The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1890-06-06
dwelling of the Lee Monument.

1T will rain on the 29th," said cynical
Southerner. providence has never yet
smiled upon anything connected with the
Confederacy."
The prophecy was not fulfilled, however
Never did the sun shine more brilliantly than
upon the gorgeous decorations with which
the city of Richmond was gay, and which
adorned not only the public buildings and
private residences of prominent citizens but
the humblest tenement houses and negro
shanties. Even the whirring wheels of car
riages and bicycles were draped with the
Confederate colors, while the dresses of
the ladies were brilliant with badges. Not
withstanding the extensive preparations
made by the hospitable citizens Of Richmond
for the entertainment of the guests, they
were insufficient for the vast numbers which
poured into the city and flooded its streets.
Many of those who arrived late passed the
whole day without food, while others stood
in line for hours around the eating stalls in
order to secure sandwich and cup of coffee
But the insignias of war, and the martial
music rekindled the old feeling of enthusi-
asm which smouldered in tie hearts of the
ex-Confederates, and they endured the fatigue
and discomforts of the day cheerfully, "as be-
came good soldiers" Many who wore Con-
federate badges, without regard to other
claims, were beckoned into houses in pass
ing and feasted by the hospitable citizens.
In Sam Jones' tabernacle 1000 veterans
sat down to breakfast, $500 to dinner, while
10000 were expected to supper. The per.
feet order which prevailed was remarked by
all. Not an oath was heard from any one
during the day, and no arrests were reported
at the police station. By common consent
anger, strife and bitterness were laid aside,
and the occasion was tacitly recognized as
one sacred to love and gratitude. The vet
Grams who wore the faded Confederate uni
forms were especially lionized. One of these
cried out in passing that he had been offered
800 piece for every button upon his jack
ct, but that. although poor man, nothing
would induce him to close with such an Of
fer.
Noticeable in the procession was "Col"
Tarleton Alexander, an old darkey aged So
years, who served throughout the war.
When Gen. Early, leaning from his horse
took him by the hand in passing. the old
darkey exclaimed, as he barred his snowy
head" II thought Mars. Jubal would know
dis ole Niger"
The assemblage was called to order by
noxy Max; r11 SI~.k 81 10
people of the South were loyal, they could
never fail to express their love for those who
fellfor them. That feeling was inconquer.
able.
Rev. Charles Minnegerode, of the Episco-
pal Church, pastor of Jefferson Davis, was
introduced by Gen. Early, and delivered the
prayer. The speeches on the occasion, ex-
cept that of Col. Archer Anderson, the ora
tor of the day, were brief
At the conclusion of his address, when
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston pulled the cord
which held the covering of the statue of the
dead hero, exposing the beautiful bronze
work of art to view, mighty shout went up
from the multitude, and salvo of 100 guns
was uLCu ny INC uIot UdbldlOu VI
"Oh, that Lee could be here to-day" ex-
claimed one of the spectators.
"He is here" said another, blocking right
down upon US now"
The crowd surrounding the statue wa. es-
timated at 100000. There were 10000
strangers in the city during the day.
In the evening there was brilliant dis
play of fireworks, the principal feature of
which was representation ofthe equestrian
statue of Lee and pictures of Jefferson Davis
and Stonewall Jackson.
Concerning the bitterness which the war
engendered "Silence," to quote the language
Of Gen. Early" is golden" But admiration
of the South for its heroes and gratitude and
affection for those who sacrificed so much in
the defence of their cherished principles,
should be immortal and handed down as a
sacred heritage forever.