Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-03-02
Splendid Suggestion From Lee Camp

W/HAT finer disposition of those oil portraits.
w historical documents and other precious
holdings of Lee Camp, United Confederate
Veterans, could be made than to dedicate
them as n nucleus around which shall rise
splendid public library as an everlasting
memorial to those Virginia heroes who fought
in the war against Germany? A definite
movement toward that end has been inaugu-
rated by members Of the camp, and a resolu-
ton making the proffer of this priceless gift
has been introduced Should it be adopted.
the pictures documents and large sum of
money would be donated to library fund
me only condition would be that room be
set ASIDE Tor these reminders of the War
Between the States and the erection of a
tablet setting forth from whence the gift
came-a provision hardly necessary in the
contract, since the heart OF Richmond would
not have it otherwise
The members OF Lee Camp are becoming
oh. so pitifully few. In a few years more
the last Of these gray-clad defenders of the
South Will have passed on forever. Before
that time comes it is natural that thew shouId
WISH 10 know that suitable disposition has
peeh maze OF these priceless possessions
winch IN the years since the sixties they have
gathered together and cherished and guarded
with loving care. When taps is sounded for
them, the knowledge that they are leaving
'i'ese treasures as heritage to Virginia
ana the South, and that they will be cared
Tor tenderly throughout the coming genera
tons. and that they will have aided in the
erection and be an integral part of mae-
nificent memorial to the heroes who came
after them in the European war. will he
|, TO them a wonderful solace
should the Confederate Veterans decide on
TINS disposition OF their property it would
give an impetus to the memorial library
project which will assure its success There
mas been much discussion moro or less
desultory in character, as to the final form
hchmona memorial to its war heroes should
."Ne me library plan apparently is PROV
ing the most popular, although monumental,
! bridge and a statue have their adherents
vi these three plans, not one of which has
taken definite shape. the public library would
seem the most suitable. Absence of such
an institution long has been a reproach TO
l'ichmohd and subject of unfavorable COM
| ment at home and abroad The CITY now
mas an opportunity to combine its gratitude
All" appreciation ior its soldiers, living and
| dead who took part in the world war its
! rove ana reverence for those other soldiers
WHO pore arms IN defense OF its rights more
'""h d haii-cehtury ago. with unitarian pur-
| pose ana secure memorial library which
! VIII be an enduring monument to the elories
| OF the past and an everyday incentive ord
| aid to that great democracy whoso futuro
+ SAFETY and liberty rest on the solid ground
oi inc education of its people, Such an on
portuhlty may not come again Let It he
not lightly passed over now.
IL inc United States can afford IN sncnd
huhcreds or millions OF dollars IN keen Fin
, rope hungry people from dying, another
hundred million TO buy farms for its returned
hoiuicrs ana still other hundreds of millions
III WORK OF reconstruction all of which is
! ih'pcrat'eiy necessary, it should not balk
over the expenditure OF million dollars or
SO TO fight the ravages OF Spanish influenza
| ] Idl MNSlcrlOuS nlapue mir