The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-01-19

many places at the North tributes will be paid him by those who are broad enough to do honor to true greatness wherever found. It was in westmore- land County, Virginia, on the banks of the historic Potomac. century age. that the wife of Washington's favor ite trooper. Light Horse Harry Lee" gave birth to one who was destined to become the greatest military ieaGer this country has ever produced, and who was to illustrate in his own per- son and character the finest traits and most enobling virtues that go to make the highest type of Southern manhood and of universal Americanism.
 The early and middle life of Lee was an indicstio of what was to come. as we'll as preparation for it. He was little more than a boy when | he graduated from the United States Military Academy, standing second in class of forty-six. and then became an officer in the United States Army. His services in the war with Mexico, though in a subordinate position. were of such character as to win the high estetem of General Scott, and to give ! a foretaste of what he was to be in later years. As a military engineer, as Lieutenant Colonel of cavalry or in whatever position duty placed him he was always ready and always equal to whatever was required of him. In all these years he was un- consciously preparing himself to play the most important part in the great est drama our country has ever wit messed. Fate had him in charge and circumstances were to control his des- tiny.
 General Lee was not a secessionist or disunionist. He loved the Union which had honored him and which his forefathers had done 50 much to cre- ate. and it was extremely painful to him to separate himself from the ser vice and The comrades with whom he had been associated for the third of a century. But his love for the South and his State and people was above all else, and however much he regret ted the course of events he felt that
 
 pie and there was no hesitation when the line of duty was before him. He was Union man. but he was a true son of the South, first and above all else. When his State and his sec- tion needed his services there was no hesitation or hanging back. He gave his heart, his sword and his life to 1 fha CnN fadaranu r1rtfh est devotion that had marked his course through life.
 How well he filled the expectations and confidence of the Confederate gov- ernment and the Southern people is history and need not be repeated, but 1t may be of interest to mention some thing of what was said of him by those who were well qualified to speak. The famous Lord Wolseley, one of the greatest and most experienced English officers of the last century, said of him: T have met many of the great men of my time, but Lee alone inn pressed me with the feeling that I was in the presence of a man who was cast in a grander mold, and made of diff | ASA ANhS AhStot bAiAiA all OlHtF men. k1e is stamped upon my memory as a be- ing apart and superior to all others in every way. man with whom none I ever knew, and very few of whom I have read, are worthy to be classed :"
 This is high praise. indeed, and coming from such source is worthy to be remembered. But we cannot refrain from quoting 8 portion of the eulogy pronounced by one of the South's most brilliant statesmen and orators. Benjamin H. Hill. of Georgia, Part of that discourse was in these memorable words: He was a foe without hate. a friend without treach- ey, soldier without cruelty, vic tor without oppression and a victim without murmuring. He was a Chris tian without hypocrisy and a man without guile. He was a Caesar with out his ambition, a Frederick without his tyranny Napoleon without his sell hshness, and Washington without his reward"
 Words as eloquent as they are truthful. The great English soldier and the great Southern orator formed a just estimate of the Southern leader, and history confirms that estimate. It is gratifying to know that the years which have elapsed since the great struggle ended have served to dispel from the minds and hearts of the great mass of the Northern people feelings of bitterness towards Lee, and now they pay tribute to him as a man, citizen and a soldier in a way that is in every way a credit to their hearts and their Judgment. From many sources up North we have of late been reading notices and eulo- gies which show that those who were once his foes are so no longer. Per- haps no better example of this can be found than the following from the current Issue of Golfers Weekly:
 hundred years ago, on tho 18th of -4this month, Robert F.. Lee was born America has had no nobler citizen . country, seemed to centre in this grave, strong, devoted man. Before the war he was looked upon as the most brilliant officer in the army. He regretted the approaching conflict. Sadly he took his place in 1t He stood throughout as tower of strength, a centre of inspiration. and he lived his life afterward as a model of peaceful and self respecting manhood. Some authorities think