Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 23.djvu/369

 l),,li,-ution of the South' '/ >::

whose suns followed the star of Lee, Johnston, Beauregard, or Smith, and assigning it to the care of a regent, herself the worthy- descendant of some patriot who wore the gray or gave aid and com- fort to thoM- engaged in the terrific struggle. Burning with a desire to establish such an institution in this old city, the Capital of the Confederacy, whose very streets seem to be consecrated ground, still resounding in the imaginative ear with the tramp, tramp, tramp of that army that wrought renown imperishable from Gettysburg Heights to these city gates, from Bethel to Appomattox, these de- voted women determined to raise the necessary funds for the pur- pose. When this resolution was formed, success was assured. In March, 1890, the Society was organized. Soon thereafter Colonel John B. Cary, as a member of the City Council of Richmond, offered a resolution donating this property, and the resolution was promptly passed.

The Society has expended about $14,000 in repairs and improve- ments. Where all have acted so nobly and done so well it would be almost impossible to accord special credit to any, yet I feel sure I will voice the sentiments of the individual members of the Society when I mention as worthy of particular notice for their untiring and efficient efforts Mrs. Joseph Bryan, president of the society, and Mrs. E. D. Hotchkiss, chairman of the Building Committee.

Hastily passing on, let me ask what building is this we dedicate ?

IT WAS OUR WHITE HOUSE.

It is what was the White House, the executive mansion of the Confederacy. Within these walls councils of State and councils of war were held; policies discussed, and campaigns mapped. Be- neath this roof statesmen met statesmen, and warriors met warriors, all filled with a loyalty that knew no quenching and a zeal that knew no lessening. Through these corridors rang voices all in harmony, all proclaiming allegiance to a cause about which clustered the affec- tions of a people who had staked everything in its maintenance and defence. Yes, this was the official home of the Chief Magistrate of the new American republic, founded upon the eternal principles of right and justice, but whose life was crushed out of it under the juggernaut wheels of superior numbers and merciless power num- bers recruited from the four corners of the earth, power secured from the combined nationalities of the globe.

How precious are the recollections that hang round these precincts.