The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-05-12

that for more than half a. century had
been matters of the most earnest, ana
1 might say bitter contentious, increasing
i'm intensity until an appeal 90 the God
If Battles was rendered inevitable so that
no arbitrament save that Of the sword
was possible. when the South yielded
il was TO numbers. battalions. artillery,
TO the unlimited resources of the Federal
Government
"The armies Of the South laid down
their arms, but not one iOta Of their
belief in the truth and justice Of their
cause did they surrender. Win energy
and determination they met the new
problems confronting them.
Above the carnage. above the WaA OF
widows and the cry of orphans. above the
desolated homes. above the fields OF over
grown with new forests. there arose
new civilization and new union, one
niche in whose temple holds mcguire
whose name shall bee hOnOred throughout
the ages. Lee whose matchless skill,
whose soldierly spirit. whose wonderful
endurance. was only eQualed by the
grandeur OF soul. which, accepting the
fiat OF war. lived out tO its run close
the uoblest life recorded in all history
for the admiration Of posterity.
"The lifetime of a generation has soften
ell the memories Of that conflict and side
bv side both North and South. have stood
together i'm battle against a foreign foe.
1--WE meet here 20 cherish and intensity
the memory OF the great struggle IN which
Won were actors. Your devotion 20 duty,
your courage in battle and your unmur-
muring endurance. was your heritage
from your ancestors
General Wheeler touched upon the ques-
ton of expansion by declaring that
southern soldiers and Southern states
men had ever taken a prominent part
I'm an movements looking 20 the enlarge
ment of our territory.
SOUTHERN PATRIOTISM.
1T IS a matter OF which the Southern
people may we'll take pride. that during
AN the great progress and advancement
OF our country. including the armed con-
test Of last year and which / am glad
to say now appears 10 be happily ended.
mo- section Of our land has been more de-
voted To the cause Of our country and
ia unfolding It's honor and. prestige than
the people Of the Southern States.
"Those upon whom rests the cares,
duties and burdens Of government have
encountered no embarrassments or COM
nloints or criticism from Southern States
None Of their brave volunteer regiments
have asked 10 be returned from helds
of active duty. and when the request
has come from Governors Of other com
monwealths. volunteers from the South
ern States have promptly begged for tho
honor Of filling their places in the front
Of battle.
"The position IN which the American
poople find themselves to-day was not
sought bv them. bu1 Is the logical result
of conditions thrust upon the country by
course Of events beyond our control
MUST NOT RETRACT.
1T is said by some that while England.
Holland France and other nations NAV
extend protecting hand 70 peoples and
lands separated from the home country
benehting both the protector and the pro
tected. that We shall be utterly unable 10
accomplish such a purpose. To admit
this proDosition. Is To admit that our
system OF government is lacking in the
essential qualifications which every SOW
ereign power should possess. In one year
we have risen 10 the first place IN the
family Of nations: 70 make the smallest
retroerade step. would be at the expense
~ the prestige we have won. To return
"a tho starting point Of year ago would
no Ia lose what It would take a century
10 regain. In answer 20 those who say
thar the policv OF our fOrefathers for
bade the extension OF territory. ! would
noint To Jefferson and the Louisiana pur-
chase. Monroe and Florida. Polk and
Texas. and the vast territory acquired
from Mexico and later TO Andrew John
som and the acquisition OF Alaska
N there be any who contend that we
should not permit the island OF Cuba
IN become a part OF the United States.
and its people II they desire II, 70 enjoy
an the rights Of American citizenship. I
have only TO point 20 the official declara-
lions of our great statesmen, commencing
with Thomas Jefferson and running
,brough almost the entire period Of the
nrst half OF this century. During all that
nsriod our honOred statesmen and Presi-
derts from jefferson 10 Buchanan laid
dov,n i'm their messages and State docu-
ronts the imperative necessity Of max.
Inc he pearl ~ the Antilles part OF
the United states.
MOTHERS OF HEROES.
7, concluding his address. General
wheeler paid an eloquent tribute 10 the
women OF the South and the part tht'