Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-21
Bull Run-1861-1911.

Half century ago today Washington
was awaiting the outcome Of the first
great battle Of the civil war. The faint
reverberations of the guns at Bull Run
were heard at the capital. where rumors
pulsed wildly and the nerves of men
were wrought to the highest pitch. Con-
fdence that the Federal forces would
sweep away the southern lines was con-
fronted with fear that the Confederate
troops would push back the northern
army and invest the city at close range
During that day stragglers kept coming
back, telling conflicting tales Of the fight.
their versions varying, but gradually in
dicating with virtual assurance that the
Federal troops had met with disaster.
Presently came appalling proof of de-
feat that shocked the north and stimu-
lated the south. Back from Bull Run
came the regiments that few days be-
fore had so gayIy marched forth, tat
tered. scattered and bleeding. bringing
with them a spirit of panic that affected
the federal city profoundly.
Today the blue and gray veterans OF
that fight meet on the battlefield and
demonstrate in their fraternal bearing
toward one another that the fifty years
that have elapsed since Bull Run have
that day. The presence on the field of
President Taft gives the commemoration
Of the anniversary a national character.
The conflict itself is being reviewed by
participants and by students of war
history. with discussion Of what might
have happened If this maneuver had sue
ceeded and what would have been the
result had that stroke not failed. 1t is
70 ityol RI vryfy, ho
the fight is finished.
Speculation has always been keen on
the subject of the effect of Bull Run on
the fortunes of the two sides Some
historians of the war aver that Federal
success would have led to the early. If
not Immediate, collapse Of the Confed-
eracy On the other hand, 1t has been
asserted that the northern people were
effectively aroused to the magnitude Of
their task by the proof given at Bull
Run that the south was desperately in
earnest and well qualified to fight No
one can confidently and surely set forth
the precise weight and value to either
side OF this early demonstration of north
srn unpreparedness to conduct a large
campaign. 1t is certain that following
Bull Run came a tremendous outburst
of sentiment throughout the northern
states, overwhelming the clamors of the
few who would regard this first defeat
as a token of ultimate southern success.
Probably no one of the southern vet
Grams who are today assembled at Bull
Run would have the result of the con-
fiiet of the sixties changed. The south
ern people, with the rarest exceptions,
recognize that the verdict of that great
struggle was for the best. and that the
outcome, in a strong, united government,
has made for American greatness, growth.
peace. progress and prosperity. The blood
shed July n, 1851. was poured forth as
a sacrifice to the end of producing a
nation strong before all the world, self
respecting. peace-loving people. willing
and able to forgive the evils wrought
BY a war waged to decide vital ques-
ton.
A better way to settle the issue which
precipitated the civil war was open in
1861. but it was not accepted. Bull Run
was fought and the war had then to run
its course, to its inevitable and undoubt-
eddy its logical and most desirable end.
Today's meeting on the field of the first
great southern victory is ample proof
that the struggle was not In vain.