-------
_From the “Lagrange Reporter.”_
ATLANTA buried yesterday her greatest citizen, and Georgia mourns the
death of her most brilliant son. Not only Atlanta and Georgia bewail an
irreparable loss, but the whole South joins in the lamentation, while
beyond her boundaries the great North, so lately thrilled by his
eloquence, stands with uncovered head at Grady’s tomb.
O measureless sorrow! A young man, with unequaled genius and great,
loving heart, has been cut off in his golden promise. The South saw in
him her spokesman—her representative to the world. The old and the new
were happily blended in him. Revering the past, his face was turned to
the rising day. As the stars went out, one by one, he greeted the dawn
of a grander era, which he was largely instrumental in hastening. His
work for Georgia, the South, the country, will abide. Time will only
increase his fame.
A journalist without a peer, an orator unsurpassed, a statesman with
grasp of thought to “know what Israel ought to do,” has fallen. Words
are impotent to express the public grief.
God reigns. Let us bow to His will and trust Him for help. Our extremity
is His opportunity. If leader is necessary to perfect the work, He will
give us one qualified in all respects. Like Moses, the South’s young
champion had sighted the promised land and pointed out its beauties and
glories to his wondering people. Let us boldly pass over the Jordan that
lies between.
Rest, noble knight. Dream of battle-fields no more—days of toil, nights
of danger. Thy country will take care of thy fame.
------------------