The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-02-13
by T.. J. Myers

l fA4AtNA 1S4AAcNicA stNt FAGl ais, All -Ald-
more, Oklahoma. to the once blood
drenched battleficlds Of Lookout
Mountain, Chickamaaga, Doneldson,
Bull Run, Anteitam and Gettysburg,
during the war between the states,
rom 1861 10 1868. But these camp
members have never wearied in max
ing those mental pilsrmages TO the
Southlanjs fields o. carnage. where
they had seen their comrades oy
thousands. mown down as grass be-
lore the sickle by the military ma
chnery Of L powerful invading army
ana en- the occasions of each OF these
day dream OF the horrors which loom
ed up there. their sense OF neglected
justice and withheld sympathetic con-
slderation. they became more firmly
welded 20 their caIse and fixed. in the
principals for which they had helped
TO fight the battles o. the land they
an loved and for which so many died.
Unprepared and Unused to War
And Il was these men who were
natives and citizens OF other states
who. al the outbreak of the ill-ad-
yised war between the states had
answered the call for the defense OF
their homes and rights which they
had been taught and regarded as in
snenable. rhey had become Injured
10 hatdShlps In the early settlement
Of their respective sections OF the
country, but they knew little OF war.
Is privations OF its consequences.
They only knew OF the threatened de-
sttuctlon OF what they considered their
vested rights, and the many dangers
that were beginning TO surround their
homes and loved ones by an enemy
army o. large proportions, which was
hourly crossing the border states
lines and leaving in its pathway a
desolation that was marked by new
made graves. and a pail of misery
left resting over the peaceful land
where church edifices and school
houses, wherein were eloquently
preached and kindly taught lessons of
forgiveness. love and peace had only
lately stood.
Did they hesitate or cowardly re-
fuse to respond 10 the call to arms
against the invaders. who were show
ing no mercy in their attacks on an
almost defenseless citizenship?
The answer to that question is
found engraven on the pages OF Ame-
rican history. relating 10 the .ratrici-
dial strite of the sixties. They did
respond and nob!y Tough, and their
lame is as undying as their patriotism
VAS and continues to be faithful.
OyerpOwered. But Not Conquered
And while these fnen were over
powered BY being swarmingly ont
numbered. they We're not conquered,
Notwithstanding the fact that their
powerful enemy, by day and night.
had continued Tor four years to pour
shot and shell into their marching
ranks. Temporary camp and strong
Notifications, but with dauntless
courage that challenged the admira-
lion OF the world they always were
forni lighting, until Their leader, Cen
eral ebert l.. Lee, saw his once proud
and vsillant army fade into q thin
grey line" and blessed the war-stIick-
IN land with much needed peace
10y honorable cap!tulation. And Il
should be remembered with just
pride. that the end OF that titanic
struggle was different from that of
any other such incident in the worlds
history; for so greatly Impressed was
General Grant, the enemy leader. with
The courage and gentility OF General
Lee. the commander OF the Southern
forces, that he refused TO take Lees
sword from his hand. but simply had
The latter TO lay the weapon aside
on the grass plo; in the shade OF the
historic and friendly walls Of APP
poma,tox court house.
Return 10 Desolated Homes
When al the end OF the nearly five
y ears fateiul contest ana the roar
Of cannon and small arms and the
strains oil martial music had ceased,
a gladly welcomed peace had come
10 release them from the duties OF
warfare. these soldiers who composed
he dominated ranks o. the army Of |
The South returned 10 their inpover-
ished homes 70 take up the broken |
threads OF their lives, together with !
those whom they had left there dur
ing the bitter experiences OF in one
oe the crrelest and most uncallel FOR
wars mentioned in history, and still! !
in the minds OF many persons the !
most wrongtully occasioned. And In |
, ~ nj px ult
broken In health and helpless in the !
matter OF necessary funds for the
equpment OF iEe which was 70 |
no begun over agam. il was almost =
cries Of Representatives, which these !
,oldiers faced. But these obstacles |
corne had IL not been for the haIdi- |
cap OF the most misersbly nshhe- !
Il ONE military autorracy. completely |
unsympathetic and cruelty relcntlcSs !
which had been set up IN the capitol |
Of every southern state. to the abuse
and terrifying intimidation OF every
citizen these carpetbaggerS sought TO
dominate and keep IN condition OF
subjection and oppression: and under
these abuses they we're left AL m-
and all TO long.
Women Helped 10 Garry Burdens
But these heroic nren who formed
the rank and file OF the Confederate
srmy, however,, sid not alone brave
all the dangers and endure ali he
hardships and SUFFERING incident to
the war between the states: for the
mothers and wives, sist-
rrs and sweethearts they had loft
behind them at the breaking out "
he trouble, had during IL an been
faithful In kerping the 'home fhes
BURNING" ana giving joyous welcome
nd Some comforts to their footsore
md weary herues, who still retained
heir spirit of pride and patriotism
nd love of the horne Of which they
,ften had dreamed during tnair DAYS