Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-08


! We come to-day to dedicate a memorial
erected by women: TO honor man I'M
known TO official place, and who in the
time OF war carried a musket and march
cd on foot: lie redolent OF good deeds,
| yet withal so modest as TO be almost I'M
| known beyond the circle Of those who en-
Joyed his friendship, or felt the aid of his
benefactions: loyal patriot, public-spi-
rited citizen. successful man OF AFFAIRS,
devoted Mason, Illustrating In his life the
tenets Of that ancient and honorable or
der. These are among his claims TO fame.
and IL there be another more conspicuous
than the rest, let ii be that he was the
| friend OF little children and the benefac-
tor Of the aged and the poor.
CAPTAIN BABCOCK'S LIFE.
Time will not permit more than a brief
recital of the life and labors Of Alexander
G.. Babcock, to whose memory We dedi-
cate yonder monument.
Born in the State OF New Jersey. his
early life was spent in the land of his
nativity, and the nearby city Of New
York. There. while pursuing with success
his chosen avocation, he Witnessed the
gathering clouds which betokened the
coming storm Of civil war. He watched
with interest the Southern States exercise
the right so persistently claimed since the
birth of the Union, of Withdrawing from
the Federal compact whenever, in their
opinion, such course would best pro-
mote the peace prosperity, and happiness
greater solicitude the growing disposition
on the part Of the North TO resist this
right by force of arms. He studied the
charter which fixed the limits Of Federal
authority in the light Of the events which
marked its adoption. He became con-
WINGED that the Southern States had the
right to peacefully withdraw, and, in the
language of the great Declaration, ITO
assume among the Powers of the earth
the separate and equal station to which
the laws Of Nature and of Natures God
entitled them" SO believing. when the
official call went forth for men to coerce
the South, he left home and country, and
cast i'm his fortunes with the weaker side
He felt that the rights of the southern
people were being invaded; their country
wasted by fire and sword. without war
rant Of law, and, though his own people
and section were the aggressOrs he made
the land over which thus hung impending
ruin the home and country of his adop-
ton.
No act could better Indicate force of
character, and a determination to follow
the call OF duty. Through all the trials
Of that great struggle he maintained with
unfailing devotion the cause Of his adopt.
ed state
LINKED WITH OUR PEOPLE.
When war was over he sought the once
proud capital Of old Virginia and the
South. Smoking ruins marked the places
Of her former beauty. With characteristic
work of restoration. The passing years
brought prosperity alike 10 the city and
the stranger friend within her gates.
Partaker OF our trials in the time OF
war he became more and more linked
with our people in the years of returning
peace and plenty. Business capacity and
untiring industry earned for him hand
some competency. High character and
gentle qualities of heart won for him the
esteem of his fellows. OF The Masonic
Gro to- ba 1lsrnfg n Y,narnhpr and
in all of the interests Of the order evinced
the liveliest concern. While never aspir-
ing TO official place, he honored the craft
by illustrating in his life the noble prin-
ciples Of Masonry. AS the evening or Ire
came on he more and more sought 10 pro-
mote the comfort and happiness OF others,
until at length he crowned a life OF
noble benefactions by founding the Ma
sonic Home Of Virginia.
Such. in brief. are some Of the salient
features of tho life and character OF
Alexander G.. Babcock. AS we look back
over his earnest and not uneventful lie,
there come to us many reasons for CRATE
full memory. But with him, | am sure,
he would best wish TO be remembered be
cause he was the father of the Masonic
Home-for helpless infancy, nursery OF
love and care; for decrepit age, a haven
of peace and rest.
There i'm that safe retreat the lohey
orphan will find friendly guides for ms
feet and old age, gehte nliilis-
trations TO cheer and soothe ON through
the years TO come that noble charity, or
which his heart was the inspiration, VIII
stand dispensing blessings. And so To-
day we trace upon the memoflai-stone 10
his I chest encomium the simple epltapn
ssFounder of the Masonic Home OF Nlr-
ginia." ,, 49,, ,,,eo>,pv
The Masons Of the State have done well
TO lend their aid 10 the erection OF thls
monument and to TESTIFY by the presence
here to-day of their Most Worshiptul
Grand Master. and this great concourse
from the lodges that they honor the /
memory OF Alexander G. Babcock. IL
honors alike the recipient and the great
order from which the expression so Mt |
tingly comes Masonry needs no eulogy |
at my hands Its very existence, coming !
down from remote ages, demonstrates the |
eternal character Of its principles. En- |
plres have risen and perished; races OF
men have passed from the earth. vet this |
ancient order, witnessing the changes or |
centuries. still lives unchanged-its cor
ner-stone, belief in God and love for fell |
ov- man. Because our brother illustrated |
in life these great tenets OF our order,
and in the language Of the poet.
Wrought
With human hands the creed of creeds,
I'm loneliness of perfect deeds
we gratefully record upon yonder monu-
nent. Erected by the Masons OF Nir-
yinia."
And though. my friends. that inscrip-
ion tells the builders OF this memorial,
yet II is q simple truth TO say that the
Inspiration of the movement which re-
suited i'm it's erection came from women
The Ladies' Auxiliary Association or
he Masonic Home" They appreciated
he work Of the founder of that home as
hey toiled on from day TO day TO en-
arge its usefulness and multiply its
Their hearts knew, as only the
learts of women could know. what IL
meant to take the orphan child, bereft !
II mothers love, ana wandering fortn
o meet alone the dangers of life, and
i've il a home and a woman's care. And
% women first suggested this memorial; |
hey have labored for its erection. and
hey are here to-day 10 crown il and the
lie il honOrs with benedictiOns.
To me there is something peculiarly
eautiful in the thought that this monu-
as been erected to commemorate man
.hose chief claim upon cur esteem is
ounded in his affection for little chill
rem. Ii is a noble impulse which causes
he heart TO kindle with tenderness at
he sight Of a little child. In the greater
ympathy for children, in a tenderer re-
ard for all the happenings of their little
,orld. in the adoption OF better methods
or their education and development. and
! the consequent reflex influence for good
pom the hearts and lives of older people,
lIr age has made advances which will be
eckoned among its surest claims TO
A great prophet, looking down the ages
nd catching glimpses OF that golden era.
hen love and peace should dominate the
-orld. has typified il all In the words,
A little child shall lead them" And a
reater than he, picturing forth the Clio
les Of the eternal home. pointed to a
tile child and said, "Of such is the |