Dodge City times., 1890-06-06
The Lee Monument.

from tue hansie CIty StaI-
The unveiling of the Lee monu-
ment at Richmond yesterday was an
event of supreme interest to the South
ern people. The object Of the men,
orial was the ideal hero of the event.
full struggle IN which he played such
conspicuous part. His high military
prowess appealed to the pride of the
South, and the pure and noble attri-
butes which adorned his character as
an individual won for him esteem and
affection.
First of all, General Lee was a good
man. He was strong in all of those
virtuous qualities which command re-
spect and reverence. Historians may
differ in estimating his stature as a
warrior and military commander, but
there can be no division of opinion as to
the hi gh standard of his purposes or
the unwavering sincerity Of his motives.
There is no doubt that in deciding to
cast his lot with the Confederacy as
against the Union, General Lee acted
in conformity with his highest sense Of
duty. The promises Of personal re-
ward and advancement were all on the
side of the cause ufon which he re-
luctantly turned his back to endure
affection with his own people. This
decision was reached after a fierce
mental struggle which placid natures
like his rarely experience. 1t was the
supreme love of home and of birth
place, which is strong in every South
ern heart, that determined his select
ion. His feeling on this subject was
clearly expressed in letter which he
wrote to his sister Immediately after
bis resignation from the United States
army, in which he said: "The whole
South is in state of revolution into
which Virginia, after long struggle,
has been drawn; and though l recog-
nize no necessity for this state of
thing and would have forborne and
pleaded to the end for a redress Of
grievances, real or supposed, yet in my
own person l had to meet the question
whether would take part against my
own state. With all my devotion to
the Union and the feeling of loyalty
and duty Of an American citizen, 1
have not been able to make up my
mind to raise my hand against my re-
latives, my friends and my home. 1
have, therefore, resigned my commiss-
ion in the army, and, save in defence
of my native state-with the sincere
hope that my poor services may never
be needed hope may never be call
ed upon to draw my sword" These
simple, touching words, breathing the
spirit Of deep regret which Lee felt In
renouncing his allegiance to the gov
ernment which he never ceased to love,
sum up the forces which swept him,
against his own desile, into a move
ment presenting no temptations for
him save the privilege of defending
the hearthstones of his beloved state
from invasion. There was no treason
in the heart of Robert Z. Lee. 1t
was no vain and sordid ambition that
tempted him to take up arms against
the Union. 1t ment with him the sac
riice Of all that self-seeking men hold
c ear, and that competitors in the race
for fame and fortune prize.
The result of his choice was accept
ed in spirit which revealed the true
patriotism Of the man. He was never
less the hero than in his calm submiss-
ion to the arbitration of war, and in !
bis tireless Offices to repair its Favages.
Placing himself, after bis defeat, in . |
position in which he could train the |
minds and fashion the morals of the |
,outh Of bis State, he showed the nm ]