Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-23
THE CONFEDERATE MUSEUM.


President jefferson Davis)
from our firesides and business to this
spot. The daughters and granddaugh-
ters OF the women who did so much
to make this sunny cline OF ours so
classic and rich in historic lore in time
of war and Battle-Ground, are here to
attest their feaIty to the traditions of
that period by dedicating this structure
as a depository of Confederate relics, set
ting apart a room for each OF the
States whose sons followed the star Of
Lee, Johnston, Beauregard or Smith.
and assigning 1t to the care Of a regent,
herself the worthy descendant Of some
patriot who wore the gray or gave aid
and comfort to those engaged in the ter
rife struggle. Burning with desire to
establish such an institution In this
old city, the Capital of the Confede-
racy. whose very streets seem to be
consecrated ground, still resounding in
the imaginative ear with the tramp
tramp. tramp, of that army that wrought
renown imperishable from Gettysburg
heights to these city gates, from Bethel
TO Appomattox, these devoted women
determined TO raise the necessary funds
for the purpose. When this resolu-
ton was formed, success was assured.
In March, 1880, the society was organ
ized. Soon thereafter Colonel John B.
Cary, as a member of the City Council
of Richmond, offered a resolution donat-
ing this property, and the resolution
was promptly passed (Applause.)
The society has expended about $4,000
in repairs and improvements. Where
all have acted SO nobly and done so well.
II would be almost impossible to ac-
cord special credit to any, yet feel sure
/ will voice the sentiments of the indi-
vidual members of the society when
mention as worthy OF particular notice
for their untiring and efficient efforts
Mrs. Joseph Bryan, president OF the
society. and Mrs. e.. d.. Hotcbkiss chair
man of the Building Committee.
Hastily passing on, let me ask what
building is this we dedicate?
1T WAS OUR WHITE HOUSE.
1t is what was the White House, the
Executive Mansion OF the Confederacy.
Within these walls councils of state and
councils OF war were held policies dis
cussed, and campaigns mapped. Be
meath this roof statesmen met statesmen,
and warriors met warriors, all filled with
a loyalty that knew no quenching and a
zeal that knew no lessening. Through
these corridors rang voices all in har-
mony. all proclaiming allegiance TO
cause about which clustered the affections
in its maintenance and defence. Yes.
this was the official home Of the Chief
Magistrate of the new American republic.
founded upon the eternal principles Of
right and justice. but whose life was
crushed out of II under the juggernaut
wheels OF superior numbers and merciless
power-numbers recruited from the four
corners OF the earth, power secured from
the combined nationalities Of the gobe.
How precious are the recollections that
hang round these precincts. Every spot
Is sacred. every room is hallowed. IL
these walls could but speak what tales
Of Joy and anxiety. happiness and woe
they would unfold. In their massiveness
they stand indeed as a memorial to the
great man who once occupied them, and
in their stateliness as a reminder of the
lofty character of the beloved Chief Mag
istrate of the short-llyed, but glorifed
and immortalized Confederacy.
But while the tendrils of all our hearts
entwne this historic structure, there is
no lingering feeling Of bitterness engen-
dered by internecine strife in our
breasts. Neither are we engaged In this
work In any spirit Of disoyalty TO our
reunited land. Oh, no. We are one peo-
pie under the aegis Of one flag, affirm
ing allegiance TO one Constitution yor-
shipping at one altar and moving
forward to one goal While we
have no retractions to make, no recanta-
tlons to sing. while we intend ever to
be true to ourselves, to our martyred
dead and our heroes. dead and living.
70 our traditions and civilization, to every
thing that characterized a brave and
chivalrous race, we proclaim ourselves
loyal sons and daughters OF this Union.
Il
has been assigned me. I must perform
a task which. though pleasant. will be
labor lost. / have the honor of intro
ducing to you q gentleman who needs