The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1907-06-09

in bravery, invincible in conflict.
All, they were bright Jewels of the
mothers. who sent them forth to do and
| die; mothers, sisters, wives and sweet
hearts not less courageous. self-sacri-
ficing and devoted than the men who
bore the brunt of the conflict. Yes,
those noble women gave them up to go
and answer the bugle call of duty. while
they rema ned behind and suffered un-
told privatons without a murmur, watt
ing for their loved ones to return, and
in many instances they waited in. vain
FOUGHT FOR A PRINCIPLE.
Reviewing the conditions of those
days in the South, land of agriculture
and plenty and in the pursuits of peace,
unprepared with munitions of war, yet
facing it undaunted, the mind is lost in
wonder at their achievements, against
a foe amply supplied with every requis-
lite for success, backed by a powerful
army and navy
Their deeds of valor and heroism
rocked the American Republic from
center to circumference and won the
admiration of the civilized world.
Well has it been said that the Confed-
crate soldier stood alone and there
will never live another like him. They
fought in defense of principle, the very
foundation stone of American liberty
and vital to the perpetuity of this Re-
public-the principle of States Rights.
That principle has been affirmed and
reaffirmed since the close of the war by
the Supreme Court of our United
States.
But leaving these considerations of
the underlying motives that precipitated
the Civil War, which show that the
Southerners were right and knew they
were right, turn we to the gentler in
Huences that perpetuate the past, mellow
the feelings and conceal in part some
of the wounds of that combat.
Out of it has been borne events that
are transcribing truthful history Out
of the remembered roar of deadly can
non, throwing shot and shell, the sing
ing of bullets, the fierce Rebel Yell
that proclaimed the impetuous charge,
the shock of opposing arms, were born
magnificent leaders and brave, heroic
and courageous followers
THE, PEERLESS LEE.
Today the, world honors, loves and
reveres the name of Robert E. Lee,
peerless descendant of long line of il
lustfious ancestors, his name recalls the
trained and accomplished commander,
the tender-hearted and gentle leader,
the wise counsellor, the Christian gen
,tleman, greater than Bonaparte as a
general, superior to Wellington in lead
ership, little wonder is it his name is the
theme for et1logy at home and abroad as
military chieftain in war and self
denying, modest and useful citizen in
time of peace, brilliant example to en-
late for all time to come, and enrolled
forever high on the scroll of enduring
fame.
And with him were many others who
won fame and distinction as officers in
that great struggle, too numerous to
mention at this time, but remember, my
friends, without the loyal support of the
rank and file, these great leaders could
have accomplished nothing They
sprang out of the battles storm and
their fame made perpetual by the dar-
ing, the heroism, the courage, the brav-
cry, and the endurance of the private
in the ranks, each one being hero in
himself
Ali those lfaders and heroes of this
Southland planted seed that has germi
mated and is bearing rich and nourish-
ing fruit Influences that amid the
sunshine and rain" of nations needs,
that have brought forth the glorious
flower of American citizenship, Ameri-
can patriotism, the Republics perpetuity
This is the awakening of the South and
it is permeating and overspreading the
sectional North
But when all is said and done, when
mems achievements and mistakes, their
success and failures, are crystallized
upon the pages of history and the world
stands by to praise or condemn, it is
well to go deeper than human judgment
is wont to go, and try to realize that
beneath the achievements of mems lives
lie the inward struggle and the immor
tai hope which embraces the men them |
selves
1t is well to cherish these memories |
of the past. To commemorate with civic
pride and military observances, and
song and music the deeds of the |
sleeping heroes who fought in de-
fense of home, native land and consti- |
tutional liberty.
Out yonder in our court house yard |
stands monument of marble, capped |
by an erect but now inactive figure of |
p