This is one of the most interesting of national celebrations, appealing not
to pride, but to tender personal memories. But we must not give ourselves
up wholly to sadness or mourning. The story of issues and results must be
told.
Why did our heroes die? On account of the cancer of slavery and the
resulting doctrine of State Rights. Nationality and liberty, the opposite
view. The former was the party of action, and, therefore, though in a
minority, it was bolder and more determined. But the shell of materialism
dropped from the North, and it was aroused with electric energy when Sumter
was fired on; there was no passion, only such fervid resolve to preserve
our nation as the world never before saw. The struggle over, there were no
State trials, no prisons nor scaffolds, and the Republic, though bleeding
at every pore, said to the conquered enemy, "Come and share fully with us
all the blessings of our preserved institutions," and thus won a second
victory greater than the first.
The wonderful intelligence of the volunteer--story of Napoleon's
soldier--"Dead on the field of honor."
The Grand Army of the elect--the heroes of history, some of whom are
enumerated--the actual value to a nation of such heroism. To-day all that
belongs to the strife is forgiven, but its lessons are too noble and
precious ever to be forgotten. We can all, North and South, read with
enthusiasm the story of each varied and romantic campaign.
The Confederate women first began decorating the graves of their dead with
flowers, and did not pass by the Union graves near their late foes. This
touched the heart of the nation as nothing else could have done, and enmity
melted away, and the observance of the day has become universal.
The two great national heroes--Washington, with his wise, foresighted
"Farewell Address;" Lincoln, with his gentle spirit, his martyr death, and
his tender words, "With malice towards none, with charity for all."
Washington the Founder, Lincoln the Preserver.
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