Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 19.djvu/411

 Lees Birthday. 405

"And now as I shall utter his name a name wreathed here by woman's loving and tender hands with flowers 'the sweetest things that God ever made and forgot to put a soul into ' let every head be uncovered, let every tongue be stilled, let every eyelid droop, let every heart sink in sorrow that will, let every tear flow that may the immortal, ever-living, never-dying name of Robert Edward Lee."

THE BANQUET.

After the public demonstration the orator of the night, with invited guests, repaired to the Kimball House, where a magnificent banquet was enjoyed. Among those who sat around the table were many of the most distinguished citizens and officials of Georgia.

The president of the society acted as toast-master, to the satisfac- tion of all. The toasts and responses were as follows:

1. The Memory of Robert E. Lee soldier, patriot, stainless gen- tleman and humble Christian the model man of the centuries. Drank standing and in silence.

2. The orator of the day, who "followed the feather" of Ashby, rode with Stuart and Hampton, and has brought us an elegant trib- ute to our great chieftain. Hon. Charles T. O' Ferrall.

3. The Virginia Society. Loyal and true to our adopted home, we turn with "untrammelled hearts" to our dear old mother. Vi- car-General Benjamin J. Keiley.

4. Virginia and Georgia. Twin sisters in the revolution of 1776 and in the struggle for constitutional freedom in 1861, may they, guided by the Southern press, ever remain keystones in the solid South in promoting the interests of our whole country. Hon. Claik Howell, Speaker Georgia House of Representatives and editor of the Constitution.

5. Atlanta, our adopted home. None of her citizens love her more devotedly or are more ready to promote her interests or rejoice more heartily in her prosperity than we Virginians. Captain E. S. Gay.

6. The Gate City of the South. Undaunted by the desolation of the war, she has risen Phoenix-like to command its commerce, and stands for pure politics and good government. Within its walls none are more welcome than Virginians. Hon. W. A. Hemphill, mayor.