The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-07-10

come. Although PERHAPS less digniied. you will
allow me. for the sake of simplicity and clearness to
use language OF direct address generation ago you
and we lived together as citizens of one country,
subject to the provisions of Il compact which hal
been made three-quarters Of century before by
1ofefatheGslsalf the result OF successful revolu
non-which We called the constitution of the Unit
ed States. From the beginning that compact or
agreement had been the subec of diverse and di-
yers Interpretations. There came a time when,
IN your Judgment the administration of the affairs
of government organized under that agreement
would not be conducted in accordance with
what you considered fair and just Interpretation.
Could you dissolve partnership and keep share of
the property? This was the question ordinary tri-
bun9ls could not decide You yourselves, as we
thlnk, and as you will doubtless admit, deter
mined tribunal (which should try it
IL was a dread tribu al-the last re-
sort among civilized communities the dernier
resortamonG brethren. tY0u offered the gage of
battle; the offer was caecsepd, the issue joined.
You donned the gray; we put on the blue, and the
place upon which we stand today is one upon which
the great argument in the long contest was made.
and yet think speak words OF truth and sober
W RSss VaSn there that was 50 a S
personal IAN amnesty '' or ~ bitterness Sss or
hate involved i'll the contest My own case is that
which will doubtless illustrate many, many similar
three boys who wore the blue. Her only sister, and
only other child of her father, lived in Virginia
Her three boys wore the gray. They served
in the army OF northern Virginia, and we served,
for the most part, in the army of the Potomac our
deadly shots were aimed at each other in many
W
fronted each other. Did that fact think YOU
oberate the love which those sisters bore to each
other, or that which animated their sons? Nay
verify On our side the war was one
of principles, of abstract Ideas largely. On
your side, we admit with your
views, of what was 10 be expected in the future
your property rights and private interests were
directly involved, and hence the more intense feel
Ing and ardor which you displayed. YOU as
honorable men, have stood by and are bound to
stand by the decision. We, as honorable men,
are bound to see to that that
shall not be called upon to admit more or to prom
Use more, than is involved in the decision. Upon
this platform we meet here today; upon this plat
form We stanfas citizens Of common county. In
standing upon ii we claim no superiority over you;
you admit no nferiority to US.
Captain McCabe, of Virginia, who was to
have responded to Governor Beaver in behalf
of the southern men, was, owing to railroad
delay unable to be present, and General
Hooker, of Mississippi, took his place. AL
though he spoke extemporaneously, his effort
was splendid one. He said in substance that
he did not como here to say anything but he
had been moved by the generous spirit which
extended the invitation to the soldiers of the
gray TO meet those of the blue on this occcas-
ion. When they laid down their arms
with Lee they did it in good faith and came
back III the union to serve it. He did not
know man who wore the gray who did not
rejoice that these monuments were being
erected to the gallant union men who fell here
And as long as memory holds its sway the
heroes of battle fields will start into our minds
and their utterances as they fell will ring
through our ears.