Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-06-08
VIRGINIA DELEGATES
GETTYSBURG SHAFT
Principal Address Made by
Assistant Secretary of War
Ingraham.

GETTYSBURG, Pa, June, s.-On the
field of Gettysburg was assembled to-
day remnant of the army of the Con-
federacy, gathered here again. and
probably for the last time. to witness
the unwilling of the memorial which
the state of Virginia has erected to
its sons who took part in the famous
battle.
Gov. Henry c. Stuart of Virginia de-
livered the address turning over the
monument to the United States govern
ment and it was accepted on behalf
Of the government by the assistant
secretary of war, William NJ. 1ngra-
ham.
The ceremonies were opened with
prayer by the Rev James Power Smith.
once aid to "Stonewan" Jackson and
last survivor of the staff of that war
rior.
An unusually large gathering of Con-
federate veterans for the occasion was
made possible by the fact that the vet
Grams were holding their annual re-
union this week in Washington, only
nve hours away.
Address of Mr.. Ingraham.
Mr.. Ingraham in his address said, in
part:
and gentlemen:
1T gives me great pleasure to he
present on this occasion and to per-
form a most plea duty in behalf of
the War Department. This beautiful
memorial is placed on this historic
ground by the state of Virginia in hon
or of those who sacrificed their lives
in behalf of the ideals for which they
fought.
I'VE are now meeting at a critical
time In fhe history Of
has once more come upon US, and all
our manhood, wealth and energy must
be summoned to support the govern
ment and bring to a successful termi-
nation the great struggle in which we
are now involved. The lessons that we
gather from the battlefield on which
we stand. the inspiration that this
monument gives us. all go forth to-
ward helping us solve the difficulties
OF the present hour. The civil war up
to the time of the outbreak of the pres
emit conflict, was the greatest struggle
the world had ever seen. but now it
SINKS into insignificance compared with
It. The battle of Gettysburg the great
est of the civil war, was a small one
compared with the gigantic and ter
rfnc battles of the present war But
those who took part in the civil war.
ana especially in the battle of Gettys-
nurg, realize what war means and can
best interpret the full significance of
the present struggle.
Lessons From Gettysburg.
This battlefield is consecrated with
the blood of both the north and the
south. We stand around this monu-
ment to write in large letters the story
OF the heroism of the sons of the Old
Dominion who took part in the battle
OF gettysburg. Different states regi-
ments and associations have erected
mere monuments to their heroes that the
part. they took in this great battle NAV
not be forgotten. Although the armies
or the north and south WED with each
other for supremacy. and it was here
mat the greatest carnage occurred. yet
the memory of this great battle awak-
ems no feelings of anger within the
heart of any one.
This field was contested inch by
Inch, stand after stand was made, first
~+oy one side and then by the other, shot
and shell poured forth from the mouths
OF hundreds of cannon. and yet it is to-
day in this reunited nation field on
which both sides meet as one great
family. Nowhere in the civilized world
can you find similar case. II is truly
characteristic of the American people.
a people that can adjust themselves 10
new conditions. a people who can for
get past differences and stand as one
before the world.
This battlefield represents tho tr,,o
spirit of the people of our great coun-
try, for here we can all assemble and
snare in each others joys and SORROWS
80 ~ Cd'u otHtT victories and de-
feats. Virginia knows how to honor
those she loved and who fought and
oled Tor her Ideals 1t * only natural
ana proper for those who survive to
honor those who fell. 1t matters not
whether they be the victors or the van
culsned as long as their part was hon
orable and they fought like men"
Chose Crown of Thorns.
Leigh Robinson. a veteran of the
confederate army and native of Nir-
g1nia, declared that when the war he
tween the states began the southern
entertain was offered two crowns, the
crown of gold and the crown of thorns.
He lifted the latter to his brow and
never was heard from him a murmur
egainst the destiny of duty"
The monument, which is of heroic
size, and cost $4,000. is surmounted by
statue of Gen. Robert T. Lee mount
ed on Traveller, his famous war horse
About the base there is a group of
seven hgures representing ali arms of
the Confederate service. There are two
boys. one bugler of artillery and the
other a cavalry color bearer carrying
the state flag of Virginia. One figure
represents a farmer fighting side by
side with one whose expression and
bearing mark him as a prosperous
business man. Beside an artilIerynnan
with long hair, aquiline features and
neglige appearance, stands a stalwart
mecndnic, MS Wusket nfniiy Srlpped to
repel an attack. On the mechanics
right stands man erect biting off the
end of cartridge, suggesting a type
found among the professions, perhaps
doctor. Scattered about the ground
are shattered cannon, 4 broken
wheel, a discarded knapsack. a hat a
swab and an exploded shell. Indicating
that the spot had been the scene of
some desperate engagement
F. William Sievers of Richmond is
hn eli he
ment. 1t was his aim to produce a
military memorial which would differ
from the conventional figures Of sol
diers grouped about a pedestal.