The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-11

VI II the South, VINO came
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60 dedicate monument TO their comrades
who fell in a cause they deemed to be right.
II is nearly thirty years ago since these old
veterans first gathered here under their
leaders, Lee Jackson and Stuart. Then twas
TO meet in deadly conflict the Federal forces
under Burnside The history of that famous
battle on a bleak December day is too we'll
known TO be repeated. but it was when the
shattered ranks of Burnside were swept BACK
10 the Stafford Heights. across the Rappahan-
mock river that the rebel" yell was hrst
heard as it rolled up the hills and along the
valley in grand anthem OF victory
TO HONOR THEIR BALLowED DEAD.
Lee. jackson and Stuart have passed away,
but to-day the veterans who followed those
three great Christian warriors are here once
more, not in battle array. but TO pay tribute
of respect TO their hallowed dead. Once
more the "old rebel yell" is heard, and az 1t
falls upon the ear one seems 10 hear the clash
of arms, the roar of cannon and the rattle OF
musketry and the cheers of victory as the
lines gray sweep away IN triumph the
lines blue Manassas, Seven Pines,
Malvern Hill, Gettysburg, Winchester,
Charlottesville. the Crater. Cold Har-
Dor and Spotslvania Courthouse are
once more before their gaze. Once more the
strains of Dixie are heard. once more the
''Stars and Bars are flung to the breeze, and
"a that familiar tune breaks upon bis ear. and
the sight of that banner which challenged the
gaze of the world meets his eye, the old vet
eran, bent with the weight Of time seems to
feel that he is once more q soldier OF the
legion: his eye grows brighter, ms form more
erect. and his step becomes lighter as he
marches away TO the strain that has often
L. =. l. 81 e Aofoo lad i'm,
on to victory.
THE DECORATIONS.
The decorations were elaborate and very
tastefully executed. All along the line of
march there was an abundant display of
Southern colors The more prominently
decorated buildings were the Opera House,
Free Lance" office, " Fredericksburg STAR
office. Exchange Hotel, City Hall and Court
house.
The hospitable doors of every mansion was
thrown open to the boys who wore the gray.
and bountful supply Of everything good to
eat was found upon their tables and the fair
daughters Of this old burg dispensed the
hospfaities as only women of the South
know how.
THE PROCESSION.
1t was nearly o'clock before the process
sion began to move. The route of the pro-
cession was up Commerce to Prince Edward,
20 Hanover, to Princess Anne, TO Prussia,
Main to Fauquier, TO Princess Anne, to
Amelia, to Confederate cemetery. W. =.
Smith, grand commander of Confederate
Veterans of Virginia, was in command
of the parade, which was composed as fol-
lows Marshal and aides, band carriages
containing disabled veterans and prom
lnent guests. General Bradley, II. John
son, General Corse and others. Con
federate camps: Maury Camp of this
place, r. T.. Lee Camp of Rich
mond, Pickett Camp of Richmond, Pickett
Buchanan Camp of Norfolk, r. L. Lee
Camp Of Alexandria, Ewell Camp of Prince
William; .unorganized veterans, comprised #
veterans from the surrounding counties; dele
cations from New York, Baltimore. Washing
ton Roanoke, Leesburg Lynchburg, West
Point and Charlottesville camps; United
Order Mechanics, Knights of Pythias and city
fire department The procession marched
mound where the unknown dead rest and
upon which the monument stands.
THE GRAFTON.
The exercises here were opened with prayer
by Rev. /. w. Canter, followed by an anthem
after which the orator of the day. General
Bradley Il. Johnson, was introduced, who de-
livered the following beautiful Grafton:
ADDRESS OF GENERAL JOHNSON.
Fellow Confederates, men and women: For
the last twenty years | have been observing
with growing wonder the phenomenon of feel
ing toward the actors on the Confederate side
in the war between the States
When Appomattox temporarily terminated
rhe struggle for liberty and selfgovernment,
which our race has been making with heart and
brain and muscle In discussion AMI IN battle
from the days of Alfred TO the present, it seemed
as II rebellion crushed and loyalty triumphant
could only result In odium to the unsuccessful
SIDE. meyer agreed with that estimate Of the
AIuauoh. Iof Deheyed II the confederate peo-
pie were true to their ideals or honor and fdel-
tty their glorious achievements would be GER
tam OF appreciation by the generations to come,
and beleyeerhey would be true.
But did not anticipate what has occurred.
Never IN my most highly colored dreams did /
see hope OF such speedy realization of our
aspirations. 1t is a fact and a wonderful fact,
that the pathos the sentiment the romance Of
the war between the States is concentrated,
crystallzed about and emanates from the cause
In the North to-day no name stirs human
hearts Ike that OF Lee, no fame electrIties the |
people like stonewall, no flag flashes, no sabre |
cutters ike that OF Stuart Neither Grant nor |
sherman nor sheridan, the great and successful |
soldiers OF the victorious side, have left such an
impression on the IMAGINATION or the hearts of |
she people as have the leaders of the Confed- /
crates, who died in battle or yielded to over /
rhelming force where further resistance would |
nave been criminal.
OBJECTS OF THE WAR.
do not mean to- intimate for do not believe
that the North has changed its opinion as to the |
WISDOM OF our course. They thought then and /
they, think now II was foolish 10 attempt TO |
break mp - Union because first il was so uuprofit-
able, and second because il was Impossible be-
{ore overwhelming forces for us to succeed But
uJ 1neah 10 say that the idea is dmly pressing
.tseit upOn the Northern mind that we tried To
eNolu war dld not want wsr but that war was
Ddousni on. waged and continued for the pur-
Hosooi hoePlng faction in power, and enabling
sne conlroliers Of the faction 10 make a profit
yus 81 y. ~ was not patriotic war 10 preserve
WIG mon, but contractors war 70 secure the
,nsnt ~ pp Lowell permanent control in govern
ment. PENSIONS and bounties are the DEGRADING
sfo on OF the mercenary motives which
SOUTHERN WOMEN.
Our women whose mothers and grandDoo.hon.
nad decorated the most brilliant courts OF mol
tfn Europe and formed the highest social or
ganlzatlon OF America. whose ancestors bal
founded Virginia and framed the Union. Were