Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-08-24
Hajor Conrad I Address.

49,. - = = -
THAT the address of Major
Holmes Conrad delivered at
Charles Town at the Confederate
reunion, last week, connot be
published ii its entirety IS regret
table.
N OF necessity lack of continuity
somewhat impairs the reproduc-
ton, but even in this rather frags
mentary form, MAJOR Conrad s
speech, splendidly conceived and
rendered, is notable contribu-
|,tion+to the story of the war and
its causes.
Il am gratified to notice the deep in
terest and intelligent enthusiasm that
marks; Increasingly, these annually re-
curing reunions.
What is it that quickens this interest
and sustains this enthusiasm
Why do we who are now grown old,
and have lost our youthful yigor, con-
tinue to meet together to preserve the
memories of those hslloWed days when
together we cheerfulIy rendered sacri-
flee and service to q cause we loved.
Why do we return year after year to
renew the pledges Of our faith, and re-
vive the associations of our ancient
comradeship? ].
If the War was only the result Of
hasty and i'll considered actionof selfish
politicians, IF it was not the earnest
effort of people to vindicate q belief
that their civil and political rights were
threatened, and a determination to de-
fend them at any cost, why is it, that
after more than forty years after a
bitter defeat, do we still commemorate
those four years Of privation, suffering
and irreparable loss
The answer is plain, and obvious.
The Cause for which we fought was
ifue and Just, and Truth and Justice
will survive as long as the Sun and the
Moon endure.
If the War had rested on nothing
more than an explosion Of angry re-
sentiment at some fancied wrong.
If the cause for which We fought had
not rested on solid and enduring basis
EOf resistance to an attack upon funda-
mental rights of life, liberty, property
IF our vegy political and civil existence
had not been in grave peril, we would
long ago have seen and admitted that
we were wrong, and THAT we were
really without any just cause Of war.
Now, what was the Cause for which
we fought, and in which we staked
every thing that men hold dear. It is
Of the first Importance that we clearly
understand, and that we make clear to
our children that their fathers were not
the foolish and insane people, that the
Northern historians would have them
believe.
For forty years it has been the OBJ
iect and the effort of Northern writers
to persuade the world that we were
engaged III a wicked and unjust Rebel
lion against the best government that
the world ever saw.
These writers have sought to make
lies their refuge, and under falsehood
to hide themselves. 1t remains for US
to sweep away their refuge Of lies, and
the overlooking sources Of an enlight-
ened public opinion, to wipe away the
false impressions that have been made.
Let as attempt, for few minutes, to
recall to your minds some facts in Vir-
ginia's history that may serve to show
why she endeavored. at SO great cost
Of blood and treasure, to sever her all
lance with the States Of the North.
In 1776, Virginia was great Empire,
Her territory extended to the Mississippi
river, and embraced the present States
Of Ohio, kentucky, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan, Wisconsin and others.
From I76O to ITO the Southern Colo
MES exported produce to the value of
$4S, 600. 900. while the exports Of New
England, New York, and Pennsylvania
together, amounted TO only 50. 500, 600.
In ITS, Virginia received from her
Custom dues alone $3.50, 600, while her
exports and imports reached $50, 900, :
600.
From 179I u 1873 the Eastern States
exported products amounted in value
to $2s9, 00O, 900, while the Southern Col
onies, during the same period. exported
products to the amount Of $509, 900. 900
Why then. It may be asked, If Vir-
GINA enjoyed these immense resources
Of wealth and power, did she ever con-
sent to enter compact, under the
Federal Constitution, with, her poor
and weak northern sisters, which adj
mitted them into 40 equal participation
with her, Of her large possessions
why did Virginia cede to the United
States that vast north western terri
tory, on condition that slavery should
not exist ii It, and that it should never
be formed into more than Eve States I
why did Virginia surrender to the
Federal Union. the absolute control 81
IN her vast sources Of revenue frDln
| Imports and from her domestic products
~ Ia s1n,,a a. ElnsSnss1 &C.,