Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-05-20

mental truth that the entire people OF
the south are as true and loyal 10 the
American flag and union as those of
any other section: and further, that
this implies no apology for anything
that we have done-no waYering in our
devotion TO the Confederate cause and
It's glorious heroes. Nay, we glory in
Confederate fame. As we were true to
the Confederacy under the then ex-
listing. conditions. so now we are equal
ly true to the Federal Union under the
new order of things.
But the men of the Confederacy were
not the only sufferers from the effects
of the war, nor were they entitled TO
all the credit for deeds of heroism per-
formed In that great drama. They were
encouraged, sustained and cheered by
as noble and devoted Il race of women
rs ever graced and adorned the earth.
me mothers, wives and daughters of
the Confederate soldiers suffered untold
privations, and without murmuring
They toiled and struggled not only to
care for and nurture the dependent lit
tie ones and aged ones at home, but
to send food and clothing to their faith
crs, husbands, brothers and sons in
camp, and thus infused new life into
the hearts OF the suffering soldiers
Their conduct was the personification
OF sublime heroism. The sweetest mem
cries cluster around them: and every
loyal Confederate loves to worship at
virtues, and perpetuate in song and
rtory-aye, in their heart of hearts
the surprising glory of the noble wom-
en- of the Confederacy.
Indeed. woman is ever foremost in
all good works. the world over Her
influence permeates and sanctifies ev-
cry department of life-in sickness n
ministering angel, in health n joy. in
charities Astounding. and in religion the
faithful supporter of the Church: in
deed. to the discredit of the sterncr
sex. it is greatly to be feared that, but
for woman'S gentle ministrations and
untirinE DEVOTION our holy religion it,
self would languish and our charities
dwindle into comparative insignifi-
canoe. 1t has been well said of her
that she doubles our joys and our
sorrows divides
Hail. glorious woman! as the sun,
Careering in his monday height
| OutshineS the stars, the morning one
And all the galaxy of light.
So glorious woman, brightest. best
OF all Gods works. outshines the rest"
1t was the women of the South who
inaugurated this beautiful custom of
annually strcwing fresh flowers upon
che honored graves of the Confederate
dead. Their gentle hands and loving
hearts pay this annual tribute of I'M
dying affection to the memories and
virtues Of our honored dead.
And so to-day let all Southern hearts
and hands unite in the sacred task of
iittingly observing this solemn memo
rial occasion. and offering the incense
OF true and loyal hearts to the memo
rIes and virtues of the loved ones who
braNely fought and nobly died in de-
fence of their country, their homes and
affairs. Let us show ourselves worthy
OF the men and women of the Confed-
elacy, and we can in no way better
do this than by ourselves tendcrly cher
ishlnS their memories. instilling into
the minds of our children sentiments
OF respect. reverence and admiration
Tor their glorious deeds, and thus trans
hitting untarnished TO posterity the
bright escutcheon bequeathed to us by
them, and sending their names glori-
ously sounding down through the ages
so long as fame hath a trumpet left
hcr and any breath 70 blow therein"
CLOSING CEREMONIES.
The band then played America"
and the Rev. j. w. Mitchell, of The
South Street Baptist Church. gro
nounced the benediction, and the line
of march to the cemetery was then ia
ken up through High street to lsifing-
ham street. To the cemeteries, where
Volleys werc fired by Grimes Battery.
Captain c. X. Warren having two
pieces Of artillery al each of the Gem
eterics.
At the conclusion OF the exercises
the parade reformed, and in return
Ing TO the city marched through Eff
fingham and South streets, where it
was dismissed. Captain George w. r.
Mcdonnell was chief marshal of the
parade. and his assistant was Mr.. S.
w. Simcoe.