall & Co.'s
music house. Rev. r. d. Thomas,
pastar OF the Welsh Church, offered
up an appropriate and feeling prayer.
which was followed by another piece
OF music, and the orator of the day,
Hon. A. A. Taylor, Of Carter county,
was introduced by Capt. W. P. Cham
berlain. Mr.. Taylor was in his hap
piest Of moods, and his address was a
model for elOquence, and appropriate
ness to the occasion. The following
is the address in full:
Once more the blithesome Summer Queen
Smiles er our hills and valleys green
And borne on South-vind's fragrant wings,
Her glories e'sr the glad earth hings.
The wintry waste Of snow and ice
Hath given place 10 Paradise;
And, lOl our Queen, like Eden's fair,
ls mistress OF the earth and air.
All nature feels her magic power.
Expressed in sunshine, dew, and shower,
And forth the unlocked treasure yields
Of leaf, and flower and waving fields.
Her fowery wealth in garlands wove,
Sweet tokens Of undying love,
To-day we place upon each grave,
In memory Of our fallen brave.
In this act we seek to express all
that our hearts can feel of tenderness
and grateful affection for the memory
Of those who gave their lives q willing
sacrifice for the Perpetuity Of our
National existence. To decorate their
graves once 8 year, with choice floral
offerings, has become, at once, s pleas
ing duty and q National custom. This
custom should continue as long as
there remains a devOtee OF American
liberty.
In gathering at their tombs, we
come, not to revive the animOsities Of
the great struggle tba. laid them there,
nor to indulge in bitter thoughts and
who were once enemies, but simply to
do honor TO our deceased soldiers of
the late war and to call forth the pre-
cious memories Of their DECIDE.
To-day we enjoy a priceless heritage
for the Preservation of which
they are now sleeping in the
cold embrace of death. We have q
Countrywide richest and fairest on
earth-made classic by their battles
and sacred by their sleeping dust, a
Government endeared by their love
and devotion, flag made thrice glori-
Gus by their peerless deeds Of valOr,
Union Of States cementsd by their
life-blood and consecrsted by all Of
woe the human heart can suffer. We
can not Overestimate their services nor
Overdraw the picture of sufferings and
hsrdships they endured for US. Have
you ever thought Of what it cost TO be
3 soldier, or attempted to realize the
dreariness, the fluctuations and dangers
Of his dark and stormy life? Are you
rich and surrounded by family and
friends and all that can minister to the
comforts, the pleasures and tastes of
refined and cultured life; when you
walk in your splendid halls and
chambers, upon carpets fresh from
Persian or Belgian looms when you