The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1902-05-16

Vardaman, a gentleman whose every
heart-thrOb beats with love for his
state and pride in the glorious
achievements Of her sons in every
field of endeavor.
Too young to have been a particI-
pant in the stirring scenes of 1861-5
in which. on many hotly-contested
field, Mississippians to the glory and
and renown of State, by giving the
world new record for valOr in de-
Tense of liberty he yet loves the prin-
Clples for which his fellow country
men contended More than that He
realizes that state cannot be truly
great which does not nourish patriot
ism by cherlshing the memory of the
dead, aud for the comfort Of the liv-
ing, whose civic virtues and martial
deeds gave it lustre. He, therefore,
is an ardent friend of the men who
wOrthily figured in the historic days
the civil war, and followed the stain
less flag Of the stainless cause that
went down in sea of glory with Lee
and Johnston, and their more than
Spartan bands at Appomattox and
Greensboro.
In keeping with these characteris-
tics of the loyal citizen, Major Varda-
man has turned over for this week
The CommOnwealth-its presses and
type and machinery, its power and
influence, its finances or revenueS-tO
a select committee, under the auspi-
ces Of the Mildred Humphreys Camp
Sons of Veterans, to aid the fund
being raised for the purchase of Beau
vOir, as home for aged survivors Of
the Confederate States armies resi-
dent in Mississippi.
The effort is not less worthy of the
cause than of the camp, whose very
name is an inspiration and benedic-
tion-a name which in its combina-
tion has become throughout Mississip-
pi Synonymous with virtue and valor,
pTObity and philanthropy, purity and
patriotism. That it will prove a
financial success, scarce admits of
doubt. The pride, the public spirit
and the patriotism Of the town and
county whose names perpetuate the
name Of the last great chief Of tribe
of indians, proyer0ial for their love
of country, truth and honesty, and
whose proudest boast was, 81 am a
Choctaw, F" and are suggestive of fer
tile fields and prosperous business, all
bespeak a success commensurate with
the occasion.
Not only IS that the case, but aid,
unsolicited, should come from every
native MSsissippian, at home
or abroad. Each one should, and
doubtless will, esteem it a blessed
privilege to contribute in token of his
love of the mother-land. If there be
one, who, if the opportunity come to
him, refuses; heaven help him.
God pity the Mississippian that in
the poverty of his spirit, has no pride
ia the priceless heritage Of honor and
fame beQueathed to the sons from the
splendid sires who, by duty perform
ed, when our ill-starred Confederacy,
meteOr-like, shot athWart the skies Of
nations, gave to it flash as brilliant,
and more enduring than that follow
ing the lurid path Of shooting stars,
and light that will illume the ages
as long as brave men and pure women
shall live to love peerless conduct in
spired by patriotic purpose.
IF such there be, go, mark him we'll!
For him no minstrel raptures swell;
Proud tho his titles. high his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can
claim,
The wretch concentrated all in self,
In spite of titles, power and pelf;
Shall forfeit fame and fair renOwn
And dOubly dying, shall go down
To that vile earth from which he
sprung,
Unwept. unhonored and unsung."
r. w. BANKS.
Evangelist Bennett, Of Pensacola, Fla,
will hold revival meeting at the Chris
tian church, beginning May 28th Mr..
Bennett is one or the most successful
o.nl ;rtc In 4ln Oon4h nrnd n ,nnr,n. ninr,