The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-31

not rs Federal or Coniedcrates, but as
children OF one nation and a common
father.
The remarks OF Mr.. Hook concluded the
melancholy yet pleasant services, and the
attendants then dispersed to observe the
decorations placed upon the graves by q
committee OF G.. A. II. members, consist.
ing OF Messrs. w. II. Adams, j. II. Ralston,
and cemetery superintendent, Col Rogers.
These gentlemen had also displayed q
number of United States flags, large and
small, conspicuously about the lovely
grounds. The permanent rostrum was
literally enveloped in the national colors.
But the most touching and beautiful feat.
ure OF the occasion was floral design, the
gift OF southern mothers" II was a star
and crescent filed with the most fragrant
and lovely flowers. The committee had
placed II near tho entrance TO the cemetery,
and every one who entered stopped 10 ex-
anime the gilt and bless the noble hands
and hearts from whom II came. Tears
sprang TO the eyes OF nearly every old vete-
ran Us they gazed upon the lofty monu-
ment over tho grave OF buried bitterness
between the two sections
Memphis post, No. 3, Grand Army oil
the Republic, with It's membership OF men
who did their whole duty in the long
period OF war, deserves unstinted credit
for the initiative step in this happy con
summation. Doubtless the southern
mothers" and Confederatcs were overcome
by surprise and tender emotions when
they were made the recipients OF a floral
offering from 'the late boys In blue" II
was not elaborate, but tasteful in design,
and came from hearts whose every throb
pleaded for united country and q united
people. IL heralded the death OF every
spark OF malice engendered by the des-
pcrate struggle and its everlasting de-
pariurc from any place in decoration or
other ceremonies based upon the war and
It's issues. Whether any Of the gentlemen
Interested In this gift were on hand to
enjoy Confederate memorial day is not
known, but "the boys in gray" and their
lair and davoted sympathizers responded
when the occasion arose. In addition TO
the floral Offering referred 10, there were
representatives OF the late southern cause
TO increase the evidence Of brotherly love
and sympathy. These are the features
which combined 10 make yesterdays me-
mortal services at the National cemetery
a bright and enduring event in tho ma
tons history.
But the expression OF noble sentiments
did not stop here. so rejoiccd were the
ex-Federals over what thoy had seen and
heard, that they instructed TnK APPEAI
10 convey TO tho Southern Mothers" and
their soldiers the assurances that the step
was but ieebly initiative. Were they nj.
lowed 10 dictate or suggest, succeeding
memorial services over the fallen heroes
ON both sides would be jointly conducted,
one In tho morning, the other in the after
noon OF the same day. This was the
unanimous sentiment, for the consuDma.
ton OF which thcy would heartily pray.
With lis coming the day could and would
be universally observed. Business men
would close their houses, the people would
turn out on masse, and the memory oI
those who sacrificed their LIES blood In
the causes which zach brayely and honest.
ly coniendcd for would DO properly per
poiuated.
Tho tribute from Southern Mothers"
was not the only one that struck the Wis
itor and impressed him with the fact that
time and distance do not always bring
forgctlulncss Of the dead. There were
three contributions Of artificial flowers
from 81. Clairsyile, Harrison county, o.,
forwarded with the request that they bo
preserved for future use, in case ciroum-
stances were such that they could not be
renewed from year 10 year. These were
from Mn VIM. II. Duiliold, in memory Of
her brother, member OF Company G,
Forih-third o. V. l.; Misses Allie and
Libbie NJ. Scott, In memory Of their broth
CT, Josiah Riley Scott, Of Company A,
Eghtieih q. V. l., AMI David Lee, OF
Company u, same regiment.
There has been one great drawback 90
the popular observance OF memorial day
at the National cemetery that IL believed
10 have departed forever. Ii has been
more the result Of insufficient transporta-
ton accommodation by the railroad CON-
pany than anything else. That was the
promiscuous mingling Of white and col.
orcd people In the cars, while On route TO
aud from the cemetery. Yesterday thoro
was none Of this, aud no dissatisfaction
whatever expressed by the colorcd people.
On the return trip there were two coaches
provided Tor each class, and the arrange
mcnt was cheeriully observed.
On the whole, memorial services In
Memphis for the year 1855 have been full
Of the brightest and most encouraging in.
cidcnts which give promise Of great no
suits Tor the near future.
a Z -
Two rrral enemlas-Iluadia sara,uariiia