The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-06-11
Years may come and

Libby prison, Apdersonvillc and Salisbury
pens Of infamy will never be forgotten.
need not point to individual cases of
merit or suffering, presented in that last
clash OF arms, which this service calls so
vividly 10 mind. II made men of boys and
heroes of ordinary men. AS a nation from
east TO west, from north to south, we are
not yet done looking at it. The event can
but pass in review for years yet TO come,
as this, that or the other circumstance
breaks a silent seal, causing it to loom up
from the past, showing it to be q. wonder.
full part of our Nations history.
To-day, as we look over the-scene in the
glowing light of twenty-one prosperous
years. thinking of the complete defeat
of the one section, and the grand complete
victory of the other, in which was wiped
out old fossil institutions and heathenish
practices that had thrown their black arms
around the neck of the Goddess of Liberty
claiming that the folds of our Star Spangled
Banner should protect them, or the Temple
of Liberty should fall, and our flag should
be lost in the dust of secession. Seeing
this and witnessing the bringing in of bet
ter things for the whole country, can we
not afford to disarm ourselves, as a people
of that predjudice, hatred and animosity,
which the armed war spirit had a tendency
to call forth and encourage during the
days of active strife. In the physical world
there are elements of atmosphere. combin-
ing substance in form, unseen forces surg
ing here and there, pushing material things
around over which men have no control.
The recent storms of rain, hail and fierce
wind show this most plainly. We must
simply submit to them. In the growth and
development of nations, where the unseen
power of thought is to be wrought out by
the conduct Of men through the science
of policy into human government. There
will be elements, forces and principles at
work pushing men here or there over
which they have little control. We can
only submit to them and wait for their re-
suits 10 be laid at our feet, by the ceaseless
solving powers of time. But is it wisdom?
Is it well for us TO get angry, entertain
hatred and stir up strife with our fellow
men, because we were hustled here or there
and SHAKEN up, rs II by mighty, rushing
whirlwind, completely upsetting and over
tuning long cherished plans of political
economy? l have sometimes thought, now
since this score of years has passed away,
that the marshalled host was drawn UP in
battle array. Is it not possible for us to
rise to that sublime altitude of thought,
where we accord an honesty of intention.
by making an allowance for place of birth,
style of living and education, Of the great
mass who fought on the wrong side, while
from every standpoint we endeavor to
maintain the right and discourage the
wrong, the personal shadows of the past
creep out now and then seeking for lost
cause. 1t will do no harm. The great
patriotic heart beating in loyal sons of the
GA. Rwill hold steady and SO far out. shine
them that they will sink into insignicance,
living only in undying dshonor. But while
we view the past today, the stern fact forces
ie0SiA UpoH uo ohu VIC luC
truth. That some of our greatest men,
best statesmen, ripest scholars in science,
literature and religion, with many of our
most high minded young men, who went
out from us as citizen.soldiers never re.
turned to their homes, families and peace
full walks of life. They fell sacrifice in
the vindication Of their country rights and
preservation of its union. Viewed from
our standpoint today, was the sacrifice too
great? 1t fell heavily upon the Individual
life, but the Nations lfe was preserved by
it.
The day finally dawned when the de.
stroylng angel folded his dark weary war
pinions, and the seiges, battles, marches
and conflict of arms ceased; the camps
broken up and the living boys came march
ing home. The country preserved intact
by the unconditional surrender of the
armed foe, emerged from the fiery ordeal
with freedom established on firmer base
than ever before. With human slavery
killed and the rights of man most honora-
bly, vindicate6. Was the offering too
great? The events that no man could
seem to control made the demand 1t was
willingly and cheerfully met, and in the
light of united country, the grand and
glorious results attained. Who shall say
the sacrifice was too great? We blend our
sympathies in these memorial services on
the broad universal claim of humantys
sake. These were our brothers, sons of our
common father. There should be com.
mon sympathy for all human suffering.
And by virtue of this created relation we
should feel for each other in distress, af-
Fiction and sorrow. No deeper trouble,
than death brings, ever drops into our
midst.
These departed ones were our servants.
because they served our country. Men
are respected, honored and remembered
for what they do and say, and for that are
they likewise condemned and dishonored.
Respect, honor and praise. ever is and