Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1889-08-23
Gordon to the Veterans.

Governor John B. Gordon delivered an
address before the Confederate veterans in
the capital at Atlanta, Ca, last week,
which on account of its broad and pa
triotic tenor and fine sentiments, we re-
print below. These excellent sentiments
of brave soldier form happy contrast
with the Incorporate and harmful utter
ances of such men as Rosser. The GOV
ernor said:
MY Comrades-brothers of the once invinc-
BILE and still immortal Confederate Army: 1t
is fortunate for both you and myself that but
few words are expected Of me Tonight; for
while my heart is full and my brain Is thr"bbing
with thought nt the present, memories oi the
past and suggestions for the untritd future, aud
extended remarks by hIe would DE altogel ner
unseemly. 1t is still more fortunate for you that
others are to speak. for the wealth of their ut
terances will in some measure compensate, |
trust, for the poverty of mine. i viii not at
tempt to describe the feelings that thrill me on
meeting for the first time convention of Con
federates gathered from all portions of our State.
You must know. my brethern, that to hold a
place in your confidence and affection is both
needful as daily bread to my physical man. Nor
will l attempt to describe the heartiness and
completeness of the welcome accorded you for
| each and all of you must know that there is
not an acre of Georgia's soil that will not be
honored by the tread of your soldier feet, and
not home in her borders but would be made
brighter and happier by claiming You guest
ut Is hitting, perhape, that your State organi-
Zation should have been effected in this ca apital
city. Not solely because 1t is the capital of your
State. but because OF the memories that cluster
around 1t, and because its battle-furrowed and
battle -hailowed hills will remain q Mt memorial
of your peerless valor so long as martial valor
is honorsd by men these everlasting hills
shall endure. rejoice that q State organization
Too long neglected. is at last perfected. Ii is a
brotherhood which all honorable men must ap.
prove and which Heaven itself will bless.
ut is political in no sense except 50 far as the
word political" is a synonym for the word pa
triotic." 1t is a brotherhood over which the
genius of philanthropy. of patriotism. Of truth
and OF Justice will presde-of philanthropy, be-
cause II will succor the disabled. help the needy
| strengthen the weak and cheer the disconsolate;
of patriotism. because 1t will cherish the past
glories OF the dead Confederacy and trausmute
them into inspirations for future services to the
iSihS itpaohC. Vi DtSausC IL eeh
to gather and preserve as witnesses for history
unimpeachable facts which shall doom false
hood to die that tIuth may live. OF Justice be-
cause 1t will cultivate national as well as South
ern fraternity. and will conde mn narrow m nd.
edness and prejudice and passion. and cultivate
that. broader. higher. nobier sentiment which
would write on the grave Of every soldier who
fell on either side. Here lies hero-a martyr
| to the right as his conscience conceived It..
| Il esteem 1t high privilege 10 have my name
enrolled with such q brotherhood. My heart
desire and prayer to Almighty God is that
may 80 live as 10 bring no dscredit TO your ranks
and when am dead TO be esteemed worthy q
place In your memory"