Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-01-19
Robert f. Lee.

The peOple ofthe South will celebrate the
seventy-eIghth anniversary Of the birth Of
Gen. Robert Z. Lee to-day. Although more
than "a years have gone by since his spirit
passed from earth, his loved and loving
people still cherish the memory Of his no
bic character and heroic deeds. and while
this day is celebrated with fitting cere-
monies hundreds Of thousands venerate
his name and proclaim his virtues.
Gen. Lee belonged to a family which
was conspicuous in the great events
which go TO constitute the history Of
America Tor two hundred years. He was
fitted by birth, training, associations and
education to take prominent part in the
dOings OF his day, and almost the whole
Of his life was devoted to the service OF
his country. The story OF his career is in
almost every household.
Not only is the name Of Lee loved and
honored by those who were with him in
the struggle for the Lost Cause, but also
by those who were his enemies IN that
struggle, and by enlightened people in
every part Of the world. His claims to
greatness cannot be disputed, and his
virtues as a man. and his achievements as
a leader Of men. are fndellibly recorded in
the pages of history.
While Gen. Lee possessed genius Of a
high order. he was not what is distinctive
~ known as a genius. His reputation rests
on higher grounds, or as a biographer eX-
presses 1t ION a certain combination,
just admixtUre of qualities, perfect bal
alce Of character at once rare and adj
mirable."
His military career was highly hOnOra-
| bic throughout. II was distinguished
/ by great gallantry in the Mexican war,
and eliminated amid the historic
[ triumphs and defeats of the war between
/ the states. The Southern people are
Justly proud Of the campaigns Of Lee,
/ but they veuerate him not so much for
/ his prOwess IN war as for his character
/ as a man. that true nobility of soul which
made him at once a Christian, patriot
I and hero-and these are the qualities
/ that gained for him the admiration and
i respect II his enemies.
/ The study Of the character Of Robert f.
/ Lee is a fruitful one. He was remarkable
I f1r his devotion to duty in whatever
4 sphere ~ life he was called upon to act.
I As a son he was aft cti0nate and obedient.
/ As "a student he was respectful ana duti-
I full. As an engineer he was dlligent and
T faithful. As subordinate officer he was
| i'm the highest degree trustworthy and re-
liable. and as a leader he was kind and
considerable of the feelings and welfare Of
| those under him. He was a tender, low
| inc husband and father, an earnest, true
hearted citizen. gallant and peerless
I soldier. Above all these was his Christian
/ character. which makes his name dOubly
dear 70 all who bow in true humility, as
| he did. before the Creator and the Re
| deemer Ct men.
Robert L. Lee was singularly free from
that ambition which seeks mere personal
ends. He looked upon command as a
/ duty 10 be undertaken and performed,
and not as place to be sought on ac-
\ count of its hOnOrs and rewards and the
! power it carried with it. He was man
/ of great moral and physical courage,
/ aud truly can it be said of him that he
was "withOut fear and withOutreprOach."
/ It is useless to draw. parallels or make
| comparisons between Lee and other great
I chiefIains OF the past or present. He
/ occupies a place distinctiyely his own.
/ He was the ideal Southern leader. His
I fame Is undimmed by petty jealousies or
I political contentious. He passed through
/ the ordeals of peace and war, prosperity
and poverty, Of eXaltatiOn and humilia-
/ ton. and his character came out as pure
gold from the refner's fire. Everywhere
and at all times lie was the embodiment
! of gentleness. dignity and moral grand
/ eur. The South does well to honor his
name, for he was the typical hero Of the
/ Lost Cause.