The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-03
MESSAGE FROM TIE SOUTH.

monument, were OF were uo5 colnpaLlDl0 Will
truth and history. If they were, there has
obtained widespread error in the North rela-
tive to some of the fundamental principles
upon which the redeemed government is
builded. The drift Of sentiment as shown
by the speeches that were made, was to the
effect that such examples of patriotism and
heroism were never before known in the his
tory Of the world We do not mean to say,
they protested, anything against the valor
and self-sacrifce Of the Union soldier; but we
do claim, without the fear of successful con-
tradiction, that history has never produced,
and can never produce, the peer of the dead
confederate. We do not wish to reflect on
the character of the Union veteran, but the
confederate volunteer was the grandest patriot
that this country has ever known. The hero
SIN of the North may have been considerable
in its way, but the devotion of the South is
without parallel. Those who suffered at
Valley Forge were to be commended, but 'the
old gray coat will be an heirloom in the South
ern cabin when the Continental buff is forgot
ten." We invite you, gentlemen of the
North, to become reconciled; but you will
excuse US if we insist that, for patriotism and
iself-sacrifce the confederate soldier never had
an equal in this country. He it was who gave
up his life that the grandest principles of lib
erty and freedom might be perpetuated. we
do not mean to say anything against the man
who wore the blue, but he who donned the
gray was spotless in his patriotism. We
would not reflect upon the devotion Of the
women Of the North, but we must be allowed
to declare that those of the South per-
formed deeds such as humanity never before
Witnessed. When it comes to honorable acts,
such as commend those who performed them
to the admiration Of the world, we proudly
point to those of the men who took up arms
to divide the Union. 1t may have been
creditable thing to have fought for the integ
rity of the country, but it is not to be COM
pared to the deathless honor that rests upon
him who gave his life in the heroic attempt to
destroy the land founded by the men who
suffered at Valley Forge. Long after the
deeds Of the men Of the Revolution shall have
been lost in the obscurity of comparative in
significance will live and shine the achieve
ments of the confederate soldier. Above all
men Of his age and country he was patriot.
We generously invite the North to concede
that the South was right, and that it fought
to expel an invader and to establish constitu-
tional rights that the North sought to deny
the South. The war is over now, and it is
high time that these things be recognized in
the North as they have been in the South.
When this is done, and when the North con-
sents to write on this monument that it was
mistaken, place for which is reserved, or at
least that the South was right, then will jus
tice be DONE and all will indeed be well. In
this spirit of fellowship and concession the
South confidently appeals to the North realiz-
ing that nothing less will ever satisfy it, and
that it is only fair that these immortal prin-
ciples be recognized as the cornerstone Of the
preserved Union. In this spirit we place the
beloved banner of rebellion in the stone that
shall serve as a memorial to the patriotic rebel
dead. 1t is not their fault that it is not the
recognized standard of distinct nation, indie
pendent of the United States. They periodically
did all they could to rid the land of the Stars
and Stripes We fly that flag. of course, but
you will notice that we do not cheer when it
is given to the breeze, and it finds no place in
the exercises of this great and glorious oc-
casion. The flag that we loved, the banner
banners we reverently give place on the
grave Of those who SO valiantly endeavored to
float it in the armament of nations. Some
day we may be prevailed upon to pay some
tribute to the flag and the soldier of the
Union; but not to-day, day consecrated to
the memory and the honor and glory of the
illustrious and matchless confederate dead.
We cannot consent to allow the thought of
anything less noble to intrude upon our sacred
grief. We wish to be patient with you, and
if possible to forgive you, but this we can do
only on condition that you admit these palpa-
BILE claims. The South bears no malice that
may not be forgotten if you will only let her
have her own way. This has been her pre-
rogative, with one notable exception, and we
would reluctantly forego it, even to the men
who compelled US to in a very brutal and un-
patriotic way. We hope to perpetuate the
principles that have done so much for the
country, and which are so dear to every
Southern heart. This DONE and we will gem