Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-01-20

| lug government hller Iu6lr own Tx
ing and we're vieing with those who
fought on the other side in building up
their common country.
| Mr.. John NJ. Johnson, of this city
then arose and responded in his &C.
customed able and forcible manner to
1.-THE Cavalry" He showed the prac.
tical utility OF cavalry in time of war,
and cited Stonewsll Jackson's Valley
campaign as an instance. The history
OF this campaign, he said, was
today being taught in some OF
the military schools of Europe.
While the usefulness OF cavalry as scouts
or in reconnoitering is invaluable, their
fighting qualities, he claimed, were as
manifest as those in other departments
of Al army, which is attested by the
casualties IN this branch of the service.
Mr.. Johnson's remarks we're justly ap-
precisted.
Hon. John Lamb, of Virginia, was
the next speaker, and "Tbe Ladies'
was the toast to which he responded.
He handled bis subject 10 mastery
manner, and his remarks abounded 10
both pathOs and humor. Had it not
been for women, where would either
cavalry or infantry have been?" he quer-
ried. He gave rapid glance at hlsto-
~, mentioning noble women from the
worlds dawn down to the present day.
In no epoch, he said, did true wom-
anh0Od shine brighter than in the South
during the four years civil strife. 1t
was woman whose heart was in the
cause for which the southern soldier
fought. and it was she who animated
him to duty. Her encouraging words
| dispelled much gloom and her letters
from home terminated many gloomy
| soul who followed the Stars and Bars
Numbers present doubtless remember
ed the times when they received letters
from dear ones who were 10 this good
old city of Alexandria. These women
we're as patriotic now as when they
gave the parting kiss 10 the spring OF
1861, while their daughters are pre-
serving the relics of the historic days
which followed. The speaker recited a
number of beautiful anecdotes showing
! the constaDcy of woman, but in none Of
them was the true southern typ
eclipsed. At the close OF bis speech he
was roundly applsuded.
THE Infantry" was subsequently
announced, and Hon. Patrick Henry,
OF Mississippi, was introduced. After
the applause had subsidized the speaker
began his remarks 10 a pleasant vein.
He said while each branch did it's duty
during the four years conflict, there was
much that could be said of the infantry
and many daring fests recounted. In
some cases they had come out of the
hottest conflicts with the same preci-
sion as il on dress parade. The speaker
was with Gen. Jos. E. Johnston in the
southwest, and he believed had the
Generals wisdom been acted on the
result would have been different In that
locality. General Johnston had kill
ed moro of Sherman's men than
he had In his own army, and
his removal from command cast
pail over every brave soldier
Sherman would never had reached At
lsnta, the speaker believed, had John
ston remained ut the head of that army.
He recited many anecdotes in connec-
ton with the war in the Southwest
which were very interesting. In con-
clusion he said the war is now over,
and it behooved all to do their duty ss
citizens of common country. The
Southern soldier was no traitor he had
fought for principles; that was ALL IL
abiding to the nsrrow-minded views OF
some be said it was fact that Gel
tain history of this country in describ-
ing the battle of Buena Vista during
the Mexican war omitted the name OF
Jefferson Davis, who really saved the
day. Such spirits would eventually
have to give way to truth, common
sense and conservatism.
Colonel A. F. Berry, of Kentucky,
arose when "The Navy" was an
nounced. His remarks were brief, but
interesting and to the point. There
had never, he said, been such career
for navy on such small scale as that |
OF the Southern Confederscy. The |
Alabama had made the flag of the |
United States as scarce on the ocean as |
sea serpents or mermsids, while the ca.
reer of the Virginia had revolutionized |
the navies of the world. This vessel |
had scared all the Yankees in Boston
and terrorized the President and his |
cabinet in Washington. The speaker
made many humorous remarks and apt |
comparisons, and in abiding to his
pardon granted by President Johnson
said one of the reasons for its issuance
was that the recipient did not own or
trade in negroes. Turning to the co.,
ored walters, who were arrayed in dress
suite, he said 'it then flashed upon me
that the negro was an issue 10 the
minds of those on the other side, and
they are fitting about here tonight in
their swallow-tailed coats while We are
wearing our everyday clothes"
[Great laughter.] Tho Colonel gave
all the credit for the victory at Santi-
ago to Admiral Schley, which brought
forth much applause, and he said he
was On expansionist and In favor OF
keeping the American flag wherever it
had been planted, urging that CONNER.
cisl prosperity would, be believed, re-
the speaker said his mother was born
10 Alexandria and the dust OF his grand
father reposes in Christ Church yard.
Colonel Beasley, whose pleasant an.
eclotes at the last banquet are well re-
followed. The Colonel was
1t his best and for some time kept the
company amused by his inimitable
manner and pleasant words. In some
portions of his speech he was pathetic,
especially 10 his reference to the Con-
ederate soldier, while some of the in {