New-York tribune., 1907-01-20
LEES. MEMORY HONORED
PRESIDENTS TRIBUTE.
Confederate Leaders Vrtues IN
Var and Peace Praised.

washington jan l9-with elaborate exer-
cises and In the presence OF a distinguished au-
oienoe. the Tooth anniversary Of the birth OF
General Robert T. Lee was celebrated here to-
night under the auspices Of the United Confed-
crate and Southern societies Of the District Of
Columbia. The ballroom OF the New Willard
Hotel where the meeting held. was filled 20
overlowing special section set apart
for Confederate veterans, who marched TO the
hall IN a body. escorted by the United Spanish
War Veterans, headed by Captain ]. Walter
Mitchell department commander. The United
States Marine Band played Dixie and other
Southern melodies. Almost every mention OF
the name OF Lee greeted with applause.
President Roosevelt sent letter, in which he ex-
toIled the virtues OF the Confederate general in
war and in peace. His suggestion that the CEN
fennial anniversary be celebrated by the estab-
iishment of a permanent Lee Memorial at some
great representative educational institution OF
the South met with instant favor. The Presi-
dents letter follows:
The White House. Washington,
January 16, 1907.
To the Hon. Hilary A Herbert, chairman; Chief
Justice Seth Shepherd, General Marcus j.
Wright Judge Charles 3. Howry, Mr.. Will
fam A Gordon, Mr.. Thomas Nelson Page
President Edwin Alderman, MT Joseph Will
mer and others OF the committee Of arrange
ment for the celebration OF the Tooth ami
versary OF the birth Of General Robert Z.
Lee.
Gentlemen: j regret tnaG II Is not IN
power to be with you at your celebration. 1
3on with you in honoring the life and career
OF that great soldier and high minded citizen
whose fame is now a matter Of pride 10 all our
oountrymen. Terrible though the destruction OF
the Civil War was, awful though IL was that
such a conflict should occur between brothers.
81 is yet a matter of gratitude the part Of all
Americans that this alone among contests OF
like magnitude should have left to both sides as
a priceless heritage the memory OF the mighty
men. and the glorious deeds that the iron days
brought forth. The steadfast courage and the
lofty fealty TO the right as il WAS given TO each
man TO see the right, whether he wore the gray
whether ne Wore the blue, now make the
memories OF the valiant feets. alike Of those
who served under Grant and OF those who served
Nnder Lee, piOus to all good Americans.
General Lee has left the memory not mere
1y OF his extraordinary skill as a general, his
dsuntless courage and high leadership in cam
paign and battle but also Of that serene great
ness of soul characteristic of those who most
readily recognize the obligations Of civic duty.
Once the war was over he instantly undertook
Che task of healing and binding up the wounds
Of his cOuntrymen In the true spirit of those
who feel malice toward and charity toward
ali: in that spirit which from the tlroes of the
Civil War brought forth the real and indissolu-
bic union Of to-day. II was eminenty fitting
fhat this great man, this war worn veteran of
mighty struggle who at its close simply and
quietly undertook his duty plain. everyday
citizen. bent only upon helping his people in the
paths Of peace and tranquility, should turn his
attention toward educational work toward
bringing up in fit fashion the younger genera
tion, The sons Of those who had proved their
faith by their endeavor in the heroic days.
There Is no need 10 dwell on General Lees
record as soldier. The son Of Light Horse
Harry Lee, Of the Revolution, ne came naturally
by his aptitude for arms and command. HIS
campaigns put him in the foremost ranks Of the
great captains OF all time. But his signal valor
and address in war are no more remarkable
than the spirit in which he turned TO the work
OF peace once the war was over. The circum-
stances were such that most men. even Of high
character, felt bitter and vin6ctive or depressed
and spiritless, but General Lees heroic temper
was not warped nor his great soul cast down.
He stood that hardest Of all strains, the strain
OF bearing himself well through the gray even
ing Of failure. and therefore out OF what seemed
failure he helped TO build the wonderful and
mighty triumph OF national life. in which
all his countrymen North and South, share.
Immediately after the close OF hostilties he an
nounced. with a cleer-sightedness which at that
time few indeed Of any section possessed that
the interests Of the Southern States were the
prosperity OF the South would rise or fall with
the welfare OF the whole country. and that the
duty OF the 5tizens appeared too plain TO ad-
nit Of doubt. He urged that all should unite
fn honest effort 70 oblterate the effects OF war
and restore the blessings OF peace: that they
should remain in the country. strive for harmony
and good feeling. and devote their abilities 10
the interests Of their people and the healing Of
oissensions.
To every one who applied 10 him this was the
advice he gave. Although absolutely without
means, he refused all offers OF pecuniary aid.
such, ~ nigh salary were offered him. He
declined 70 go abroad. saying that he sought
only a place TO earn honest bread while en-
gagged ~ so-ne useful work" This statement
brought him the offer OF the presidency Of
washington College. a little institution in Lex
fngton. Ns.. which had grown out Of a modest