Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1889-05-24


The Monument.
The unwilling was received with shouts of ap
psuse and the playing of music by tho bands
Cspt Smoot then introduced Gov Lee,who on Dc
half OF ee Camp received the monument and de-
livered the Grafton of the day. Governor Lee
spoke as follows:
Mr. CHAIRMAN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
This great gathering OF noble women and brave men
tells people in cannon tones that though the sun
went down behind the hills, and the wind behind the
clouds at Apponatox twenty four years ago the mem
cries of the who fell with Their faces 10 their Toe
are still cnshrned in the hearts Of their living comrades
To day Federal and Conf derate soldiers are citizens
OF one country; their head flies one flag and COM
mon destiny is revealed to BOTH the curtain rises on
the future and exhibits to the gaze of the world 90 OOo
600 people living in peace and equally interested Ill all
that pertains TO the common glory OF tho American
Republic
Ceremonies by Northern organizations in honor OF
the devotion the union Of the States by Federal sol
ders right and proper: and celebrations III the
South by Southern soldiers in honor Of the memory OF
those who died in the defence Of their States their
homes and their people, should be equally recognized
the merited tribute to their vaor. and in no sense
inconsistent with all the responsibilities and duties
that now devolv0 upon States and indlviduais WIFI
equal force.
shall speak you to-day citizen of OF its parts
an nhabitan OF Stale that sought In 1861 to establish
with sympathetic sister States another Conederacy
this continent and in doing feel your hearts beat in
unison with mine, when | exclaim In the glowing
words of the Irish patriot:
thought any done any crime that should call
to my cheek stand alone here tho hot blush of
shame the paleness of fear? Though stood by my
grave receive my death blow before God and man
kind, would answer you NOp
Over hundred and tlfty-seven years ago. child
born in Virginia who In turn carved out with
bright blade the independence of great Republic.
In MI old field schoolhouse with the sexton OF his
parish for his first nster the first faint fires of an edu
cation began which destined to produce flame of
liberty to enlghten a world.
At sixteen years of age the boys schoo-days were
and surveying. and In that time lie had written hny-
rules of behavior in company and In converse
ton for his own guidance the last of which reads;
"Rcmember TO keep alive in your breast that little
spark of celestial iire-conscence.'
Throughout his future glorious career that motto
guided his feet and lighted his pathway until he saw
with his countrymen, the star In the horizon which
pointed to freedom and the blessings i, secured
His martial spirit received ts first recognition by
commission from the Royal Governor Dinwddie, of
Virginia. Acknowledgement of one Of the military
divisions of the colony and early 17ji % years
Of age find him fighting for nine hours against the
superior numbers of the French at Great Meadows.
In this historical old town but few squares away,
he met the English General Bnddock upon his arrival
from "od England" with his regiments of British reg
ulars, and joyfnlly accepted the position OF ade-de-
camp upon his stall
We can almost fancy. we see hin, now rs he rode
through your city by Braddock's side, and the
road which still bears that Generals name In the adj
joining counties with which many OF us familiar
On the bloody field OF the Monongaheln he WAS the
only mounted officer who not killed wounded,
though history tells us that four bullets passed through
his clothes and two horses were shot under him.
The picture draw at this period, Is not complete,
unless go aslep farther and follow the youthful
hero and point him out vi % years OF age planting the
flag of hisKing the smoking ruins OF Fort Duucsnc,
then claimed as part OF Virginia, and afterwards
called Fort Pitt after the great Minister of England.
How mis- youthful heart mast have adored the flag in
defence of which his maiden sword SO amously flashed.
How he must nave loved the fuerng folds OF the red
of ct. George which had been for 40 many ages
the boast of herldry and pride Of power.
His fist commission came from the British throne.
through its Royal Governor and he had sworn TO pro-
tecL end defend the banner OF old Eupaud,' IL
his flag and on that November morning of the year
175s when hesaw floating to the breeze Of victory,
can fancy his whole being thrilled with patriotic
emotion.
But change comes The flag he so bravely fought
for in his opinion became the emblem of oppression,
and represented in his young heart British tyranny
and not American freedom Virginia calls him to her
side. and he comes, he comes His sword must make
good the words traced by Jefierson's pen.
From 7I5 To 1881 his allegiance given TO another
flag and in his majestic might he fought to overthrow
the emblem Of his youthful days. AT Fort Duquesne
he placed the French by the English flag; while at
Yorktown he saw the French and American flags float
in triumph over that historic field where but shor,
time before proudly flew the ensign OF Great Britain.
But yesterday in the greatest city OF this great
try there magnificent demonstration in Centen-
NAL coInmcmoraop OF the Inauguration of the First
President of the United States.
In its grand harbOr vessels sailing under the
flags of different nations and the French flag and the
English jack We'd with the star and stripes In celebra
ing this great historic event day; while on the
be followed still another day by the greatest indus
trial parade that the world has What II
magnificent tribute to the glorious services of the young
Colonel in the British army, and the great American
Capt i'll OF his age. Long live the memory Of George
Washington
A century ago the English called him a rebel but
they recognize that the celestial fire which Wash
ington called "conscience burning in his breast
when he turned his sword against his King and fought
for the liberty of Virginia and her sister colonies.
And now the comparison propose to draw, the ties
of blood perhaps should prevent but know not how
better can illustrate what desire to say
Seventy-ive yeare after the birth of Washington In
tho same county in Virginia, another child born
being like Washington bone OF the bone, and flesh OF
the flesh OF the odd Dominion" He, too dIspIayed
fondness for the life OF tho soldier apd at an early
entered the military service Of his country. On every
occasion with the greatest pride he upheld shag, from
u love of the country whose emblem 1t was
Upon the burning sands Of Old Mexico. he maintain
ed its glory and fought with all the ability he poesess-
ed TO plant the outIs anu stripes upon the Capitol of
the Montezumas.
The flag OF the country his banner and he loved
it, and reoced in the briiliancy of the in their
bed OF blue But when the buge of his native State
like the Of the Alpine chief summoned her sons
10 her side to defend her. in the exercise Of right not
denied her by the Constitution Of the United States n
right reserved by her when she ratified that instru-
,nent, he transferred his allegiance from the nag To
whose fame he had contributed at least something and
drew his sword for his native State his home and his
own immediate people. What struggle, too we know
il cost him
II Washington was a rebel so was Robert l. Lee in
the opinion Of some The crown Of success bound
the brow OF and the chains Of defeat
The other but their conscientious devotion to the
each cspoused remain the same, and neither victory
nor disaster can dim one ray their respective
There in both says Northern republican |
ournall the same wonderful balance OF faculties me
personal pride joined exquisite consideration io
others; the same fierce courage under outward ca
he same physical grandeur of proportion and oigh!
IF bearing the same blending oil Pattcah anu cce,s
ul rebel, he might have been called vi Oh " ~
lim in the establishment OF the ConiedeiaeS GA P'
nanent basis. -; ~. IN. M
Old Alexandria claims An equal interest IN me mo OF
both II one lived upon side oil her ~ o,h.
other resided about an equal distance 'rO