The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-31
Yesterdays MEMORIAL CERE-
MONIES
CEIiE'

II the Confederate soldiers and sailors
could have known in what honor their
deeds-done by them in the plain ana
simple discharge Of their duty-would be
held thirty years after. when the con-
fict was over and a calm retrospect
could be taken of their heroism, they
would have been melted to even greater
deeds of glory-if such were possible.
The great concourse OF people on the
streets, and the long line of civic and
military organizations from many States
which moved in grand procession yester-
day to unveil the stately monument to
the soldiers and sailors Of the Confed-
eracy, attested the enthusiasm which the
memory of that valor now excites
The time has gone by when the deeds
OF these southern patriots can be as
sailed with calumnious epithets even by
their former enemies Truth is strug-
Cling to its feet. and we Confederates
can well be hopeful for a fair hearing
when we find In the leading northern
papers such sentiments as the following,
taken from yesterdays New York Her
aids leading editorials Memorial-Day
article. In euogizing their own soldiers
the Herald said:
I'VE can afford to offer an equal need
OF praise 20 the brave southern soldiers.
Their motive was the same as ours, their
sacrifices were as great. their courage as
unilinching. We all belonged to the same
family. and had the same heroic blood in
our veins. The banners borne through
the streets to-day. builet-ridden and torn,
attest the facts. and our veterans will
admit IL with pride"
Such concessions from those accustomed
TO speak Of our southern leaders as
traitors and OF our soldiers as rebels
though offered in spirit most credtable
to the North-is only an indication that
the ears once stopped to reason are now
opening and it is our part to demon
strate the truth and righteousness of the
southern cause and to tell the story
to those who will now listen. as well
as to those who never heard 1t.
The poem delivered by Mr.. Gordon yes
terday was-as it should have been-a
eulogy. most gracefully rendered. The
general conception of the poet, the rhyme
of his lines. and the sentiments were all
most appropriate, and well he said, 'And
what we lost cen now they do not
dream. who won"
But the poet had not the field for the
great argument which was open 10 the
orator. The Grafton of the Rev. X. G.
Cave, which we print in full on another
page. should be read by every man who
wants TO know why the men. women, and
children of the South united as a people
never before united to offer their lives,
their fortunes. and their sacred honor
upon the altar OF their country.
Mr.. Cave had a most splendid opportu-
nifty for the deliverance of such state
ment Of constitutional law and historic
fact as would justly present the cause Of
the South and right nobly has he done it,
His speech is a compendium Of the prin-
cipies for which the southern people
thought no sacrifice too great, and 1t will
carry conviction 10 the minds OF all who
have not sworn that they will not believe.
Mr.. Cave most properly resents the i'm
putation that the southern cause was for
the perpetuation OF slavery. Thousands
Of men fought and died under the south
ern nag who never owned a slave never
expected to own one. and never wanted
10 own one. but who fought and died in
defence OF their constitutional rights and
20 repel an invader from the doors of
their homes.
We cannot take too much trouble and
pains TO have our children correctly in
structed In the principles involved in the
war between the States, and for this no
occasion should be lost.
1t Is great satisfaction to know that
great occasion has been greatly used.
With al who wish 10 see the southern
soldier and his cause vindicated from
every ignoble asperson. we thank Mr..
Cave for his splendid GRAFTON.
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