Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/401

 The noble women composing our Confederate Memorial Literary Society have not only a considerable fund which they have acumu- lated by devoted effort, but they possess also, what has been de- clared to be, " the finest and most extensive collection of Confederate relics ever made. ' '

It was formed by the late Mrs. Mary De Renne, of Savannah, Ga., who spared no expense from her abundant means in its enrich- ment.

In appealing interest and historic value it could scarcely now be equalled. The ladies of the Richmond Society, it is understood, have secured extensive and important additions to it, and it may not be doubted will be increasingly successful in their continued efforts.

The prime consideration now undoubtedly is the enhancement of their fund by the subscriptions of our wealthy citizens toward the ensuring of the sum proposed by the generous and patriotic Rouss. Let Richmond lead in her offering and she must distance her rivals. The gifts of the populace and of the poor are as free as they are in spirit; the gifts of the more favored in fortune should be as unselfish. The importance of the establishment here of this Shrine should not be underestimated.