The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-01-20

The eighty-second anniversary of
General Robert e. Lees birthday was
celebrated in Roanoke by general
observance of the holiday.
All banks were closed here yesterday
and operations in many other public
works and institutions we're suspended.
Especially did the old Veterans paw due
respect to tho memory of their distin-
guished and honored chieftain.
The William Watts Camp of Con
federate Veterans of Roanoke com
memorated this memorial and holiday
with an interesting and appropriate
meeting. The Camp was called to order
by the commander, Colonel S. S. Brooke,
who stated in q few brief and appro
pirate remarks the purpose Of the meet
ing. He said that he was glad to SEQ
some who fought on the other side and
wore the blue present, and assured
them that they were welcome.
Col. Brooke then announced that
Judge Parish had agreed to address tho
camp on this occasion and would now
proceed. Judge Parish arose and said
he had only promised that if no other
one was present to address tho camp on
this occasion that he would attempt to
do go, but, said he, ~ am sure that
apologizing and refraining from speak
ing on this occasion would be comforting
favor on the audience when We have
with us tonight the distinguished gen
tlemen. Hon. Samuel Griffin and Mai.
Marye."
MIR. Griffin was then introduced and
said 81 am here tonight in response
to tho invitation of your committee.
nave brought my commission with me-
But before proceed further let me eX.
tend my appreciation to this camp for
electing me 4 member of this honorable
body. | feel that is indeed an honor.
come tonight to learn the countersign
and view the outposts, but come with
| q commission.
81 feel that am looking into tho
| races of comrades and it would bo 4 far
moro pleasing sight to SEQ those battle
Scared veterans in an old fashion army
bivouac. setting with hungry looks and
anXlously watching The gentleman on
my right as he prepared that humble
repast. should like again to hear the
eciamation that arose from those bravo
hearts as that distinguished and univer-
sally honored chieftain passed through
the camp, the anniversary of whose
birthday we are to day celebrating.
Not solely for my own pleasure and
my respect for Lee do rejoice to cele-
brate the anniversary OF the birth of the
departed leader, but desire that nv
children have proper reverence for the
dead hero
Mr.. Griffin dwelt upon the great alrec-
ton that the privases had for their
leader. He drew vivid picture of
scene that occurred on the field of the
Wilderness. When Gen. Lee placed
himself in front of Texas company to
lead charge upon 4 very strongly forti-
lied and dangerous port of the enemy's
works, when he was entreated by them
to retire to tho rear as his life was too
precious to the cause for which they all
fought to be sacrificed upon the field.
The brave soldiers, though always
ooedient, on this occasion sternly re-
fused to go forward until General Lee
retired to the rear. Whom he still in
sisted and sat in front Of those loving
soldiers, he was to me and all who be-
held him the exemplifcaton of all
that was brave, self-sacriRcing and
noble in the character of man.
many other true and real instances of
his characteristics were referred to by
the speaker, which elected time and
again the cheers OF the enthusiastic au-
dience. Mr.. Griffin said:
1.-TWO of Virginia's sons have their
birthdays celebrated 10y legal holiday.
These are Lee and Washington. The
one was borne in triumph at the head Of
a victorious army while the other sur.
| rendered the remnant of 5000 men at
AppomattoX. But the latter is none the
less honOred and cherished by true Vir-
ginians."
Colonel BROOKE then arose and intro
dnced Hon. l.. S. Marye, OF Lvuchburg.
Mr.. Marye began by saying: cit is pleas
ant to be with you my comrades to take
part with you in this memorial exercise.
Nothing must be- expected OF me but au
informal and brief talk
This day is appropriate for this
duty. This day is one that should be
set apart by all Virginians and all
Southerners in which TO pay fitting
tribute to this, our honored hero. Let
us inculcate into the youth of our land
on all such occasions as this, proper
appreciation of the principles for which
we fought.
MIR. marye referred to the text books
! used in the schools of the South, and
attacked them for their partiality and
misrepresentation of the Southern
cause. Ho dwelt at length upon the
ability Of General Lee as q military
genius, ranking him with Hannibal,
Caesar and the victor Of Waterloo.
AT the end of the speech n vote of
thanks was rendered TO Major Griffin
and Mr.. Marye.
Rev. j. S. Hutchinson, OF Salem, was
called upon, and he responded in few
brief remarks.
| Colonel Brooke then announced that
the contributions which were to be taken
up for the Soldiers Home at this meet
ing would be turned over to the special
committee appointed TO receive them