The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1908-04-25
UNWILLING THE MONUMENT


This was indeed a day Of sunshfre
and blessing-a day perfect in it's
April atmospheric conditions. such a
day as only the Daughters Of the Con-
ieeeracy, DICKSON Chapter, could
have wished and prayed for Through
It all the gracious smile and blessings
OF providence for the unwilling of the
splendid monument to the heroes of
the lost cause who are now resting
ia the shade across the river. was ap-
parent. 1t is not difficult to imagine
the joy and happiness that swept
across the minds of the faithful and
loving daughters of this city and diff
fused their hearts after years OF striv-
Ing and sayin gtheir noble aim was
accomplished.
The people came from everywhere.
Never has Ocala seen a better. more
inspiring crowd to offer their grateful
prayers for a deed that shall stand
till time Is no more.
AT 1890 a. M. the procession formed
at the city hall. headed by the band.
and marched to the square in the fol-
loving order: Carriage containing
Mrs. Fannie r. Gary and Mrs. Edward
Badger, Miss Vivian Dame. the orator
OF the day, DR.. G.. A. Nunnally, presi :.
dent. Of Columbia College, and Editor
Frank Harris, Of the Ocala Banner.
who was master Of ceremonies, fol-
lowed by the Oeala camp Of veterans.
seventy strong. led by Commander L..
". Graham, Adjutant Ed Williams and
Major lzlar. Then came thirteen
young misses with wreaths, who were
the monument decorating committee.
hacked by the Daughters of Dickinson
Chapter. Then the school children, all
the children bearing flowers. Next
came the Ocala Rifles, led by Capt G..
A. Nash
No soner had the procession ar
rived at its destination thin. Mr.. Har-
ris introduced Dr. W. H. Dodge. who
led in prayer. Mr.. Harris opened the
exercises by returning thanks for the
unexpected and distinguished honors
conferred upon him in making him
master Of ceremonies. In this instance
g peculiar mark of distinction having
been bestowed on him, as prophets
were generally without honor at home
MIR. Harris remarks were very ap-
plopriate and we'll delivered. He then
introduced the orator of the day, Dr.
c A. Nunnally, who for thirty five
minutes held his hearers spellbound
by the beauty of his diction and
splendid array of heroic sentiment and
acts of the heroes of the lost cause
DR.. Nunnally began by reciting
Father Ryan's poem, "Furl that Ban
ner." He spoke of what message the
war held, the power and sacrifice Of
the citizen soldier in his prompt and
patriotic response to the call to arms
and what wonderful powers and re-
sources he developed in that marvel
Gus contest, to become organizers
end leaders of men; a tribute to
Southern manhood and a trust and
confidence in a great crisis that was
never misplaced.
In that terrible conflict he lost all
Tut manhood, honor and genius. He
showed how war developed the most
humble citizen in the trueness of his
citizenship, while 1t stimulated genius
10 devise the ironclad, the most ter
rible and formidable fighting Graf.
known to the world in the water. How
armies and amunitions were perfected.
Truly the war did show Southern
genius to the astonishment and won
der Of the world. Such development
was never dreamed of before, until
the occasion brought it to light.
While our defeat showed our losses,
1t also showed our marvellous powers
Of regeneration, which since Those
memorable days has become the mar
vel Of the ages.
He then showed how quick the spirit
of loyalty was brought back and how
robly the Southern boy responded
when the Spanish war
called him to, arms. He said blood is
the price Of progress and it has
brought its reward and recompense
in the thrift and expansion that has
touched every art, every industry, ev-
cry invention.
Then came women, natures fairest
creatures. to whom he paid a glowing
tribute, whose love and devotion has
rever been equalled and undying glory
and praise will ever remain the hertz
age Of Southern womanhood.
He then told the incident Of the two
armies facing each other, the rolling
Rappahannock dividing them and as
If by inspiration the bands on both
sides launched the notes of Home
Sweet Home" and brought tears to all
eyes and a common heart throb. So
now, though the Potomac rolls be-
tween the North and South, yet from
rock-bound Vermont to orange-per-