Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1895-06-19

secure all the results desired that from
this neuclus would grow an institution
embracing all the matter and material
necessary to the future historian in max
ing up n truthful record that would con-
tain as valuable object lessons the relics
and momentoes of the great struggle for
our rights; that would preserve the fea.
tures of our great leaders; that would be
a sacred shrine for our veterans and
Mecca for their descendants for long ages
to come.
When | saw that our noble women and
good and true men were working zeal
ously and untiringly to secure these re-
suits, and that memorial organizations
had been established in Richmond, New
Orleans and elsewhere, was hopeful Of
success. 1t was only after the lapse Of
many years that | commenced to enter
tain doubts of the perpetuity Of the work
that had been accomplished. saw with
concern that a multiplicity of efforts to
accomplish the objects of general desire
was endangering success. That, notwith-
standing the evident design to make these
memorial institutions national in charact-
er, they were regarded by the veterans as
limited and local, and that they were
never so generally and literally support
ed as to obviate the necessity of recurring
appeals for assistance. | saw that the
old soldiers were reluctant to have relics
and records removed from their respect
i've States without an assurance of being
made part of national collection to
which every Confederate State would
contribute. saw that n great amount
Of valuable memorial matter, scattered
broadcast over the country, was in danger
of being lost or destroyed and many relics
that should form an important part Of
the illustrated history Of the war were he.
ing disposed Of to Northern purchasers
for purposes of exhibition and gain.
Although much valuable time had been
wasted and many of the veterans had
"crossed to the other shore" l believed
that it was not too late to recliiy the mis-
takes caused by patriotic zeal, and that
whatever had been lost by not having
concentrated our efforts and means might
be regained | was satisfied that the de-
sire to perpetuate the memories of our
great struggle for constitutional rights
was so strong and universal in the hearts
Of our veterans that their united and bar
monious action could be relied upon in
any effort to that end. Though convinc-
ed of this, did not feel warranted in ap-
prealing to any Of our prominent Confed-
crate leaders TO inaugurate the work, in
asmuch as it would involve labor and ne
cessitate expense. preferred to take the
burden upon myself.
In November of last year | addressed
circular to the commanders of the Vet
eran camps and to other Confederates
whose address | was able to obtain.
The responses to this circular were
more numerous than those TO the first,
and equally, if not more, satisfactory
From Veteran camps, from commanding
generals to privates, from those who have
succeeded in lile's struggles, and from
those upon whom fortune has frowned,
assurances Of cooperation and substantial
support have been received. 1t is for the
veterans TO mold this universal sentiment
into substantial expression. 1t would be
comparatively easy of accomplishment to
secure the sum that has been estimated as
necessary to fund the proposed associa-
ton. A few rich men could furnish the
amount without inconvenience, but in so
doing they would deprive the Confeder-
ate veterans of the opportunity Of furnish
ing the world and to posierity proof Of
their unanimous and loyal devotion to
the memory of the Lost Cause. An in
stitution built out Of poverty would be
indefinitely more preferable and would
inculcate lofter lesson than one created
by individual wealth.
The question of location has impressed
me as one of great delicacy and impor-
tance, and in formulating plans have
given it careful attention. 1t has been
made more clear that there will be COM
petition as to the site of the institution
For this reason | deem it best and wisest
to leave the decision TO the Board Of Ad.
ministrators. can only hope, in view
of the great purpose contemplated, that
local preference and prejudices may be
subordianated to the common good.
think all will agree that our shrine should
be erected in an easily accessible place
that our Mecca should be erected where
it can be reached by great numbers. In
this, as in other questions connected with