The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1895-09-28
iCATION or CHICK AMAUGA NA-
TIONAL PARK.
Gen. L. {. Wallliall's Able and Patriotic
Address

Address
Possibly in all the history OF wars
and peace, of antagonism and resist
ance, of enmity and reconciliation be-
tween civilized countries there never
was parallel to the grand reunion Of
the conquering and conquered people
which occurred at Chickamauga last
week, the samebeing the thirty second
anniversary of one OF the most cele
brated and hard fought battles Of mod
ern times.
There on the same field which so
many years ago was crimsoned by the
patriotic blood of nearly twenty thous-
and heroes on each side, was assembled
a vast multitude composed of both
Norlherners and Southerners, who,
with bonds of fraternal peace and har-
mony, with one common interest ard
purpose, dedicated the historic ground
to the United States Of America as a
National Park. There the former foe
men in blue and in gray met with
mutual sympathy and equal rights TO
fight again the old battle but in place
of crashing shell and deadly musket
the olive branch, sweet emblem of
peace, served as arms, and tears we're
shed instead of blood.
A notable sight of the splendid par
ade is described in a telegram as fol
lows by the Associated Press.
CHATTANOOGA. Tenn, Sept 2O.-Onc of
the leading features of to-days events
caused comment and enthusiasm. and will
make Il lasting impression upon those who
saw it. 1t was a company Of Confederate
veterans, attired in their tattered old uni
forms Of gray. carrying. the stars and stripes.
They formed part Of the biz parade this
morning. and as they passed through the
miles and miles Of streets they were tender
ed an ovation that would have honored an
emperor. Not one Of these old war dogs
was under Co. and yet they walked with Il
tirmness of step that would have done JUS
tire to West Point cadets. And one OF them,
the one next to the cOlor-bearer. carried an
olive wreath, AN emblem Of peace and love.
What greater evidence of allegiance
to the flag against which they once
| fought, could have been demonstrated?
Among the illustrious generals who
participated in that glorious occasion,
our distinguished fellow citizen, Sen.
! E. c.. Waltnall, was one. On the
night of the Goth Gen. Walthall pre-.
sided at a meeting in Barnum's tent, in
which there was gathering of the
survivors of the Army of Northern
Virginia, and that portion of the Army
of the Potomac which engaged in the
battle of Chickamauga. In speaking OF
the solditr of the South, and truly
none more worthy or brave could have
been selected to represent him, Gen.
Walthall ably and eloqueutly said.
ITO be chosen to preside over an assembly
~
am profoundly grateful to those by whom
it was bestowed. My selection for such
duty involves the Aattering implication
that am deemed worthy to represent the
soldier OF the South and all he stands for in
history-and it is for this prize the honor
most. If indeed be his fit and proper type
then for the moment tn eprviIege is mine to
symboliZe courage. constancy and devotion
in war; self-respecting dignity in defeat;
and, In peace, the same fidelity to this gov
eminent the southern soldier bore to that
for whose permanent establishment he
fought four years in vain.
The story Of the fiery struggle tells what
he did and how he suffered for his duty us
he saw it, while the strife was raging, and
the sequel shows that when the conflict
ceased the name and fame he won in battle
vert never tarnished by any breach Of Il
paroled soldiers pledge Of peace
For the teachings of the >ages CT his Sec
tion, which had the sanction Of his own APP
proval, he faced his northern brother ON IA
hundred fields of blood He raised his hand
against him, because he had been taught it
was his duty to battle for the rights and in
stitutiOns of his state A sentiment he had
inherited. ingraincd in his nature. sustained
him through the fierce. long struggle. in
which he was deSt inrd to be beaten.
After the lapse Of thirty years since his
banners went down, for him in his name it |
is my pride and pleasure to greet his for
mer fOrman, whom he joins in doing honor !
to our reunited cuuntry'> flag. At this. tie |,
first formal meeting between YOU and him. .
had under the auspices of your government .
and his. he Salutc> you as the victOr> ana !
best bears witness to your prowcSS by point
ing to the record Of his own There could |
be no occasion So appropriate for him, with
out humility or assumption. hypocrisy or
pretcntion but in Il spirit Of fraternity and
equality. in token Of his sincerity, to reach .
out his open hand to you.
In him there Is no trace remaining Of IT,"
bitterness, and failure of dcfrat-and if there
were, the proofs. in which this National park
abounds. that his name and deeds have hr,H
fairly dealt with, would be enough to di>i'vl
it all forever. He will vie with you In sup
porting and defending the government.
which, in pcrpctualing the achievements ct
American arms has done Justice with an
even hand to the armies Of the North and
South alike.
HARD FORTr Me-
After the dawn Of peace he wrr>;Nrd with