The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1899-05-12
THE SHAFT DEDICATED.
yelling Of the Kentucky Monument
In Chickamauga Park

CHATTANOOGA. Tenn, May 4. At the
unveiling of the Kentucky monument
in Chickamauga Wednesday Gov. Brad
ley said in part:
Many monuments have been erected upon
battlehelds OF this republic. but it has remain
ed for Kentucky to be the first OF all the states
with tender and motherly devotion. to erect a
blended monument to all her sons-a monu-
nent that carries with 1t and upon IL COM
plete reconciliation OF all intending passions.
This shaft is dedicated, not alone to those
who died on this and surrounding fields. but
to the gallant survivors who. when the. frown-
ing clouds OF war were dispelled by the bright
sunshine OF peace, returned to their homes to
repair broken fortunes. and are to-day mum
Dered among the best and most distinguish
sons OF the commonwealth
Kentucky has evinced no Partially in this
evidence OF loving remembrance 1t carries
with 1t no heart burning, no Jealousy. no in
sidious distinction IL is not an emblem OF
honor 10 the victor and reproach to the van
quished-but an equal tribute to the worth of
all. In future, the descendants OF chivalPous
confederatcs may proudly gaze upon IL, realz-
ing that the state has honored their ancestors,
and that. although their cause was lost their
heroism is revered and their memories per-
pc Uated. And the sons OF the brave men
who fought on the other side may lcok upon
IL with equal pride, feeling that 1t
htly commentaries the gallant deeds Of their
ilustrious ancestors. who preserved the ma
tion from destruction. May it endure forever,
standing guard over victor and vanquished
with the statue that surmounts it, in one hand
holding the torch OF liberty shedding abroad
its benign rays; in the other grasping the
sword, cmOlematical of the strength of one
people ready and anxious at all times 10 up
hold the in tcgrity OF one country and to drive
wounded and bleeding. from its shores any in
solent foe that shall ever dare invade them.
And now. after the mists OF prejudice have
been torn from our eyes, and we enabled to see
the bright stars OF truth and reason which
shine beyond. all can plainly divine the senti
ments which inspired the actors in that bloody
drama.
That the union should have been preserved
ana slavery abolished. all are ready TO con
ccde. That the viciors won IN honorable fight no
one will dispute. Bat while this is manifest.
IL Is equally true that those who were FORUM
ately defeated. were inspired by sincere devo-
ton To principles conscientously believed TO
be jast' that they fought with valor. ECU lied
alone OF those who opposed them, but never
surpassed. and their heroic bravery and suffer-
ing entitle them 10 the admiration OF all man
kind.
There coudl be no more convincing evidence
OF the righteous termination OF that great
struggle than the present grandeur and power
OF the repubic-to-day the richest nation on
earth. the workshop and granary OF the globe
No sane man would revive the institution OF
slavery. for the heroic blood OF our Negro
troops has obliterated every lingering rcgre
OF the master and proclaimed in unmiStaN able
language that the liberty OF 1899 is better than
she slavery OF 1861.
The monument dedicated today may. in the
rush OF years. crumble and fall into dust but
| around the SUBMITS of Lookout and Mission
airy Ridge. like gathering mists. shall remain
forever the memories of these historic fields
| and in every heart shall be a monument o
| love. and strength and patriotism which vii
| rerpctuate through all coming Time, the slorie
| OF that great conflict
Looking into the future. may not the FOND
| hope oe INDUCED that in the end our country
| may in all things, be deliberate. just and
wise: that our flag may wave in triumph
| feared 10y tyrantS. in every land and on every
sea; that beneath its folds may gather tho
| oppressed OF every cline. and the slave sirug-
CLING beneath the rod OF oppression feel his
chains grow lighter, his heart leap with Joy
and hail its coloTs as a deliverance; that ma
tions which have been bitten by the serpent of
rapacity and conquest shall look upon
its folds and be healed as those who. with
| faith. looked upon the brazen serpent that was
lifted up in the wilderness God grant that
ours shall be the victory of enlightenment and
liberty the triumph OF right over might OF
justice over injustice. of humanity over cruelty
and oppression. until empires shall have
passed away and the nations OF earth become