The Grenada sentinel., 1896-08-22
WALTHALL AT OXFORD.
Mississippis Soldier and Statesman Wins
Additional Laurels.

The reunion OF the United Confed-
crate Veterans at tie University
campus at Oxford on last Thursday
was an occasion of more than ordinary
interest. There we're 1000 persons
present. The address of welcome was
delivered by Prof. Leavell. scholarly
and accomplished member of the
faculty of the University, and an ad-
dress was also de!ixered by Hon, G. d.
Shands, professor of the law depart
ment of the University. who is always
eloquent. The chief orator of the Oc-
casion, however, was General +. G.
Walthall. It is needless to say that
this typical southern soldier and de-
voted Mississippian met all the needs
of the occasion. No southern leader
won brighter laurels than he, or in so
short a time, during the great strug-
gle between the states. He seemed TO
possess all the attributes of a general
and inspired his followers with his
own lofty patriotism, fortitude AMI en-
durance. His fame and theirs are
forever united. and constitute rich
heritage for posterity. His reputation
as statement is commensurate with
his military career. His character as
a private citizen is beyond all praise.
A character so admirable, producing
all the qualities that attract, both in
peace and war, suggests the poets sigh
at the fall OF Gustavus AdO,phus:
"Oh. for the white plume waving. sad
Lutzens field above,
The lions heart in battle, the woman's heart
in love.
The Picayune's correspondent is, un-
fortunately, unable to give the entire
address, but the following tribute to
the lamented Lamar, from one who
so we'll loved him, will be read with
qualification by the friends of that
great man throughout the union:
The people here have honored me
with their good will, and have gener-
ously given me their confidence and
support in all my aspirations and en-.
deavors, and for this | am profoundly
grateful.
But there is more than this to en-
dear this locality to me. In your quiet
cemetery sleeps one who was to me
what no other man has ever been. and
no other man can be so fully. An un-
selfish friend, sincere and sympathetic,
consderate, atfectonate and true.
wise in his counsel and strong ia his
support. a teacher of life's most whole
some lessons, an exemplar OF the ear
lest virtues, and the loftiest qualities
in mau and his own life ar inspiration
to the highest conceptions and purest
practices in the duties of a public man
all these, and more than these, was
the great and gifted Lamar to me.
And if there be auytbing of usefulness
or honor in my career as Il servant Of
the public, it has been largely due,
yes. mainly due. 70 his influence. his
teachings and example.
1T has been my privilege to mngle
somewhat with those whom the world
calls great. have had the fortune TO
come in contact with many illuslrious
statesmen and jurists, scholars aud
soldiers. / have listened to the II Ost
famous orators who have sw;iyed vast
of meo in this. our day
and time. But take him all in all, as
man of thought, man of speech and
man of action. he whom this commun-
ty gave to The service Of his country,
your ncighbor and friend. was. in my
eyes, the greatest and grandest "f
them all The people of his state and
the rr,>ih-nto Of the United States gave
him the hig hest honors in their power
to besI"N. tut there was no distinction
which could come to him commensur-
ate wi, LIE great work OF reconcilia-
ti"u ard restoration in which he was
he piunrtr, and which was wrought |
out by hi, wisdom, patriotism and
,ourage-N. o. Picayune.