The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-11-17
ELOQUENT
VlRCINIAN
Governor MacCorkle Pays Tri-
butte to a Pennsylvania
Who Was Merciful.
VALLEYWAS HIS BIRTHPLACE
vALLEYWAs HIS BIRTHPLACE
He Tells of Its Glories Will,
Words Which Ripple With
Music as the Shenandoah.

That the people Of the Southland have
a high regard for and appreciation OF
one Of Pittsburgs loading cltizens-Colo-
mel j. M. Schoonmaker-was demonstrated
In no uncertain manner In this city on
Friday evening, says the Pittsburs
Leader. A few weeks ago Colonel schoon-
maker, with party OF friends from the
North, spent some time in West Virginia
looking over the old battleficlds and tour
Ing other places that brought their
memories OF tho days OF the civil war
whom Colonel Schoonmaker was IN COM
mand Of the Fourteenth pennsylvania
Cavalry. Prior to their return nome, the
party was entertained at the hospitaole
home OF former Governor w. a. Mac
Corkle. Of West Virginia. 1t was plcaRe
inc function. and while there the wearers
OF the Blue and Gray mingled together In
fraternal spirit and recall the anxious.
exciting days
When the time came for them to sepe.
rate it was plainly apparent that
strong bond OF sympathy had sprung up
and existed between the entertainers ana
the entertained. A few days ago George
w. Stevens. president Of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railroad and former GoverncS
MncCorkle were in Plttsburg on business.
and on Friday evening they were inc
guests of Colonel Schoonmakert ut, MS
home. on Ellsworth Avenue A rev per
sonal friends OF the host gathered tnere.
and most pleasant time was spen..
few impromptu speeches We're mauo
which were in keeping with the occa-
sion.
GRACEFUL TRIBUTE.
The principal event was the earnest ana
frank spoken testimonial to Colonel
schoonmaker, which was delivered by MT:
Maccorkle. In an eloquent tone ana
manner he recited the praises OF the nost !,
and fold in what high esteem he was helo
n the Commonwealth Of West Virginia"
Governor MacCorkles speech follows:
"My eyes first saw the light IN thae
fair land where the valley Kisses tno
mountains into gentleness ana Kinonsss
the great Valley Of Virginia, ina.
sweet land since the country was you.'e
have lived tho sturdy people VINO are p ~.
~ NV bone and blood OF my blood Elk
e1tea nv the spirit Of swelling valley ana
ioStv mountain here has dwelt PATRIOTISM
,,nsurpassed, which held the State before
the nation wac frct IN Its love. :,
.r1nor this favored land He who distiils
+ba dew and maketh the rains to fall from
His exhaustless urn Of plenty. mas pou,eo
His rich blessing Of fruitful SOIL snll4lHs 8
seasons and skies Of azure Touch the Sol.
hut gently, 1t laughs at the harvest ana
the bending grain Of the golden autumn u.
leaning with fairness to the Sickle 10 lne
sure reward OF the labor of tho husband
! man amidst the dew OF sun-lit spring.
when in the great strife between US
the cotton land would give no nuture rom
its shrunken bosom; when the coast was
beleae,,ered with lines OF fire, the famish-
ing souls in tattered gray, turned for llfe
"a the fields Of the Valley, tho grnnary OF
the South. In the exigencies' OF the war;
when there was given the. dread order 20
scar that land with fire and sword. the
vanguard Of the hosts In blue was leo py
our host, who but lately SGT at my humble
hoard an honored guest amidst those who
wore the gray.
bleeding not tonight the usual amen
tiles OF social life, ]. the guest, do the
first obeisance to the host, for through IN
terrors OF that campaign when my coun-
try was naked in her desolation his sword
was never soiled with cruelty or dishon-
or, and despite the orders and policy OF
war his heart was resolutely turned from
distinctions; therefore. I. a son OF South
crn soldier hasten this evening to bend
my head in obeisance to the soldier. who.
amid the horrors OF internec1ne war, al
ways bowed his head to the plea for
mercy.
SPARED THE TOWN.