Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-05-25

make :; partial payment.
Nh Mushbach moved to lay the
papers on the table which was agreed
10.
No other business called cut debate.
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY
Confederate Memorial Day was appro-
priately observed in this city yesterday
evening and large numbers of citizens
assembled to do honor 10 the memory OF
the heroic dead. The procession was
composed Of three divisons-military,
veteran soldiers and iiremen-and was a
most credita5le one. There were III
line three drum corps, the Alexandria
Light infantry, St. Johns Cadets, Rath-
bone Division, L. r., X. of F., Lee
Camp, Confederate Veterans, the Con-
fedcrate Veterans Association of Wash
ington, Sons of Confederate Veterans,
Davis Post, G.. A. r., and the three fire
companies of the city. In the ranks
were old and young, rich and poor, all
animated by the same spirit to show re-
spcct to the memory OF those who laid
down their lives in the defence Of what
they believed TO be right. IIarlyin the
evening large numbers OF people began
gathering on Washington street and by
the time the various organizations had
taken their positions in line that street,
from Duke to Queen, was densely
crowded. Each organization presented
handsome appearance and all excited
admiration and elected applause as
they marched over the route. The
programme was carried out in almost
exact accordance with the announce
ment made in the GAZETTE.
When the Confederate monument,
at the corner of Washington and Prince
streets, was reached, the procession
halted in the position assigned each
diyision-the military TO the west, the
liremcn to the cast and the veterans
to the south, facing the monument. a
large concourse of citizens had already
gathered and surrounded the monu-
mcnt in every direction. In the mean
time the monument had been tastciully
decorated with lovely flowers and pre-
sented most beautiful spectacle.
The ceremonies were begun with the
singing of hymn by number
of ladies aud gentlemen Of the Choral
Union. accompanied by aquartctte from
the Musical Association. These ladies'
and gentlemen were stationed on the
front steps of the handsome residence
of Capt p b. Hooc, and their music
was one of the most pleasing features
of the occasion.
While the hymn was being sung the
color bearers advanced and stood with
their flags ut either side of the monu-
mcnt-there being State and camp
flag carried by Lee Camp I. 5. flag
by the c.. A. r. Post and the ST. Johns
Cadet flag.
After the hymn Rev. DR.. G., II. Nor
ton delivered in a most impressive
manner the following prayer;
o God the King, immortal, invisible, cx-
allied above all thrones and dominions, King
of kings and Lord of lords, whose providence
ordcrcth all things in heaven and earth; with
reverence and alteration we look unto thee,
the author of our being, and the givcr of all
good with bowed hearts we remember before
thee to-day the fidelity courage and patriot
ism OF our beloved comrades, fallen asleep
amid the storms and carnage of civil strife.
MAY rcmotest generations honor their graves.
! Nav no cloud OF war ever again din the sun
shine of our country's prosperity 3lay the
people of these United States i'll permanent
union. enlightened BY the word, secure
through the protection of true and equal
laws. serve thee without fear, i'll holiness and
righteousness all the days OF their life. And
to thee, the only Cod all praise and glory shall
ever be ascribed, world without end. Amen.
America was then sung, after
which the orator of the day, Judge
John Critcher, spoke as follows
Requested few days ago by an cstimablc
friend to indulge for five or ten minutes in
reflections appropriate TO this anniversary, |
consented to DO so but if there is any one i'll
this assemblage of beauty and intelligence
who expects to witness on this occasion any
display of cloquence fear they will he great
| " disappointed The events we comnemor-
| ate are indeed eloquent. and awaken emotions
more vivid than words When for example,
nv ewes are turned toward this monument.
| erected to the memory Of brave men, who
thirty one years ago marched from this spot 10
the confederate lines, it occurs to me Ii any
foreigner should ask, or if posterity Should
inquire, whether the confederate soldier de-
served Il monument to his memory, / would
make this reply:
In four months the German army marched
from the Rhine. four hundred miles through n
dense and warlike population, with such fort
ress as Sedan and such fortified cities as Metz
on the line of march and took possession of
the vailed aud imperial city OF Paris, con-
tanning one million five hundred thousand
inhabitants, supplied with all that contributes
to the arts of peace and war.
Four years were required by an army as
numerous and well equipped 10 march from
the Potomac, seventy-fve miles over the
thinly settled fields of Virginia, and take pos
se;sion of the inconsidor,hle town. the strug-
Cling village of Richmond
Did high walls, or hattlementS, or tortrcsses,
or streams or mountains obstruct the march
of the mighty host? No
In the cnemy'S way nothing stood but the
| Confederate soldier.
II is natural 20 exalt the past and dcpre-
ciatc the present; but what was the task of
our revolutionary sires, who, with the aid of
q French fest. captured seven thousand
British troops at Yorktown, compared with
that of driving back Mcclellan with mis- fleet
and 151 900 effective rien, supplied with all
the Improvements of modern warfare.
Was ever valor. or fortitudc or heroism more
conspicuous?
Many ascribe the success of the German