Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-11
0AKWOOD MEMORIAL.
THE ANNUAL DECORATION OF THE SOL
DIsRg GRAVES YESTERDAY.
Address By Rev. DR.. Hoge-Attsndancs OF
the First Virginia Regiment-About
1900 People Present

Yesterday was the time set by the Ladies'
Oakwood Memorial Association for the de-
coration OF the graves Of the sixteen tnou-
sand Confederate heroes who lie under the
sod OF that burying-gronnd, and. though
the weather was for from peasan: or en-
couraging, the zeal OF the noble women who
have done so much to perpetuate the memory
OF those who fell during the late war was not
dampened and the graves were faithfully
decorated.
The tall granite monument was almost
covered with flowers. A large wreath OF
white and red flowers circled gracefully
around the front OF il, framing artistically
the Inscription on that side Around the
base was banked a lot OF white flowers, and
leaves arranged in appropriate emb'ems were
attached TO the four sides near the apex.
ATTENDANCE.
During the day 4 constant stream OF
visitors filed in between the granite columns
OF the gateway, snd towards evening the
Attendance was quite large. The people
crew rather impatient, however, and very
Justly 50, waiting for the military to arrive
and the ceremonies OF the day TO begin, and
great many lcft before either event oc-
Cured.
ikhbMDNlkos
About quarter 10 O'Clock the military
came. and with them a band OF music. The
drum was muiled, and the tune played on
their entrance to the grounds was drge.
like. Five companies OF the regiment (all
except Company q were In line, headed by
several officers OF the regiment, and Lieu
tenant-CoIonel Bidgood In command. BY
the side of the Colonel rode Rev. DIR. Hoge,
-, 80 ft,
DR.. HoGE's LITTLE TALK.
As soon as the troops had been marched
around the Soldiers section and formed in
line in front Of the monument DIR. Hoge ap-
peared and (while Councilman Rowland Hill
held an umbrella over hIm) made his ad-
dress. He began by saying that be had pre-
pared no address, either formal or informal.
He had determined TO wait until he came
and see what the weather was aud what the
circumstances might be before deciding
what he would say. "And now that we are
here" he continued, Il win occupy your
attention and your time for only
four or five minutes. And first
want 10 say that the Confederate army was
made mp OF the best material that ever
marched to music. II was composed OF men
OF the best physique, and men OF the best
character, with more love for their country,
their liberty. and their homes than any body
ot men that ever fought. And they had
noble leaders men who were as great and
celebrated for their picty as for their
bravery. Where were there ever two men
NJ loiticr principles towards God and man
than Lee and Jacksonf and their men loved
them as they deserved
81 do not know OF a more touching Incl
dent than that which happened In the Capt
to when Jackson's remains lay in state
there. lie was there covered with the flow
ers OF spring, and that evening an old soldier
wanted to come in and look at the dead face,
but they did not want him to come in, for
the coffin had just been closed, when he
raised the stump OF an arm and exclaimed
by this mutilted arm, lost in battle, | de-
mand to see The body OF my dead general
And when the Governor beard OF il he COM
PEELED the procession to stop tlll this man
bad viewed the remliDs OF the General.
Eve are gathered here this evening to do
honor to the men who lost their lives In bat.
tie: and to the ladies who sustain the Me-
mortal Association | return sincere thanks
for holding up the recOllectiOns Of the dead
heroes. There is nobody else To look after
them, and we at least owe it to them TO come
oUt here once year and do honor to the
memory hl lNp-t W NUn AZ HtIt pHi ittus lH'N'
places are only marked with small wooden
slabs.
sAnd now, having concluded what
have 40 ,ay. ask YOU all to join reyercuty
aud quietly with Dc in the prayer which |
VIII now Offer"
PRAYER.
The crowd which stood around bowed
their heads, and the reverend speakers voice
va, iiited up to Heaven in fcrvent tones.
SALUTE.
The prayer was followed by salute Of
three yolleys by the military, the shots follow
ing one auoth,rn cchoing succession. Then
some lemonade vas served, FOR the soldier
boys had had long and tiresome march,
About dark they returned to the city.
NOTES.
ON either side OF the soldiers monument
were erected two banners. each bearing an
ON one were the words:
- Weep for the yainly brave" And on the
other: "Forget not the faithful dead"
Tue United Veterans sent a very pretty !
design to Oakwood. and it was used IN deco |
rating the monument.
The grave Of the Chinamln who was !
recently Inferred was visited By many, and |
the humble, lonely grave Of Lillian Madison |
WI, not forgotion. Some kindly hand !
strewed II with white flowers and planted a |
white lilly in bloom at its head.
The cemetery a. been very much improved !
since MPm0uaLDay last year. Keeper |
house and yard have recently |
been enclosed by new fence, and brick !
Office has been built adjoining the house. !
The walks are also much improved.