Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-07-10
ONE COUNTRY, ONE FLAG

Lieutenant Robert E. Lee has been decorated for
distinguished. service in France as a member OF tho
American force which is now doing valiant service in the
cause of freedom. Lieut.. Lee is a grandson Of General
Robert E. Lee who, not quite sixty years ago, was COM
handing southern armies in the effort to make good the
establishment of a separate nation out of a part Of tho
United States.
AS a matter Of information it would be superfluous
to mention the fact that the sectional lines which at one
time divided the people of the United States hav. lone
since been oblterated. But it is gratifying. nevertheless
to be reminded of this fact occasionally by the patriotic
activities Of men who, in themselves or through their
families have been associated with the southern cause
in the great Civil war
The war left its. crop Of bitterness. which was tnev-
liable. And the mistakes which were. made in connec-
ton with the work '.of reconstruction did much 10 en-
nance that bitterness But, within a time which. all
things considered, was surprisingly short, the people of
the two sections again learned to look upon themselves
and each other as citizens of one great nation, with a
common future and common obligations. The first op-
portunity which was given for expression Of this senti-
we entered the s~panish-American war. Then the men
of the South We'd with those Of the North in Offering
themselves in the service of their country, and the feel
ing most conspicuously shown as between the two Sec
tons was that of honorable rivalry in the service Of the
nation. ~1
The passing years have intensified the feeling Of ma
tionality which has grown in all sections, and today our
people regard themselves first Of all as American M
matter from which side Of Mason and Dixon's line thew
happen to hail. In acquitting himself with distinction
on the battle front young Lee has simply lived up to the
fine traditions Of his family, for the Lees, from Revolu-
tionary days, have been men Of fine character. and,
whenever the opportunity has been afforded, thew have
won military distinction.
It is not difficult at this time, when the pa ASSIGN. an
gendered by the Civil war have died out, to understand
the conception which General Lee had Of his duty, and
while deploring a course which is now almost universal
~ regarded as a sadly mistaken one, to honor him for
his loyalty to his own convictions, and foe the faithful
ness with which he followed them. General Lee did not
desire war, nor did he desire secession! He hoped that
his state would remain a unit in the great American
commonwealth. But. like many others of his time. he
held exaggerated views of the sovereignty of the state,
and had not reached the conception Of the sovereignty
and dignity Of the nation which has become SO generally
accepted as to be almost universal. He believed his state,
Virginia. to be in effect an Independent nation which,
for the purposes Of convenience. had delegated certain Of
its powers to a central body, that delegation of author
iy to be effective during the pleasure Of the state, and to
be withdrawn at its will. He was passionately loyal to
that which he believed to be his country. the state Of
Virginia, and, while he hoped that his state would remain
associated with the other states in the union as he con-
|cetved It to be, when the state Itself decided otherwise,
he bowed to the decision Of its authorities and rendered
himself to its service.
When the war ended Lee was among the first TO ac-
|cept the decision which had been rendered, and he made
formal submission to the government of the United
States and urged all his friends to do likewise. His per-
sonal charactsr vas without blemish. and II, in some
other state Of existence. he is cognizant Of the affairs Of
earth. We may, depend on It that he ~reJoices In the dis.
|tinction which his grandson has won as a faithful and
valiant soldier OF the United States.
I'm stand for no fooishpeas from America. 8 raid
the kaiser. Wei, fdo = million soldiers on the var front
look foolish ~ s
Austria has been four years coilectinss that 0pciosy
|fcr The death Of the arch duke and his wife. ana the
apclosy does nat W apolostxs.