Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-17

name sums up possibility and bids def
ance to expression? Cut down in the hour
Of his greatest triumph Jackson's fan
was a death blow to the Confederacy.
My right arm gone" said Lee, in be-
moaning loss which he knew could new
er be replaced. 1t rejoiced his heart 70
bestow honor and praise upon his asso-
ciates when those tributes were due. Seek
ing TO appreciate. or even contending for,
the fruits of victory was ittleness I'M
known to his lofty SOU.
But why prolong to this audience re-
countal of battles. each a familiar tho
glorious, story? The mere enumeration
Of mighty Gettysburg, the struggle of
the wilderness with Federal loss ex-
ceeding Lees whole army. and the Troy
like defense of Petersburg brings to mind
those well-known stories of almost sup
erhuman effort, wherein a leader and
army, alike unparalleled, come as near
as mortals may to attaining the impo-
sible. Outnumbered many times to one,
hopelessly deficient in all equipment of
war, they fought thrice armed as only
heroes do who feel their cause is just. till
that supreme hour at Appomattox when
the\ Ruler OF the Nations decreed forever
the preservation Of this union of states.
Accepting the immutable wisdom of this
4ecree, as Of all the rulings Of God, il IS
nevertheless granted US to hallow the
memory of this defeat and, as did Lee.
gain from IL our greatest victory The
work Of the great army was done though
its tattered, staggering remnants even
then did not realize it, for. miracle of
heroism, even as their leader went rid
ing forward TO end by surrender their
hopeless conflict those marvels in gray,
installing his purpose, nerved themselves
for further effort at sight of him they
loved so well, and. for the last time. sent
their defiant. his -oric, rebel yell "shiver-
ing to the tingling stars" Oh! the pathos
O. the scene! But. too sacred for words.
CONNIE for contemplation, to the inner
recesses of the heart.
Daughters OF the Confederacy, children
of most noble parentage. a grateful coun-
try commends your work of love and
memory. and bids you Goo-speed in it's
continuance. ny keeping green and fra
grant to the memory of Confederate SOL
diers. you prove yourselves worthy Of
those mothers from whom you descend
mothers whose peerless virtues patriot
ism, and courage more = an half fought
the battles of the Confederacy and ex-
allied to the pinnacle Of earthly fame the
name of Southern womanhood. A price
less heritage is yours, and one that should
be guarded with a zeal that never les
sens. OF all the proud memories of the
South, the one we most treasure is the
just fame of cur women-a fame which in
its purity created that standard of hui
mainly which made the old South a
synonym for all that honor and chivalry
and truth could attain.
Realizing that moral tone is dependent
upon the excellencies Of your sex, we ap.
peal TO you to sustain in all their per
lection those virtues which your mothers
which they accomplished ideals which
have never been surpassed.
1.-The old order changeth. yielding place
to new" A re-incarnated south, rising
from the ashes of the dead past, ascend.
its mount and looks forward on a prospec
dangerous in its very allurements. Bless
ed by nature with every gift in her Wild
throttled labor by the whites, aware 70
the first time of her resources. and 70
| the first time developing those resources
| by active, intelligent and persistent labor
present accomplishment. but Indicates th'
certain growth OF the future. AS we de
velop. let US beware we do not sacrifice
| the ideals of the past to commerctalisn
of the present that we not degenerate thu
gentleman OF the old system into TIT
money-getters of the new, that we do no
| sacrifice virtue TO lucre. Our safeguard
| is in such commemoration as that Il
which we are now engaged The un
| smirched life of Lee IS one from which
| 1t is Of rigid adherence TO lofty Ideals. w
have considered Lee as soldier. let US nov
conclude by considering him In his high
est type of Christian gentleman. Faith II
| God was the underlying principle OF hi
| life, his inspiration In action. his solac'
in defeat By its rule his life was shaped
| by its exercise he was enabled even II
the hour of bitter defeat TO gain tina
greatest of victdries-the victory owe
| self. We search the pages Of history Il
vain to find a parallel to the post-bellun
record of Robert Lee. From high com
mand TO private citizenship was to him {
veritable ascent. Putting aside all OFFER
OF assistance. profit. or emolument which
came in overwhelming numbers, he Sc
lected the duty Of highest import. anC
spent his remaining years in preparing
the young men Of the south for the duties
of life Faithful even unto the end" 4
the wreath with which we crown him
Leader OF '1ost cause" no longer. but ;
| leader towards a higher and better lif'
which. If gained. viii make US victors in
deed. He is ours. Let US profit by hi.
example. Let US treasure HIS memory.
Take him for all in all, he was {
man; we shall not look upon his Tx
again."