The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-04-09
A Lesson.

No two living men so impersonate the
sentiments and feelings which found their
source and outgrowth i'll the late war us
Gen. Grant and Jefferson Davis. me
sectional differences were emphasized III
their beliefs and the wide gulf which sep
arated the two sections for long days and
months and years after the close OF nos
tilities, was represented on the one SIDE
or the other by these prominent actors III
the great struggle which resulted IN a re-
united country and the supremacy Of the
constitution and Union. In the harsh con-
flict of parties, the passions engendered
by sectional strife We're perpetuated ana
fierce denGnciations were INDUCED. WITH
no consideration for the fallibility OF all,
whether high or low, and regardless OF the
fieeting days which number human eXls-
tence and the grave which levels all DIS
tinctionS and entombs all lmperleellohS
Approaching death impresses the lesson
of charity, as the ruling grace IN our NOR
al nature, and dwarfs into nothlngness The
ambitions of men, as they are stimulated
. and encouraged under the influences OF
mere worldly appliances and aims. All is
vanity, . is written everywhere upon hu-
man achievements. as well as human pas
sions. but it is not until the shadows
gather around and the light OF this brief
life is about to be shut out that the
full realization OF the lesson is impressed.
At this writing, two noted characters
during the unhappy conflict between the
sections, are passing to the verge OF the
dark valley. The feelings Of the one, i'll
the presence of the grave, are expressed
towards the her, in the following SEN
tence in letter received by President
Grant from Jefferson Davis on Saturday
last IF the prayers and good wishes of
all those in the South who honor and re.
spect Gen. Grant could avail, he would
conuuer the dread antagonist with whom
he is now contending just as triumphantly
as he overcame the antagonists with whom
| he contended years ago." And the broad
humanity of the other found utterance IN
the bulletin dictated by Gen. Grant on the
evening of the same day Gen, Grant
has Just awakened from II short nap, and
expresses himself as feeling very comfort
able. He wishes it stated that he is much
touched and very grateful for the sympa-
thy and interest manifested fol him by his
friends and those who have heretofore not
been regarded as such, He says, i desire
the good will of all. whether heretofore
friends or not.
Life's fitful fever will soon be over witt
both of them-the curtain will fall upon
all of the busy scenes through which they
have passed, and amena the last words
they will have spoken will be the solemn
and silent rebuke that each has given t(
human hates and passions.
Could the lesson impaired be carried
through all the relations of life and 1t!
gentle monition temper the thoughts an'
feelings of those who, in the yigor o
health, are lett to shape and direct the
destiny of the Republic, the folly ant
wickedness of the strifes and hates whicl
mark party contests and party relation
would be made manifest and the couLtr.
be the better that from the opening gray'
influences so benign and far reaching ha'
been evoked.