Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-01-20
T,a, ,Pars sand Noble vlrginian.
COLONEL o'FeaRALL IN GEORGIA.
lie Pays Tribute 20 the Day as Atianta's
Honored Guest Before the Va. Society.


ATLANTA, GA, January l9.--The birthday
of General Robert f. Lee is legal boil
day in Georgia. Year by year the celebra-
ton Of il grows in interest. Last year the
oration was delivered by Gordon McCabe,
of Petersburg, Va. To-day the orator and
guest of the occasion is Hon. Charles L.
O'Ferrall one of Virginia's most eloquent
congressman.
The Vlrsinians resident in Atlanta, re-
cogniziDg the patriotic spirit which moved
Georgia to declare Lees birthday holl-
day. have perfected permanent organiza-
ton for the purpose of taking charge OF
the observance of the day. The president
of the Atlanta Virginia Society IS Hon.
Hamilton Douglas, brilliant young attor-
uev. who illustrates all the gIaces OF his
native state. A prominent member OF the
society is Dr. Price T.. Murray, brother OF
the editor of the Norfolk Landmarks. Cap
tain Edward G. Bruney. city editor OF the
Atlanta Constitution. Is another member
who deserves credit for his zeal IN behalf
of absent Nirginians.
ESCORTED TO THE CITY.
A special car, with committee headed
by Hon. Hamilton Douglas and Colonel
Garter. went to Mashineton last Thursday
nirbt 10 escort Mr. and Mrs. O'Ferrall TO
the city. They arrived back last night, and
from that moment TO tins the distin-
guished gentleman and lady have been the
recipients OF marked social attention.
AS special compliment 10 Virginia,
Governor Northen granted the use
of tho State Capitol for the pub
lie demonstration. which ia at this
moment IN progress, magainceht
audience answered the call Of the
Virginia Society. Hon. Hamilton Douglas
presided and gracefully introduced Con
gressmaD Charles T. O'Ierrall, the orator
of the occasion.
In concluding his speech Mr.. Douglas
said;
We Georeians have with us tonight as orator
on this occasion rs knightly veteran as ever
galloped into the Jaws OF death. Brave, gallant,
and generous, he poured out his blood through a
dozcn wounds TO prevent the enemy from NO
lating the sanctity OF our State. we nave WIN
us one who has succored Turner Ashby ana Je0
Stuart and Wade Hampton ana Pierce louhg
on many a stricken field, and turned defeat into
glorious victory.
native State, on whose shoulders we nope VIII
descend the mantle OF Nlrginia's gubernaiorai
honors. lie is one who has removed GeOrgls 5
Obligations 20 him in enecting the eiectloh OF
GeOrgas second speaker IN the NatouAi HOUSE
of Repreyentatiyes, aud for him ask hearty
welcome.
appeal to you. fair ladies. who love brave
men, 10 YOU sons Of Confederates, Tor whom ne
fought aud bled while you were In your s"au-
grander than the old guard al Waterloo, IN the
name Of that Virginia hospitality which oiltimes
shared It's last crust with you-to JOIN with me
and give a Georgia welcome TO the Hon. Vhafios
+. OFerrall
COLONEL O'FERBALLs ADDRESS.
Colonel OFerran expressed his pleasure at
coming for the first timo 20 this city OF marvel
lous growth aud superb beauty upon the invita-
tion Of the Virginia Society and mission 40
holy. Why Is II, said he, that to-day all over thls
- N..t. ~ ~
revOlyes, no saw, spindle, or loom sings It's merry
song no furnace, forge, or roling-mlli SENDS OUT
its lurid glare, and no once or store-hoor 10
open Why Is IL that from Goorgias boaruer 10
border this day Is observed as holiday The
answer Is engraved everywhere and Is wei WIN
loves teGr-drop.
Eighty-nye years ago to-day child was
born ia the Old Dominion OF legends ani lays,
traditions. giories, and memories, destined 70
dazzle the world with the eriulgency OF his man
hood achievements and draw IRON every ihnu
where civilization and chivalry had dawneu us
plaudits and its prases- IL Is TO celebrate TINS,
Inc Anniversary OF that birthday, that you have
laid aside your duties and cares and hayecome
al your bidding hundreds OF miles"
sxETCB or LEES LIFE.
sThen giving a brief biographical sketch OF him
"whose name is emblazOned on tho walls
around him no said that commencing al Mat
vern npl ana running through the battle-nelds
OF Second Manassas, Antietam, FREDERICKSBURG,
Chanceliorsyille, Gettysburg, and the WIDER
ness. and ia the treuche. arO1nu IetersputE,
his name was encircled with halo OF glory IS
hrieht AZ the facinth brcastplate OF an angel,
and even when his ranks had been reduced 10
mere skirmish line and his ragged and worn
veterans we're hemmed In by tho uiighty hos's OF
Grant and the impulses OF his great eoui iui-
PEELED him 70 sue for terms, yes, ON the dark and
dismal fiold OF Appomatlox his name stih snone
with the briillancy Of tbs richest diadem in a
royal crown
Colonel o'Ferrall Ia CONCLUSION saidi /" In meet
ing here en- this occasion We are guilty o. no
wrong 20 tie Government under which We 1--we.
When the darkness Of defeat closed around as
Ne pledged our allegiance 70 the nag against
which we had fought. We have Kept our
pledge--we arc loyal to our Goyernment-and
bass il the tongue that dares 70 question our
sincerity. We are here Ia no spirit OF u's'oyHhy
unless tho cher:shing Of sacred memories and
the honoring OF our dead be dsioyalty; ana u
70 then glory In the fsct thes am ~ the
Indst of one Of the most disioyal bands mai essr