The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-05-22

sporation to American valor and to fu-
ture sacrifices fer constitutional free
DOM. is an suspicious event in the coun
trys history, whenever and wherever
it ma occur; but how peculiarly inspir-
ing is this reunion in Louisiana on this
lOOth anniversary of her new berth into
governmental alliance with the Ameri-
can states. a Roman eye would have
discovered in a meeting of such men,
al such a time, an omen of good to the
cause of liberty; and American eyes
should see in it nothing but good to the
whole republic. 1t must of necessity be
benehcient and only benefiicient. We
viii not indulge on this centennial day
this political millenial morning-nor
al other times, in any bitterness. We
feel none. We pity those who did. We
have long since drawn the curtain Of
oblivion over the regretful and unseen?
~ things of the past, and We cherinsh
as Americans the valor and noble deeds
OF both armies and of all sections. We
are satisfied without record; and the
power that would attempt TO make US
blush for it, would be both stupid and
blind. We are heirs, Joint heirs, with
the republics children in the inheritance
Of freedom left by our sires. We are
proud Of all the past. Moreover. We
are now facing a future pregnant with
tremendous possibilities; but we face
Il with a strength of hope and assur-
ance born OF an answering purpose to
discharge u every duty 70 all races
and to the whole country. We are
growing old; but We still stand firmly
on the narrow strip of land which sep
arates US from a boundless ocean, and
as ~e 90 hence, we will calmly drop our
mantles On the shoulders OF our sons
who Will morthily wear them: and in
no crisis of the republic, whether in
forum or field. will they be found
wanting.
At tht conclusion of General Cor
dOn'S address he turned TO greet a lady
gowned in black, who had come to the
front Of the rostrum during the latter
portion of his address. Then. leading
her to the front of the platform he
said:
1t vas my fortune, and 1 VIII never
cease To thank God that it was my for
tune 10 follow, to know well. and TO
love Stonewall Jackson. He is not here.
but the best half of him is here in the
person OF his wife. Comrades. 1 present
"oLk oShSOAG
II" TOur feet boys, to your feet was
the cry of a veteran in the Tennessee |
delegation, but swift as came his cry
Il cane too late. The boys were up |
every man of them, and in the wild
cheers h a swept the hall, the fair fac
lady from Mort Carolina was made
to know once more how southern love |
remembers.
EAnd hHra'C N-n1np IoaEo-1- - 1o11ol |
out tie general, leading forward a very
pretty girl. Miss Julia Jackson Chris
tan, the grand daughter of the famous
As he spoke he kissed her. |
and the cheers were redoubled For the
general and the girl.
judge Reagan. the sole surviving
member of the Davis cabIaet. then
spoke from one portion Of the rostrum.
while numbers of the old soldiers threw
themselves upon General Gordon at the
end she reception was mOthering
Reagan's voice and General Cor
az the same time. whe General
; . Lee. interferred with the gavel.
I@s@echinS the crowd to be silent. and
q allo" General Gordon to rest.
Judg Reagan spoke but briefly after
mss ard an adjournment was taken un-
1T :
nobbing of General Gordon was re
'umedeEith redOubling energy. One old
soldier, Intoxicated by his enthusiasm.
ianE o. his knees before the general
Lnd wou have Rugged him had not
Outstanding interferreG.
The grafton of Judge Rogers consum-
q the entire afternoon session. His
ddress was remarkably we'll delivered
nd was 4 brillia Mt success.
The convention will meet at 10 o'clock
mOrnin. 2.
The Sons of Vet GRAMS met at noon in
ne Crescent Thea re but transacted no
usIneSS beyond l4 itening to . number
| welcoming addr, 1sses and appointing
drIous mOmmittee s. The chief feature
I the evening wa IS the ball given by
lie Washington al tillery at their arm
ry- 1t was a sele CT affair IN homo of
lie visiting spOnsO RS and maids OF hon
=, and was a dist net social Success