Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-31
AT COLD HARBOR.
GEOGRAPHICALLY OBSERVED by
RICHMOND ORGANIZATIONS.
THE DRIVE TO The Battlefield.
IL Was Encompassed with Some
Dimcultfes-Cnptain ID. c. Cook, the
Orator-His views ns to the Pres
emit War.
ent War.

Decoration-Dav was celebrated by
Phil. Kearney Post, the Sons OF Veterans,
and members OF the Womans Relief
Corps, all OF this city, at Cold Harbor
yesterday.
A party OF about 80 people left the
headquarters of the post In ten wagons
shortly after 8 o'clock in the morning.
and drove by way OF Chickahominy
Swamp to the famous battle-ground. That
drive was the least enjoyable feature or
the days outing; the roads were very
heavy and the horses trudged througs
mud above their fetlocks. The swamp
was almost impossible, and the heavy
rain through which the tourists drove
home was the most undesirable climax to
the days observance.
Withal, the excursion had its compen
sations. The early part of the day and
the time spent at Cold Harbor was
greatly enjoyed, and the ceremonies
passed off without hitch.
CEREMONIES AT THE GRAVES.
AS soon as the procession arrived at
its objective point the ceremonies were
begun. The opening prayer was delivered
by Rev. Charles II. Corey. The Memorial
Day orders were read by Adjutant Peter
A. Morton. Mr.. n. j. Smith then read the
address delivered by President Lincoln
at Gettysburg. which was followed by the
ritualistic exercises OF the post, conduct
ed by Commander Maggie.
Captain II. G.. Cook, the orator OF the
day, was next introduced. lie spoke OF
n L.. 4
of the day, and paid glowing tribute 10
the Federal dead. He continued along
conventional lines TO speak of the causes
of the war and the right of a nation TO
defend It's life against either foreign or
domestic foes. In allusiOn TO the present
war, Captain Cook said:
THIS LATEST WAR.
1--WE are now engaged In another war,
but instead of an uprising Of the people Of
the North and South, each against the
other, these two great sections OF the
Union are standing shoulder TO shoulder
behind the governments declaration of
war against Spain.
I'm response to the call of the Presi-
dent for volunteers, to drive the barba-
rous Dons from Cuban soil, the South
does not seem TO be behind the North In
filling her quota. The patriotism Of the
young southerners especially Virginans),
odd Glory" may lead. is deserving OF the
highest praise. Hundreds, too, who wore
the gray, and though nearing the end or
mes journey, are making tender or their
services to the government in this war.
THE SOUTHERN MAJOR-GENERALS.
AS a fitting response TO southern
patriotism In the present crisis, President
Mckinley has very properly commissioned
Lee, Wheeler and Butler majOr-generals
of volunteers, and in no section OF the
Union has these appointments been more
favorably received than at the North.
Among some of the most gratifying
exhibitions Of Virginia American citizen
ship during the past Few weeks is the
patriotic display of the Stars and Stripes
by the citizens of Richmond. This volun-
tary display of the emblem OF our ma
tonaiity is very pleasing to those who
have ever rejoced to look upon its starry
folds.
AN INCENTIVE TO PATRIOTISM.
1--WE who never knew what IL is to have
lived under other flags may not be pro-
perly understood by those who nave
when we show, as we often do. such IN
tense love and generation for the Stars
ana Stripes; and right here permit me 10
say that II called upon to suggest some
proper means mot as yet thoroughly
tried, OF bringing the North and South
into more harmonious relations. j would
unhCsitatingly advise that all who proudly
fling old Glory to the breeze belong to
4 common brotherhood, knowing no
North no South no East, no West. Love
Of the flag begets love OF country, and
he who loves his country is generally
good citizen; he believes in national
liberty-not the liberty OF the unprinci-
pied mob. but liberty regulated by law
founded upon justice.
Finally: Let us resolve TO obey the
laws of our country and force others TO
yield Obedience thereto; defend our flag
against all foes. foreign or domestic, as
the emblem of liberty, equal rights, and
national UNITY"
THE GRAVES DECORATED.
Captain Cooks address was very well
received, particularly those illusions
quoted above. The graves Of the soldiers
were then decorated. and after this had
been done the benediction was pronounced
by DR.. Corey.
A picnic luncheon followed, and the
start homewards was commenced about
o'clock.