The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-11

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and glory OF our civilization. May we
never forget the bonehcent hand OF the
Infinite ln guiding our national lie
throuch sushine aud through shadow,
through peace and through bloody STRIFE.
And we lay the loving tributes OF our
hearts to-day upon the graves Of the
heroes of tho past. may we return IN
fcigncd thanks TO Almighty God for the
bouudless blessings OF domestic peace
While we thank thee for the heroism, the
chiyalry. the devotion to duty and self
sacrifice of those whose memory IS green
and fragrant to-day. we thank thee as
well FOR a reunited country. We thank
thee for "a growing spirit OF brotherhood
IN every part of our land. May brothers
never again be called upon TO take up
arms against brothers IN all our broad
dominlons We thank thee for a true
spirit of patriotism throughout our Dor
ders. As we garland the graves Of those
whose valor win live as q national heri-
tagc. we would remember those Of every
part of the Republic who are now called
uuon 10 90 forth on land and sea in the
interest of suffering humanity and 10
maintain the national honor II It please
thee. speedily give us an honorable
peace and may the issue by 10 thy glory,
the permanent tranquility OF the ma
tons Of the earth and the salvation or
men.
Grown with the rich blessings Of thy
shirt him who shall speak TO us to-day
and own his utterance 10 thy glory and
10 our good.
and TO the Triune God, Father. Son
and Holy Spirit we will ascribe present
and eternal praises through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen
In Introducing Rev ". A. Barr the
orator for the day Judge Richardson
spoke eloquently Of the duty Of fidelity
to memories.
THE GRAFTON.
Mr.. Bars Grafton. winch was inter-
rupted at many points By spirited APP
plause. was substantially as follows:
Fellow Townsmen; once more we are
gathered together in this silent resting
place of the dead. upon the annual occa-
sion that we call Memorial Day. y me-
mortal is that which calls 10 mind some
past event in the experience Of individ-
uals or communities.
Continuing Mr.. Barr said:
In the primitive ages OF the world
the servant of God sets up a simple stone
as memorial of the fact that up to that
point IN their history his people had been
uniformity blessed by the presence and
help Of God: and the patriarch Jacob
crccts an altar TO commemorate the per-
sonal visitation OF the Divine presence
10 mark the spot that had been IN him
I'm a peculiar sense the house of Cod to
enshrine this still epoch in his career in
the memory OF himself and his. And 50
all down the history OF the race, men
have bu!lded monuments, have set days
apart from common days, have appoint
ed festivals and strewu their garlands 70
make vivid in their memory decisive bat
ties. movements that have been pivotal
in their national history, or the achieve
mcnts Of heroes and martyrs who have
led them on 20 a sublimer destiny And
all over Cnristendom to-day men reNer-
entity unite in that simplest and sublim-
est OF all memorials--the putting 10 the
Inns the consecrated fruit OF the vine an
emblem Of the precious blood that was
shed by the son Of God for the redemp-
ton o. "a fallen race. With the very name
memorial. however, we instinctiyely asso-
clate emotions Of gratitude and JOY a
certain thrill OF citation and honest pride.
But as We gather to-day 10 honor the
memory OF those who fell in that great
struggle Of a generation ago. are we not
reminded at the same time that the
cause in which they fell has long since
received the popular appellation OF the
Lost Cause
THE LOST CAUSE.
"The Lost Cause! No cause is ever lost
that has I'm IL integrity Of purpose and
an honest conviction OF the right As
temporary triumph can never make IN
righteousness righteous. so defeat is
poWerlcss 10 detract one joL from any
faithful and conscientious endeavor. Had
the struggle Of our forefathers FOR their
independence ended In disaster ana de-
feat. George Washington would have
been no less revcred as the father OF his
peOpic. though he would never have been
the father OF new republic. and so that
other and greater Washington, Robert
4. Lee shines only with the brighter
lustrc for that he was compelled 10 drink
the cup Of defeat. Though overcome by
circumstances in the end, he was more
the less great In war-so great as 10 be
already conceded one OF the ablest mill
tary leaders Of the century; but great
az he was N war. he was still greater
IN peace, and greatest Of all in the place
that ne holds the place that he holds
I'm the hearts OF his countrymen. But a
short time ago a nation gathered In the
metropolis Of the great country 70 render
its homage at the splendid tomb OF the
chieftain of The other side in that mo-
mentions struggle The tributes offered
at his sepulchre were only his just need.
GRANT AND LEE.
General Grant possessed true elements
Of greatness. and posterity will assured
ly write his name high in the roll Of this
country's heroes. But while we would
not rob that illustrious soldier OF one
laurel that adorns his brow, who can re-
sist the reflection that Lee had he so
willed, might have shared i'm the victor :
triumph By ever so little a sacrifice Of
his integrity and his lofty sense Of honor
ne might have massed numberless troops
behind him and made those boys his
own This he could have done. moreover.
with a very fair exterior. since his posi-
ton as TO the eXpediency OF the move
ment that brought on the issue was well
and widely known. But the suggestion
OF barterng with his perfect fidelity TO
his people and his peoples cause could
find no solitary moments Judgment in
that unsuliied spirit. He recalls God s
champion Of old who chose rather TO
suffer affection with the people of God
than TO enjoy the pleasures OF sin for a
season, esteeming the reproach of Christ
greater riches than the treasures Of
Egypt
I'm Ike spirit. Lee resolved that,
rather than drop ono single stitch OF the
seamless garment OF loyalty and truth
that his life was weaving, he would cast
in his fortunes with the cause he
thought was right. let Il lead him where
II would: and although overcome BY IN