The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-01-22

UT. NnILe was BIuSuIdIIs oQulpDc1
for the delivery of an address on Cen
eral Lee, having been a diligent stu
lent of facts concerning him, and nav
ing written, several years ago. II Of
the most generally accepted and COM
prehensiVe histories Of the Life Of Lee
that has ever beer published.
The address was the finest grafton
ever delivered on a similar occasion in
this city. and the entire audience was
enthralled with the delightful story
that he told. He gave a rapid review.
of the life of Lee, beginning at his
birth, and ending after he had been
forced, through circumstances, to give
up the struggle for southern indepen-
dence, DR.. White n%arrating the WOrk
that the great warrior undertook after
the war, when he became president Of
q great southern college, and where he
always tried to impress on every per
son with whom he came in cOntacL
that the results of the war must be
accepted as a final conclusion Of the
great struggle and he gave always he
advice to southerners to maintain the
| prestige, honor and glory Of the federal
union, into which the south had re-
turned.
An especially impressive part Of the
discourse of DR.. White was that toward
the end when he asserted that Lee had
contended until the time of his death
that the principles for which the south
ern soldies fought were right, that they
were ~contending only for the principles
Of self government and the preserva-
ton of their homes. He said also that
the constitutional question on which
the war was declared. had been decid~
ed in favor of the south and that the
moral, social and political rights Of
the terrible controversy rested with the
southern people.
Frequently during the course of his
inspiring address, which was cOuched
in chaste and perfect language, hearty
OutburStS of applause interrupted the
speaker and at its conclusion, there was
further applause.
AS DIR. White took his seat, when he
had concluded, Mr.. j. H. Boatwright
rose from his position where he sat
with the veterans and made a motion
that a vote Of thanks be extended the
orator for his inspiring and interesting
address. The resolution was adopted
unanimously by a rising vote.
The Academy Of Music was crowded
yesterday when the exercises were call
ed to order by Capt Jas l. Nets. the
Confederate Veterans, Daughters of the
COnfederacy, Sons of Veterans, and
other bodies occupying the main por-
ton of the parquet and all the other
seats being taken by great numbers OF
citizens and school childrep, al of
whom manifested keen interest i'll the
exercises.
The ceremonies at the Academy had
been preceded by a parade starting
from the w. L.. L. armOry and going
down Market street to Front, thence
to Chestnut, thence to Third n On
Third to Princess street, participated in
by the veterans, members of the w. L.
l., the Boys Brigade and the Junior
Boys Brigade, the parade being direct
ed by Marshal Jas. |. Nets and his
aide, Mr.. George Davis. In a carriage
was Col. John l.. Cantwell, an hOnOred
and much loved member of the w. L.
l.. who vas too feeble to take any
active part in the exercises. He was
attended by a special eScOrt consisting
of Lit. Orrell mo Mr.. Brown McKOy,
of the w. l.. I. and when he made his
appearance on the stage he was given
a cordial reception.
The Daughters had deliberately dec
GRATED the stage for the occasion,
smilaX and palms being used p%rofusely.
Many large flags were displayed to
great advantage and forming a back
ground was a tremendous confederate
flag, gracefully draped, and from the
center OF which was suspended q pict-
ure of General Lee. On the speakers
stand waS a big bunch of red and white
carnations.
The programme consisted. aside from
DR.. Whites address. of the singing of
Dixie by the children, the rendition
of General Lees favOrite hymns How
Firm a Foundation" and All Ye Saints
Who From Their Labors Rest by a
quartette composed of Mrs. c. F. Mac
Rae. Mrs. Greene Fenley, Mr.. Greene
Fenley and Mr.. A. S. Holden.
Crosses of Honor were then pre-
on behalf of the Daughters to
Corporal John A. FarrOw and Private
W. L. Pridgen. Mr.. Farrow was pres
ent and his Cross Of Honor was pinned
on by Mrs Cuthbert Martin, secretary
of the Daughters. Mr.. Pridgen's cross
will be sent to him.
Captain Nets read by request the
last farewell address of General Lee,
delivered to the army Of northern Viz
g1n1a. An eloquent tribute delivered
by Senator Hill, of Georgia, some years
ago in the I. S. senate, was also read.
The benediction was then pronounc-
ed by DR.. J. NJ. Wells, after which all
those who participated in the parade, |
and the orator of the occasion, went |
to the W. L. 1. armory where a dainty
luncheon had been prepared for them
10y the Daughters of the Confederacy.
In the afternoon, between four and
five o'clock an impromptu reception
was given at the Elks temple in honor
of DR.. White and many Of the yeter-
ans called 10 pay their respects
/ ~
~ The Kind Ynl HaEa ARMS 2nnCt |