The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-05-16
Marching Through Georgia.
VIrnI ~ n DIlat

| Sherman's M uch vaunted march TO the sea
had none Of the features Of military CAM
psgn, made no demands upon The strategic
talents Of the commander nor the fighting
qualities ofhia men. 1t was q mere leisurely
parade from Atlantic via Charleston and Co.
lumbia until the North Carolina boundary
was passed. For before It commenced Hoods
absurd movement into Tennessee had re.
Iieved Sherman OF all armed opposition
worthy the name. Thereafter he met only
the desnltory obstruction which q skeleton
offer, until the weak garrison OF Savannah
aud Charleston could be thrown In his path,
reinforced by q miniature cavalry corps
unuer Hampton. He was not even brought
the wrecks OF Hoods's army were Joined 70
the troops already mentioned, when General
Joseph e. johnson struck him 20 staggering
blow at Bentonvitie that ne suspended
outnumbering OF itself al! tho Confederates
under Johnston. could join his left flank
But the "Maroh TO the Sea" ended at
Charleston, and that point was reached with
out the expenditure or so much ammunition
as might serve Mr.. Roosevelt for weeks
hunling in the Rockies; was conducted un-
and was destitute OF any Of the circumstances
OF War except the wholesale and beartess
devaststiOn OF tho country through which II
led. The passage Of the army was one broad
track OF pillage, arson and rapine which was
wanIon IN one sense but deliberately con-
ceived aud mercilsssly executes The truth
OF Sherman's dictum that "War 1s He'll" rests
1t il not our inclination 10 revive painful
memories, nor would We causelessly revert
10 the episode OF the war whioh lett the deep.
est scar on southern hearts. Most OF these
oonsummste destruction have gone 70 their
hnal reward. But the utter lack of delicacy
and OF comprehension which led tho son OF
sherman to project triumpnsI procession,
Georgia and south Carolina. through the
scenes OF his fathers bloodless spoliation OF
dsfenseiess people, constitutes provoea-
tion and Justification for revi7ing the truth
Naturs iy the Rev. Mr.. Sherman regards
the achievements ofhis parent through other
mt dia than those OF The pitilesy official re-
cord; Filial aheetlon would IL MAKE a., = nm onna
Also there ts no Just reason why he should
not, II the retrospect caters to his pride. make
pilgrimage through the region with which
ms ns,o name me- Is Roms 81 90 T WitS
The altars have been re-erected, the rOoftress
rebullded, the fields are smiling now with
the bloom OF new hsrvests; and the unoo. |
lrusive tourist, whatever his name and
by people long since redeemed, regenerated |
and disenthraiied- Full allowance would be |
WoSid ISe Se pad 10 the character of priestnood
But TO plan q formal progress, riding In The
midst Of the trappings ana insignia OF armed
men, is 10 fling challenge into the teeth OF
the entire South, 10 mock at their past mis-
fortunes. and to Insult them by the Bugges.
tion that the Federal toldiery and authority
were needful TO secure the safety OF any
peaceful and lawaDiding scjourner within
To cir gates. II 10 surprising that any general
officer OF the army should have been 50 de-
flcIent In go,d taste and feelings "a 10 take
part in such a vulgar and unseemly pro-
gram.
To the credit of public sentiment all over
the country, the press has spoken ss with
one voice In reprobation OF The theatrical
function 90 improvidentIy conceived between
gown and sword;" and IT ts q pleasure 70 set
of against the Presidents many of1enses OF
ON ission and ommission, that no sooner did
he hear OF the matter than he placed upon II
an emphatic veto. !
With the soldiers and the publicity omit
ted, let Mr.. Sherman revisit to bis soups COD
tent the scenes in which forty years ago bis
father figured as the central figure. We war.
rant that his fears OF maltrestment, 1.-The had
any, will be gresoiously dispeIed by q cour.
| teous hospitable folk who. asking that their
own sensbilities be not outraged. are careful
not 10 trespass upon the natural susceDtibili.
| ties OF others.