The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-08-30

the Father Of our Country. This is 8
beautiful place, and thrills one, as he
looks at the magnificence Of the
place, and its natural location, ano
shows what an eye to the beautiful
Washington had, and thrills one with
patriotic feelings, as he studies al
that he sees there. I then was caught
with the idea that I wanted to go and
see Arlington Heights, Lees old
home, and I went. I think this the
most beautiful natural home on EARTH
and the choice Of it displayed, to me-
the character and grandness OF the
man in civil life, and as a military
man. Nature lavished on this spot a
full share Of her natural beauty OF
scenery. Looking across the Poto-
mac, YOU get a beautiful view Of the
capital and the natural trees, etc. and
the grounds that surround tins place
are as fine as nature ever produced
There too, one on reflection, could see
portrayed the magnificence OF the
shining character Of this great Pat
riot and soldier. You would naturally
think Of great men and soldiers, you
might think Of battles; you might
think Of Alexander and Napoleon, or
Marathon and Thermopoli Of ancient
times. But vividly will be portrayed
to YOU Gen. Lee, the greatest military
character of the world.
But what did I find here, where
beauty, magnificenee and happiness
once ruled supreme? This magnificent
old palatial residence is turned now
into an art gallery, and on the walls
are hung the pictures Of all the ted
erals generals and enemies Of Lee and
his and your cause. These beautiful
grounds are turned into a national
cemetery, where thousand Of fed
erals are buried, and the functions
are so changed, that it seems to me
that all nature We'd with the breezes
and the swaying boughs of the mag
nificent trees here, and every. thing
seemed to cast a rebuke to the ma
>tional government, for the deSecra-
ton Of this spot, which is kept up
by the government, and 1t SO
wrought up my hot Southern blood
that T felt like tearing down from the
walls the pictures Of Sherman, Grant
and others. and kicking them out OF
doors. But then, when [ walked ont
in the grounds and cemetery, where
the silent dead bear witness, l said,
'tI am wrong" These dead and their
monuments are the highest testlmon-
ials which are kept in order by the
national government, of the honor
character. and bravery Of our South
ern soldiers, and it shows, that You
old veterans did your duty well, you
fought bravely for your rights, and
YOU killed many "Blue-eoat' with
your shots, and scared many to death
with your "Rebel Yells." Then l
said, Gail time will give you credit
for your good work and bravery. "
The national government pays today
tothe Southern soldier, the highest
Though unintended) compliment to
his bravery and worth as a soldier,
and is perpetuating the memory OF
their dead and rearing monuments on
this hallowed spot that is public to
YOUR gaze. and time will show It Will
redown to your honor and glory.
Here and there are towns and ce-
meteries of the south, and in them
are found monuments OF officers and
privates, erected by the brave hearts
and hand Of poverty and patrlotlsm'
but every pension granted to the Un-
ion soldiers, every resolution OF
thanks of congratulation after bat
tie, every statue Of marble and bronze
=
tght crowns hSllsides and public
;3uares, every guarded and decorat-
ed national cemetery, are but an elo-
ouent and enduring tribute to the
courage. the skill, the patriotism, and
the nobility of the south. 1t was no
compliment to the north. with untold
wealth. with all the machinery OF a
powerful and well-organlzed govern
ment, with extraordinary military and
naval powers, if it took four years to
whip a handful of badly clad, badly
fed, badly equipped, and badly scat
+o,.,5 ,oao