The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 19??-1922, 1921-01-09

4 precluueS the possibility OF an al
legiance to the other, to Lincoln, OF
vice versa. We have acted upon that
assumption and have taught our
school children accordingly, with the
result that in the South Lincoln is not
known as he should be, and in the
North Lee is practically unknown,
except in the most general sort of
way as the leader of the Southern
armies. Thus, by the short-sighted-
ness or the prejudice Of those who
have the shaping of our educational
policy, the American children, both
North and South, have been deprived
of q part Of their rightful heritage.
Realizing the apparent injustice done
them, / have been interested for sew
eral years to effect in the schools
of the North recognition of the an
niversary Of Lee, and in the schools
Of the South recognition of the an
niversary of Lincoln. have met
with some measure of success in both
sections and | think it would be little
short of calamitous if we did not
pause for moment in the work of
our own schools and direct attention
to the life and character of man
who fills such an important place in
our history, who is ever taking a
larger hold upon the thoughts and
affections of the American people,
and who must ever loom larger and
larger as the advancing decades give
perspective. But ! shall not be salts
fled until his name is a house hold
word the country over, until his por-
trait hangs in every country school
house along side that of Washington
and Lincoln, and until every Ameri-
can thrills with pride at the mention
of his name and the thought of his
greatness. But 7 want also that in
every hamlet Of our native South
land, Lincoln, himself of Southern
origin, shall be known and loved, and
that the youth Of our section shall
be fully restored to the precious heri-
tage of familiarity with his life
and character which circumstances
has denied Them.
Several years ago it was my privi-
lege to spend some time in the little
mountain village in Virginia where
Lee spent the last years of his life.
There, in Lexington, Lee is still a
living presence, as indeed he is for
the thousands Of students who there
came under his influence in the great
institution which bears his name,
Washington and Lee University. III
cidentally, | think it most fitting that
the names of these two great Ameri-
cans, Washington and Lee, linked to-
gether in life, should thus be forever
linked together in an institution which
bears the impress of their greatness.
and which presages the day when the
American people win be proud toI
link together in their thought thel
names Of Washington and Lincoln
and Lee, atld accord to them the place
of honor as the triumvirate of Ameri-
can heroes. Gameliel Bradford, him
self a Northerner, forecasts that day
when he dedicates his book, 'Iee The
American" to "the young men of
the North and of the South, who can
make or un-make the future Of the
America of Washington, of Lincoln,
ard of Lee"
went to Washington and Lee Uni
versity as a student of law, but in
the short time of my residence there
my historical and patriotic interest
in its great benefactor and President
far transcribed any other interest ]
may have had, | sought out the places
made sacred by his activities. ! went
into the modest little study, where
still are preserved his desk, his writ
ing materials, his books, just as he
left them that fateful morning when
he walked out of it never to return.
| went into the little chapel where
last he worshipped; into the home
which last knew his benign presence.
| stood, in reverential mien, in the
presence of Valentines Recumbent
Stature of Lee, and passed thence into
that holy Of HOLES where repose his
ashes. And throughout 1t ali, as !
fingered in the atmosphere breathing
the presence of a great soul, there
came ever before me a vision Of a
grand old gentleman, magnificent in
victory, superb in defeat, and always
frreproachable and commanding in
character! 0ue Of his bioeraphers