Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-06-10

and will continue to live. for truth cannot die.
1t is philosophical truth that even matter
cannot be destroyed, much less truth. Matter
is changed, but not even on atom has ever
been, or ever Will be, destroyed. II the prin-
ciple for which our soldiers sacrificed their
lives be lost, then we have nothing to vener-
ate, and the monument would be monu-
ment of folly. As we lay the cornerstone of
the monument, SO we should lay the founda-
ton of character upon a solid basis. Charac-
ter must be tested as by fire. We have trials
every day, but there are crises in which the
character is put to the crucial test. We should
answer for the truth that is in US. The speak
er maintained that there was no suoh thing
as absolute truth in the physical sciences-that
all such truths were arrived at by induction,
and that there was always something left. so
that they could not be considered absolute and
necessary truths. He referred to the great
laws of nature as discovered by Calico, KEEP
Ter. Newton, and others, and said that whilst
they were great and important truths. they
were not absolute truths-that even mathema-
tica] truths were not absolute-and said that
the kingdom OF absolute truth was in the con-
seriousness. We should ever be In quest OF the
truth, that is only found along the highway
of thought and labor, Truth should be in
scribed on the banners of the South. and idle
ness should be made odious. Even genius can
not afford to be idle. We should live up to the
truth. and follow in the path Of duty which is
always path of trial and self-sacri1ce.
In the course Of his address he spoke in the
strongest terms of condemnation OF novel
reading, and depicted in most forcfble man
ner the evils which result from the reading OF
such novels as are at this time issued in great
numbers from the press--showing how they
weaken the Intellect and poison the moral
nature, and demoralize society.
1t was the devotion to principle that made
the pass at Thermopyla immortal; it was
that, that made Charlottesville specially
memorable, as there it was that Stonewall
Jackson fell; and his own town Of Lexington
has a more honored place in history than it
would otherwise have had, inasmuch as it is
there that repose the hallowed ashes of Stone
wall Jackson and Robert e Lee.
Col. Lyell concluded his address by reciting
in good style an appropriate and eloquent
piece OF poetry.
We have not attempted to give report OF
the admirable addresses delivered on this oc-
casion, for we had neither the time nor the
space to do that and feel like apologizipg
for giving such an imperfect sketch,
which we have done with the view of giving
those who were not present some faint out
line of the thoughts presented. without at
tempting to give the language in which they
were expressed.
At the conclusion of Col. Lyells address, the
procession was reformed and returned to the
city, after which the Stonewal1 Band and the
Staunton Artillery marched to the Federal
Cemetery, which is about a mile from the city,
in the opposite direction from the Confederate
Cemetery. The Band played several dirges,
and the Artillery fired salute-3S rounds
after which Mr.. w. H. II. Lynn, of this city,
delivered brief, but eloquent address.
AUGUSTA MEMORIAL AssoCIATIoN.-The
Augusta Memorial Association. Capt. G. B.
Coiner, President, in the chair. held meeting
in the Council Chamber Tuesday afternoon.
The proceedings of the last meetiag were read
by the Secretary, Mr.. Newton Argenbright'
and approved.
Joseph E. Rollins, ESQ.,, Treasurer of the As
ISOLATION, presented his report. which shows
the sum on hand and available from all sour
ces, S2541 80.
Col. ]. D. Lilley, Chairman of the Monumen-
tai Committee, submitted his report of the
progress made in soliciting funds and the work
assigned the Committee.
On motion of Capt. G. Julian Pratt, the Asso-
citation passed a resolution of thanks to Rev.
DIR. Repass, Rev. Mr.. Strider. Col. Lyell, and
the Slonewall Brigade Band for their services
in the proceedings of the day.
All the former officers wers unanimously re-
elected for the ensuing term, including the
Secretary, Mr.. Argenbright, and Treasurer, Mr..
Rollins.
DIR. Carter Berkeley, Capt. ]. G. Marquis, Capt,
Lewis Hartman, Col. W. L. Bumgardner, and
Capt. James N. Mcfarland were appointed the
Executive Committee.
On motion. the Monumental Com mfttee, OF
which Col. John D. Lilley is Chairman, and that
served last year, was continued.
On motion of Capt. Hartman, the Monumen-
tai Committee was directed to advertise for
plans and specifications for a monument
which can be erected for sum not exceeding
So; 5OO
On motion. the Association adjourned
CHICKENS WILL. DIE unless YOU feed