The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-01-26


dies and Gentlemen:
I received an invitation a few days
ago from your distinguished citizen,
Col. O. L. Schumpert, to be present
and deliver an address on this occas-
ion.
need hardly say that I appreciate
NEST earnestly so distinguished an
honor; and I wish to make due ac-
knowledgment for it. When [ re-
ceived, and accepted the invitation to
be present and address you at this
hour: I did so, with serious mlsglv-
ings, because Of my own conscious Il
mutations to do justice to the occas-
ion.
An occasion which calls to mind the
advent among men Of one Of Amer
ica's greatest soldiers and purest,
Robert E. Lee.
Moreover, these occasions will for
ever be the solemn reminders to the
living Of the patriotic and unselfish
devotion Of the dead; the dead, whose
deeds we cherish as one of our rich
est inheritances, worthy to be trans
mitted to future generations.
To do justice, therefore, to an oc-
easion Like this, requires the pen and
tongue Of an artist Of no ordinary
skill.
When I accepted your invitation l
did so with the hope and belief that
you would take the address as you
took, or are to take, your husbands
and wives-''for better and for
worse''-and if you are not willing to
do so, II now demand that you do
make it known, or forever hereafter
hold your peace.''
A friend Of mine, South Carolin-
ian, once told me that the first duty
of stranger on addressing a South
Carolina audience, was to make due
apology for not being South Car
Gilman himself.
That I am not a South Carolinlan,
is not my fault, but rather my mis-
fortune, for I was not consulted,
either before are after the event, as
to where should be born.
Permit me to say, however, that [
was born in the very best State in
the Union outside Of South Carolina
Virginia.
Then T made further atonement
for my misfortune by coming to the
Carolinas to get me a wife.
Moreover, Mr.. President, on other
grounds I may claim the right to ad-
dress a South Carolina audience;
right founded upon the patriotism Of
1776.
Ny great grandfather fought at the
battle Of Kings Mountain, Cowpens
and Camden, and returned to his Vir-
ginia home-never until the eagle
flapped and folded his wings above
the homes of American freemen. You
will please parden these personal
words.
As this is the memorial day Of
General Lees birth, brief survey
OF sketch Of his life will be both ad-
missibie and proper.
Robert Edward Lee was born in
Virginia, Jan. 18th, 1907. He was the
son of ''Lighthorse Harry Lee"
from whom, as we'll as from a long
line Of distinguished ancestors he in
herited the patriotic and martial
spirit.
With means sufficient TO give him
leisure for reflection, he was able in
early life to discover the bent Of his
own mind, and thereby choose his pro-
fession.
He accordingly chose the profes-
sion Of arms. In 1925 he entered
the Military Academy at West Point,
and IN 1879 he graduated from that
nstitution-second in his class.
From that date to the Civil War
Between the States he filled various
places of honor and trust in the
United States army.
He won high distinction in the war
with Mexico, and was promoted for
:gallantry on the field, at the con-
clusion Of each Of the great battles in
which he took part during the ell
tire campaign.
When the War Between the Sec
lions became inevitable, Colonel Lee
at once decided to cast in his lot
with his native State. He according
ly resigned his place in the United
rmy, and offered his services to the
South. then being threatened by an
;nva dino army