Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1889-07-19


and have reared over their last rest
ing place the monumental stone, fit
tribute of the living TO departed worth
and valor.
Ii has been aptly said that the
brightest jewels in the coronet OF
nation are the ashes of her heroic
dead. and il was meet and proper, il
was becoming and obligatory, that
they who had sacrificed all for the
cause that they thought just should
rest together in the sleep of death,
and the surviving friends and COM
rades should honor their memory and
paw tribute 10 their valor.
And as each year rolls around, re-
pairing to that sacred spot we mean 10
go with flowers of speech for their
unshaken devotion TO their country,
and with fresh and fragrant flowers,
culled as natures latest Offering, to
decorate their graves.
But there are other indications OF
enterprise and progress. This hali
that has been so auspiciously begunis
a present evidence OF the liberality
of your citizens, the energy and in
fuence of your ladies. In defining
the character of your people IL is self
evident that what they undertake is
sure to be accomplished. The gener-
Gus gift Of the land, the courage and
industry of those who have it in
charge, the public interest excited,
insure its speedy completion.
The history of the undertaking is
worthy of more than passing no
tice. A conception of the ladies OF
Shepherdstown il has like the acorn
grown into the promising oak. The
dream of five years ago has reached
the confines of possibility and reality.
For it was in 1884 that the Ladies
Town Hall and Library Association
of Shepherdstown was organized
without means, but rich in hope and
purpose; beset with difficulties on ev-
cry hand, but resolute, determined
and unyielding; each member imbued
with the idea that in the Lexicon OF
their Society there was no such word
as fail, they struggled onward over
the rocks of doubt and through the
thorns and brambles of discomiitures
innumerable, gathering little by little
until their zeal, influence and fidelity
enlisted the attention Of one OF your
leading philanthropists who secured
this beautiful and convenient site and
other valuable assistance. And
though to-day n great work has been
accomplished the location fixed, the
cornerstone laid, there is much yet
to be done The ladies appeal to all
present to assist them in the labor.
A bountiful collation. has been pre-
pared and the funds realized are TO
be applied to this purpose and object.
To every one this appeal is made by
the ladies of our town. You soldiers
who are here and who have so re-
Gently recalled your comradeship
over the turf that marks the graves
of fallen friends and comrade, reinem-
ber that il was the mothers OF these
ladies ~ho during the dark and low
ering days Of 60 to '65 who with n
heroism uneXcelled administered to
your comforts; remember that chiefly
through their efforts that city of the
dead now holds their honored clay
and the enduring marble shaft COM
memorates their lives. And having
now completed that loving task com
mitted TO their keeping with equal
ardor they have embarked in this en-
terprise OF great benefit. With claims
upon your gratitude and respect they
ask your hearty support and unwav-
ering encouragement.
In this desultory manner have
traced with rapid pen the improve
ment in your town. 1t is In harmony
WIFI lllt dlltt VI Abt 4hit
glo-Saxon race. In affairs POLITICAL,
material, and scientific, in both State
and nation, the bird OF progress has
winged rapid flight
Coming forth into the century as
All experiment yet untried in the
science Of government, weak, impov-
erished, and exhausted-the great
American people, whether in their
entirety or separated into States and
into localities, have brushed aside the
difficulties that beset their paths.
From thirteen States, occupying
small portion Of this great land, thin
ly populated and widely scattered,
they have grown into an ocean-bound'
continent-eovering republic. Their
scheme OF government, tested by ex-
perience and tried in the crucible Of
war, hath come forth well rounded
and worthy Of the genius Of the
master minds who designed il and
fitted TO the wants, needs and desti-
nies of the freemen who support IL.
Most propitious are the circum-
stances that surround them to-day.
Standing OH the sunset side Of the
18th century, in the full light OF SUI
perior civilization, looking backward
or forward as We may-we find the
mast and the present full Of glorious
achievement and may walk into the
future with the proud assurance Of
rapid and more comprehensive pro-
gression.
Brethren OF the Masonic Lodges
In accordance with the ancient usage
OF our Craft, we have laid the corner
stone Of this edifice this morning.
The history Of the world Is repiete
with instances Of such masonic labor.
From the distant mists Of the early