The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-30


unchanged. To call it revolution is gross sole.
cism Iapplausel as sovereigns never rebel, and
as only sovereigns can form national league. II
the States had not been sovereigns there couid
not have been compact OF Union. Applause
That the South did not anticipate, much less de-
sire war, is shown by the absence OF preparation
for it. as well as by the efforts made to secure
peaceful separation. The successful party al
ways hold the defeated responsible for the war,
but when passion shall have subsidized and rea-
son shall have resumed her dominion. it must be
decided that the general government had no con-
stitutional power to coerce State, and that
State had the right to repel invasion. 1t was
national and constitutional right Applause.
From the early part of the century there had
been prophesies and threats of dissolution OF the
Union. These began at the North, on the cues
ton of preserving the balance of power, and cul-
minated, during the war of 1872, on the decline
Of their trade, though the war was waged for the
protection of sectional rights. In the course OF
years the balance of power passed to the North,
and that power was used that the South. de-
spairing of the enjoyment of their constitutional
rights in the Union, decided to withdraw
from it-this without injury to their late assocl-
ates. The right to withdraw was denied, and the
North made ready for war The distinct NUT
terings of the storm were readily understood by
the people of Alabama. Gray haired sires and
beardless boys, all unprepared as they were
went forth to meet the storm e'er it burst upon
their homes and their affairs No Patrick Henry
was needed to prepare them for the alternative of
liberty or death It was the people, not the lead
ers, who resolved and acted. One sentiment in
spired all classes. Yet l believe there we're
very few who did not regret the necessity
which left them no alternative be-
tween fighting for their State or against it
Mothers, wives and daughters, choking back
their sobs cheered them on the road of honor.
With fearless tread these patriots, unframed to
death in the face. For more than century
after his death it is said that Philip Devalogne's
name was borne on the roll of the grenadiers to
whom he belonged, and when his name was
called it was answered from the RANKS. Mort sur
le champ dhonneur.' Long. very long, would
be the list which would contain the names OF
Alabamas sons whose valor and fidelity would
justify athe same response. This monument
will rest upon the land for which they died, and
point upward to the Father who knows the mo-
tves, as we'll as the deeds Of his children, and at
last resting in the land where justice may be
rendered, which may have been denied them
here.
"In conclusion, permit me to say that while the
memory of our glorious past must ever be dear
to us, duty points to the present and the future.
Alabama having resumed her place in the Union,
be it yours to fulfill all the obligations devolving
upon all good citizens seeking to restore the
general government to its pristine purity. and as
best you may to promote the welfare and happ-
ness OF your common country. Long applause.
Citizens OF Alabama and ladies facing the ladies
on the stagel- to whatever side you may be-
long, it is your sex that has been true always in
war and desolation-we hear of the valor. and
virtues, and enduring names of the Spartan
mothers; but tell where In all the histories OF
nations WAS ever such spectacle seen as was
witnessed in the valley of the Shenandoah2
How the tide of war ebbed and flowed! Some
times the confederates retreated and sometimes
they pursued. Those people who claimed to be
our brethren ana burned everything except the
fences"
Ex- Governor Watts Gnterrupting) land they
would have burned them had they not been
made of stone.
Mr.. Davis turned, and smillngly continued
"And why do you suppose they did not burn the
fences2 because they were stone? Loud APP
plause. And yet there never was time when
a confederate brigade of troops marched down
that valley that the ladies did not hang out little
confederate flags from their windows, and give
bread to the hungry soldiers Tremendous ap-
pause l have promised that l would not
speak extemporaneously, and 1 will not do it
God bless you. one and all. love you all from
the bottom of my heart and give you thanks for
your kindness" Tremendous long-continued
applause and cheers.
Governor Watts then turned over the rest of
the proceedings to the Grand Lodge of Masons,
who laid the cornerstone according to M asonic
rites. The first article deposited in the stone
was confederate battle flag by Miss Davis