Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-05-30
THE CEREMONIES.
Prayer OF DIR. Mlnnigerodo Remarks of
Address OF Colonel Anderson.
CANVAS r EN- OV ED.
Horse and Rider Exposed; Salyos Of Ar
tiIeY; Rounds Of Muskety;
Rebel Yes Of Delight

Bva happy inspiration the sculptor Of
the statue of Lee presents his heroic SUBJ
ject as if specially cast for yesterdays cele-
bratlon, yet in form. feature. and position
suited for all time.
When the veil was drawn Lee was reveal
ed in the centre OF world Of Contede-
rates. whose cheers we'll nigh silenced the
rounds of musketry and the cannon's roar
whose iubilations were almost as wildly en-
tbusiastic as if tho object Of their admua-
ton had reappeared in flesh and blood
There he was on 40 feet of granite. a
calm. majestic figure, gracefully outlined
against the bluest of Virsinlan skies.
II was like dream.
Here Lee was once more among his faith
ful oeople. Their smiles lighted his face.
The artist meant to show him receiving an
ovation from his troops as he passed along
tho line Of battle. Thus il comes that he
has drawn rein: that his hat is of his head
and held in his right hand; that his grave,
dignifed countenances speaks appreciation,
constancy, devotion.
A SCENE.
Lees army often was asenthusiastic, but
never 50 numerous as the crowd that
Yesterday filed that great level plain at
the west end of Franklin street. We never
shall see the like again. Time that is per.
sistentlv and irresistibly decimating the
ranks Of tho veterans forbids 1t.
Here we're gathered 10, 900 or $4,000 vete-
rars many, many thousand sons of vete-
ran,. and volunteers and women and chill
dren. until the aggregation was 50 vast
that Il almost seemed the South had by
some mighty power been gathered up ut
the ends and all IT'S population poured out
upon that green sward around the monu-
ment.
The supreme moment was when the
bronze euuestrien group was uncovered
when obedient 10 the touch OF cord by
| General Joseph L. Johnston the canvas
| fell away and let fall upon tho horse and
rider the glances OF 70 900 or 100. 900 people.
! Iren men went wild. Veterans shouted
and cried and hugged each other. The
Young men roared ont their applause.
| The women and children waved handker-
| chlefs. parasols. fans. banners. and scarfs.
| The artillery thundered, the musketry
| followed, volley upon yolley. 1t was an
extraordinary exhibition or JOY; tldai
wave Of ecstasy; a reunion and acclaim
! that no country-certainly no defeated
country-eYer excelled.
Lee was the beautiful personatlon of
people and their cause.
His name is woof and web OF country g
history.
Indeed far exceeding the presence OF
Great numb bers-and those who had some
/ elevated point best know what wonder;
( f1lly large multitude it was; far beyond
| the glitter of banners and arms-and klch-
mond never before witnessed anything
| half so splendid-was the feryency OF the
popular outburst, the hearty welcome 10
! I'D soldiers, the cheers for the riddied ana
| tattered battle-hags, the welcome TO all
who helped to make success so signal
and day so memorable.
THE PARADE.
The procession was -four miles long. IL
took two and half hours, irrespective OF
delays, 10 pass the Dispatch Office, Pollce,
! distinguished guests. veterans, volunteers;
cadets, bicyclists. and firemen composed
it. Maryland and all the old Confederate
States were represented.
IL was warm day and the marcn was
not q short one; but II was through streets
decorated with exceeding brllllancy; along
a route walled in by approving ana ap-
plaudins people.
Often in the halts doors OF private resi-
dences were thrown open ana veterans
and volunteers invited TO tables where-
on was spread that which would quench
the thirst OF summer like day or oa'e the
appetite of hungry man. -,
Often, too, the young men OF the iniii-
tary would gather into glee clubs, ana Win
their fresh, happy, soulful voices MAKE the
air musical with songs of love or home. OF
war or patriotism.
oh who among elderly people that saw
them yesterday but was carried back 70
1861, when the southern troops came TO
Richmond; when the war spirit was glow
ing in every breast; when patriotic nres
burned in all hearts; when every. note,
every syllable OF the popular air spoke cur
honest purpose live or DIE iof
Dixie" -.
Alas. there is wide gap between Ma
nAssas and Appomattox.
There Is beautiful vision OF knignuy
gentlemen going to battle; there is pain.
ful reality Of 5000 Confederate graves a.
Oskvood and i2.0oo at Hoilyvooo