The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-23
NON. II. r. BENNETT.
The South Inspired by Lofty Ideals of Duty
"Whtte Day" in the states History.

NJ
The South Inspired by Lofty Ideals of Duty
"White Day" in the states History.
We ask. said Hon. r. 7. Bennett, the
next speaker. the prayers Of this great
company Of Christian people while we
sneak Of the men and arms whose
memory the cornerstone just laid is TO
hold I'm perpetuity for generations TO fol-
low us after some time be past
The sound OF the war in which the
armies of the Confederate States were
worn down by repeated blows of supe-
rlor numbers, has grown faint.
Already time lends 60 the events Of
that struggle. which were the most ener-
getic and tumultuous IN their accom-
plishment. the air Of repose. The South,
insplred by lofty ideals Of duty and
stimulated by precious faith has done
well in preserving amidst poverty and
toll the wholesome truths of that great
struggle. THE fulness Of time has come"
The daughters and the granddaughters
Of the regiments that followed the leader
shin of Lee and Jackson. Branch and
Bragg. upon the crested ridge amid the
stormy presence Of battle-the women
Of our State have "set up a stone for
a pillar" to testify 10 unborn ages our
reverence for our dead.
Jacob. who is woven into the text and
fibre Of the book Of Genesis as a thread
Of gold may be woven into cloth, set
up a stone 10 commemorate a solemn
epoch in his life, and named the place
whereon the stone was set up Bethel.
Verify. There is no new thing under
the sun"
In the vision Of John. that sublime
and pathetic figure on the Island Of
Patmos, one Of the Cycades away out
I'm the Aegean sea, there is promised 10
him that overcometh a white stone"
The day and the people have met.
This white day IN North Carolina, dis
tnguished as the anniversary day Of our
first and second Declaration OF Inde-
pendence. 'Tis good TO be here Let us
administer the sacrament to our hearts.
Standing here, encouraged by the living
and hearkening TO voices from the tomb,
let us baptize ourselves afresh in the
name Of liberty.
The most perfect oratlon which has
been rescued from the rigor of time is
that Of Pericles over the dead who per-
ished I'm the first campaign Of the Pelo-
pOnesan war. These men, like our COM
rades an the great war. fell short Of sue
cess.
What is It that gave to these country
men Of Pericles their imperishabe re-
nown?
The philosophy. the science, the litera-
ture and intellect Of ancient Greece may
be traced in their influence on all after
ages.
Continuing, Mr.. Bennett said: The Uni
versity OF North Carolina, and. every
other institution in this state devoted TO
the education Of our youth which re-
ceives the benefits Of State endowment,
should be required to teach those in their
charge the theory Of the Constitution
which conceded the right OF the States
Of the Union to withdraw therefrom for
causes deemed sufficient, so that the term
"Rebel," now imputed TO our people,
would be shorn Of that meaning which
causes the average man n tremor of
shame. Happily. our people. as a rule.
are not I'm a hurry to condemn the ac-
ton of the South in their efforts % found
government more consonant with their
rights than the Government Of the United
States An occasional philosopher marks
his disapproval by a declaration "in forma
pauperis." and complains that the move
ment was foredoomed 10 failure. a re-
mark as applicable TO any other weighty
enterprise that ultimately fails as TO this
one. At what stage Of the struggle pray,
was the autograph Of failure written upon
it? Was the cause Of the colonies IN their
war with Great Britain more hopeful Of
success2
Mr.. Bennett closed his address I'm these
eloquent words Reverence the dead,
cherish the living Where our dead lie
the choicest wild flowers bloom and
spring These dead were our comrades
I'm the anguish Of the struggle We know
why they tarry so long on the homeward
march. Their review Is made up North
Carolinians. when they would exalt their
fame. are not obliged to turn away from
dshonorng or equivocal features Rest
on. gentle and heroic splritsi Heed not
thine accusers. The living South Will de-
fend your memories Distant ages. I'm
their majestic march, will pause at your
graves. while philosophers and lofty souls
will say, "These men had a just cause.
They were dutiful sons Of indestructible
States Their actions were worthy OF
their day: their achievements were worthy
OF all time"
The cornerstone was set in place by
Colonel f. d. Hall. a venerable president
OF the North Carolina Veteran Associa-
ton. assisted by veterans from the Sol
diers' Home. In a simple ritual The bat
tle-worn flag 0f the Forty-eighth North
Carolina Regiment was presented 10 the
State. and. after the band played Dixie"
the great crowd dispersed.