The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-06-29
GRAFTON OF HON. JOHN v. DANIEL,
A Beautiful Tribute to the South
ern Hero, with Truthful Testi-
monials to Other Con-
federate Leaders.
AFITTING FINALE TO THE DAY.
Etc, Etc, Etc.

Yesterday was another eventful day in
the history OF Lexington. To the memo
ries Of that quiet Virginia town, so full Of
"reminiscences, was added another which
shall make it more than ever ca Mecca to
which not only Virginians but the people
of the whole South will turn in heart in pay
ing tribute and doing honor to patriotism.
Since the day when old DR.. Graham,
riding home from Presbytery, concluded,
like another Muhlenberg, that there was
time to preach and time to fight, and
donning the Continental blue, marched his
Liberty-Eall school-bOys against the Bri-
fish, to the present time, Lexington has
been indissolubly associated with the most
stirring epochs and the most cherished
names in Virginia's annals. The buildings
of Washington and Lee University are mon
uments to the liberalty OF Washington; Of
John Robinson, the patriot soldier; OF Light
horse Harry Lee, and of the Society Of The
Cincinnati. Near Lexington it was that
Washington proposed to make stand If
driven from the low country. From the
Virginia Military Institute in 1861 Thomas
Jonathan Jackson, at the head OF the Corps
of Cadets Of that institution, which furnish
ed so many officers to the Confederate Gov
eminent, went forth to gain Sobriquet that
for all time shall be a synonym OF military
yalor and genius. From the college halls
marched out another company Of " Liberty.
Hall Volunteers" many Of them descend
ants OF the boys who nearly hundred
years previous had followed good old DR.
Graham. Here in MAY, 1868, all that wai
mortal Of Stonewall Jackson was laid t.
rest mid the tears Of nation; and her
seven years later, and after five years of tn
noblest work Of his life, wherein he grand,
demonstrated that
"Peace hath her victories
No less renowned than war;"
General Robert l.. Lee, The IDOL OF th
South. died and was buried. Until II
Gently but simple marble slab in the foo
of the basement OF the University chap
has marked the grave Of Lee, but yeste
day the work OF years OF love and patriot
devotion was consummated, and how thel
rises above his remains a monument whiC
for sculptural beauty and expressivcne
is worthy OF his great name and fame
Il be within the province OF the sculptor
art to reach that height. Yesterday, amid
salyos of artillery, preceded by solem
and appropriate religious service, and Il
supreme effort OF one of Virginia
greatest orators, Valentines recur
bent figure Of the Great Chieftain W,
unveiled in the mausoleum annexed
the University chapel. The scene W;
such as was never witnessed in Lexineto
before, and will never be witnessed the,
again; and the gathering was one of Il
most notable that has ever taken place
The South. Churchmen of every fait
statesmen, soldiers, professional men, me
Chants, students, stately matrons and IA
maidens, from all over the southern Ian
Were there by hundreds and thousands
do homage TO the occasion, and in the va
throng there were not q few who duriu
the days that tried mems souls were ARA
ed In prominent positions against u
calse for which Lee fought, anxious
testify their yeneration Of his character
gentleman. soldier, and Christian. To-da,
before this Is seen by Our readers, Lexin.
ton will have sunk into its wonted quiet
and whether or not the spirit OF matters
progress shall wake it in the near future
Is predicted, and the mountains that SUI
round II shall echo the hum Of large manu-
factories, the first thought Of visitors 10
must ever be:
"Let us satisfy our eyes
With the memorials and The things OF fame
That do ren0wn this city"