Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-23
CONFEDERATE
MEMORIAL DAY.
Continued from Page {

Mr.. Rhodes is Northern man, with all
the prejudice Of his section. He re-
views the course of General Lee in re-
signing from the Federal army, and an
alyzes the reasons which induced him
to do so. Following the line Of thought
suggested by the historian let us pause
for moment to consider the mental
conflict which must, at this supreme
me ment. have agitated the mind of this
great man. He had returned to AR
lington," the home dear to him and
AROUND which clustered so many sacred
memories. Standing on its pillared
veranda and looking across the Poto-
mae he saw on the one1side the capital
of his country, with the flag for which
he had fought and under which he had
gained imperiShabie fame floating from
its dome. On the other side We're the
fertile fields of Virginia--hs mother
State-and she had voted him n sword
in recognition OF brilliant services in
the war with Mexico.
HIS LOYALTY TO VIRGINIA.
General Lee was opposed TO secession
and realized. as few men did the terri
bic war which would inevitably follow
the withdrawal OF Virginia and the bor-
der States from the Union; besides he
never believed in the ultimate success
OF the South should such a war-be in
augurated. About this time he was Of
fered the command of the Federal army
by Mr.. Lincoln. The conflict was most
painful. Should he decline the COM
mand rendered his (thc most tempting
ever made to Il soldier and turn his
back upon the flag and sever his asso-
citation with General Scott. to whom
he was so greatly attached? Could he
lead an army of invasion to devastate
the fields of Virginia and crimson her
rivers with the blood OF her best and
VnSt2 Ia ~ I'd
his mother gave against his mother
breast? This could not be. The voice
of duty TO him was the voice of God.
Conscience was above preference, and
yielding to its stern dictates, he re-
signed his position in the Federal army.
bade farewell to his loved commander
and returned to Virginia. determined
never again to draw his sword save in
her defence. Mr.. Rhodes justifies Gen
cral Lees action. and thus concludes:
sincerely religious, providence with
him was variety. and it may be truly
said he walked with God. ="
Northern men may regret that Lee did
not see his duty as the other two Vir-
ginians, Scott and Thomas, but CEN
surc's voice upon ;he action of such a
noble soul is hushed, .
for surely as the years go on, we shall
see that such a life can be judged by
no partisan measure, and we shall come
to look upon him. as the English OF our
day regard Washington, when little
more than century ago they delighted
TO call him Il rebel Indeed, in all es-
sential characteristic. Lee resembled
Washington, and had the great work of
his life been crowned with success, or
had he chosen the winning side, the
world would have acknowledged that
Virginia could. in a century. produce
two men who were the embodiment OF
public and private virtue" The con-
c!usion OF Mr.. Rhodes is but the verdict
OF impartial history. 1t was anticipat-
Ell years ago, when the eminent Eng
lish scholar, Philip Stanhope Woosley
presented General Lee with II copy of
his translation of Homer's "Iliad," and
accompanied II with probably the sweet
est poetic aulogy in our language:
1.-The grand old bard that never dies
Receive him in our English tongue.
7 send thee, but with weeping eyes,
The story that he sung.
Thy Troy is fallen; thy dear land
Is marred beneath the spoilers heel.
l cannot trust my trembling hand
To write the things 1 feel.
All. realm of tombs; but let her bear
The bazon to the last of time.
No nation rose so white and fair,
Or fell SO pure of crime.
The widows moan. the orphans wall,
Come round thee. yet in truth be
strong;
Eternal right, though all else fail,
Can never be made wrong.
An Angels tongue. an Angels mouth,
Not Homer's. could alone for me
Hymn we'll the great Confederate
South.
Virginia first and Lee"