Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

6 (*3®€C) liiffllll L. T BLOME & CO., publishers and proprietors. AUGUSTA, GA., MAY 2, TERMS : One copy, one year, invariably in advance,.... $3 00 “ “ eix months “ “ 150 Single Copies lO cte To Clubs. —To any person sending us a Club of 15, one copy, ono year, vrill be given. To Clubs of 20, or more The Banker "will be furnished at the rate of $2 50 per annum, jjr§“ In all cases the names must be furnished at the same time, and the cash must accompany each order. Dealers will be supplied on liberal terms. ♦ —♦ All Communications, intended for publication must b« directed to the Editor, Rev. A. J. Ryaw ; and all Business Communications to the Publishers, L. T Blome k Cos., Augusta, Ga. A few Advertisements will be received, and in serted on liberal terms. Agents for The Banner of the Sooth : General Traveling Agents.— C'apt M. J. O’CONNOR Lieut. W. A. WRIGHT and E. F. SAMUELS Charleston, S. C, —EDW. LEE. Savannah, Ga.—E. M. CONNER. Macon, Ga.—C. J. CAREY. Atlanta, Ga.—T. C. MURPHY and W. J. MANN. West Point, Ga.— P. GIBBONS. Greensboro’, Ala.—A. H. WILLIAMS, Beacon office. Thompson, Ga.—W. C. WORRELL. Cuthbert, Ga.—G. F. BUCHANAN. Manning, S. O.—ARTHUR HARVIN. Columbus, Ga—JAS. RYAN. Nashville.—W. C. COLLIER, A. SETLIFF. Knoxville, Term.—JAS. MALOY. Pine Bluff, Ark.—JOHN P. MURPHY. General Agent for Florida.—J. EVANS FROST, Jack. Ronville, “ Mercury ” office. Clarkesrille, Tenn.—J. W. FOXON. Montgomery, Ala.—W. J. RYAN. Jacksonville, Fla.—C. C. BISBEE. Huntsville, AIa.—DAN’L O’C. MURPHY. ffff- The paper can also be obtained from news and periodical dealers everywhere. fiaT Specimen copies will be sent to any address, on application. Back Numbers—All the back num bers of the Banner can be furnished subscribers. — Agents Wanted. —We want Agents in all parts of the country—good, relia ble, active men, who will take an in terest in extending the circulation of The Banner of the South. Answers to Enigmas. — We have re ceived several answers to last week’s En igmas, all of which are correct. Special Notice. —Father llyan ear nestly requests that all business letters in regard to the Banner of the South, be directed to the Publishers, as he has not the time to devote to their considera tion ; and that only contributions to the journal he sent to him. His other duties, so many and pressing, do not give him time to answer half the communications he daily receives. Information Wanted. —Of Mrs. Na thaniel Marks, maiden name Annie Shaw, of the city of Dublin, Ireland. Came to America (New York) about four years ago, a few days after marriage. When last heard from was living in East Thirty third street, New York City. Left New YYrk about February, 1866, it is believed to go South. Should this meet the eye of any person knowing Mr. or Mrs. Marks, by calling their attention to it they will con fer a lasting favor on a sorrowing family. Any information respecting them will be thankfully received by her (Mrs. Marks') brother. William Shaw, 376 Cherry street, N. Y. Catholic Sunday School Pic-Nic. — j The children of the St. Patrick Sunday j School had a very pleasant Pic-Nic at i Schu tz’s Hill on Thursday last. The | day was a beautiful one, and, under the ; excellent management of the zealous | teachers, all seemed to enjoy themselves ; greatly. W e wish our young friends ! many happy returns of this joyous season, j As Father Ryan very justly observed, on Sunday last, they have been good chil- ; dren and attentive Sunday School sehol- ! ars, and so they deserved the pleasure j that was given them, and will, we hope, : continue to deserve praise in the future, as they have in the past. Burke’s Weekly. —This is the title of a neatly printed and interesting journal for children, published weekly, at Macon, Ga., by J- W. Burke & Go., at $2,00 per year, in advance, or three copies for $5. It is also published iu monthly parts. The new volume begins in duly, with in creased attraction. Our Editor. — We hope we may be pardoned, if. once in a while, we publish one of the many complimentary notices given by the Press to Father Ryan. One of these is from the Richmond (Va.) Southern Opinion : “ Rev. Father Ryan, the priest, poet, and editor, of Georgia, spent last Sabbath in Richmond, preaching at the Cathedral in the morning and St. Patrick's in the afternoon. The previous announcement that he was to officiate filled both sanctua ries to their capacity. In stature, Father Ryan is slight, fea tures pale and delicate; hair long and brown, and combed back from the tem ples. As an orator, he is earnest, elo quent and poetical, with a most remarka ble flow of chaste and melodious language. His voice is clear, musical and ringing— calculated to captivate the listener. He docs not become the priestly robe in ap pearance, like Bishop McGill; lacks port and stature; but in conducting the ser vices, he impresses the audience that he is terribly iu earnest. AMERICA’S GLORY AND AMERICA’S SHAME. There was a time in the world’s his tory when to be called "a Roman Citizen” was to share the proudest of human titles, was to hold the best passport to human honor and respect everywhere. And so, too, in the world’s history, there was a time when to be called an American Citi zen was to share the proudest of human titles and to hold the best and surest passport to honor and respect abroad. But, alas ! “time changes, and with it all things change.” Human glory and human greatness have hut a transitory existence, and are succeeded by human infamy and human shame. Republics and Empires alike crumble into dust and pass away, and only what is good or had of them lives to bless or curse their memories. Rome, with all its glory and greatness, fell bv the hands of fanaticism and cor. ruption, Its shame equalled its glory— its corruption surpassed its virtues—and it lives to day only in the broken columns, and ruined temples, and crumbling walls, of its once grand and magnificent archi tecture. And, so, too, the American Re public, with all of its glory and greatness, has fallen by the hands of fanaticism and corruption, and is living to-day only in the crumbling ruins of its broken Consti tution and its shattered liberties. The principles for which its founders fought and bled are forgotten or remembered only to bo trampled upon, while tyranny and injustice sit in the high places to mock the sufferings and ruin of an un happy people and a desolated land. One of the glories of our country—and its chiefest glory—was the sovereignty of the people. Congress was the creation of that sovereignty, and but gave expres sion and force to its wib, constitutionally and freely expressed. To-day.that Con gress—so-called—holds despotic sway over that sovereignty, laughs the Constitution and freedom to scorn, and fastens upon the people of ten States of these once United States n despotism more galling than the despotisms of Poland, and of Ireland—a despotism of shoedder straps and bayonets : -.nd declares that under this despotism its will is the law and must he obeyed. Still, fearing to test its powers k>o strongly at the first, that corrupt body of venal politicians must needs give a sem blance of justice, a show of const i tut ion aity to their illegal acts. Hence, under this despotism they proclaim elections and order conventions to frame constitutions, and yet so disfranchise and so arrange that their will shall be fulfilled and their principles established. In the past week this—we might call it farce, if it were not too sad a thing to call a farce—shame of the Republic was presented to the gaze of the world. An election to decide whether a State Consti- tution for Georgia should be adopted or rejected, and for State and county offi cers, was held throughout the State. Around the ballot-box armed men stood, with bayoaets fixed, and hordes of colored Republicans gathered about the precincts, threatening with vengeance dire all of their race who dared to exercise the right which “freedom”—unhappy freedom ! had given them. Illegal oaths were thrust at challengers who had not bowed their neck to the so-called Congress; and everything that could intimidate the Con servative element, or advance the interests of the opposition resorted to by those in power. Oh !it was a sad spectacle ; and honest men and true patriots could but weep for their country’s departed glory, and blush for their country’s shame. But the scene has passed ; it has gone with the multitude of yesterdays which have passed away for ever ; and its results, good or bad, are with the present and the future. The freedom and purity of the ballot box have been destroyed. Military des potism and Congressional dictation have taken their place. The one was Ameri ca’s ihiefest glory : the other her chiefest shame. The glory has departed—the shame still exists. It is with the Ameri can people to wipe out the one and restore the other. Will they do it ? We “pause for a reply.” French papers mention an unusual activi ty in the silk business at Lyons. MEMORIAL CELEBRATION IN AUGUSTA. Monday last, April 27th, the day set apart this year for the floral tribute to the Confederate dead in the Augusta Cemetery, was a sad and gloom} 7 looking day. Nature seemed, indeed, to accord with the “ soul’s sadness,” and dropped, now and then, her jeweled tears to the memory of the gallant “ sleepers in the dust.” The “ Lost Cause,” and its sad but cherished memories, came vividly back once more to the hearts of countless mourners, and a thousand prayers went up to Heaven for the noble dead, and a thousand blessings went down with count less flowers upon their silent graves. Four o’clock was the hour appointed for the decoration of the graves, bat seve ral repaired to the Cemetery at a much earlier hour. At the appointed time, however, theic was an immense concourse of ladies and gentlemen, boys, and girls, and even some of the colored people, who came to share in the beautiful tribute of respect and love. The floral display was very beautiful, and the arrangement of the flowers upon the graves neat and tasteful—-just as it had to be when woman’s hands were at work. There were crosses, and stars, Confederate flags, and hearts, wreaths and garlands, bouquets and single flowers, and evergreens, in profusion; and as they lay upon the clean, silent houses of the dead, between the long rows of white head-hoards, the scene was beauti ful iu the extreme. There was no music, no speaking, no noisy demonstration. Perhaps it was best—best that the tribute should be a quiet and a silent one— because the heart was too sad for ut terance, too sad for attention to mere words. And so, when the offe rings were laid upon the graves of the dead heroes, the concourse retired sadly and quietly, as they had coine. And so passed off this Memorial Day in Augusta. God bless our women and children! TLty will keep alive the memories of the past; and though no marble monument or gilded shrine shall mark the last resting places of the Martyred Dead, their names and their deeds shall be kept evergreen in the hearts of our women and children. To these, therefore, we are willing to commit the glories, and the deeds, and the sacrifices of the “Lost Cause.” And so doing, we venture to suggest the or ganization of a Ladies’ Memorial Associa tion for each city and county in the State; and also that a day be fixed for the floral celebration throughout the South. In conclusion, we append the following poein, written by a young lady of this city, for the Augusta Chronicle & Sentinel , as appropriate to the occasion : Suggested by the Custom of Strewing our Soldiers’ Craves with Flowers. BY ANNIE R. BLOUNT. Strew those dear graves thickly over, Every sacred earth-mound eover; Son and brother, frieud and lover Sleeping there. Matrons! maids! theSouth’schaste daugh ters, Bring to all our sainted martyrs Offerings rare; The very fairest llowers that bloom, To deck each hallowed soldier’s tomb! Violet, rose, and morning glory, Though they say “memento muri,” Also tell the pleasing story Os the time to come; Where no clamor rude of battle, Sabres clash, and cannon’s rattle, Sound of life or drum, Shall disturb the quiet air— All is peace and beauty there! Bring your laurels, lilies, roses, Bind them into sweetest posies, Strew them, where in death reposes, The dear precious dust. Os our nraves, the true and knightly— O’er each hallowed grave tread light!} 7 , ’Tis a sacred trust. Thus to scatter liowers above Lowly graves of those we love! “Stonewall”—bra vest of “The Immortals,” Passed triumphant through Heaven’s por tals, Lilies for thee, Christian warrior! And a cedar spray. Ashby ! Stuart! Pelham !—glorious Braves, who led your hosts victorious Through the deadly fray— Strew we here blush-rose of Mav, Eglantine and fadeless bay. Morgan! Cleburne! Zollicoffer! What sweet spring- flowers shall we offer Which are worthiest of the proffer To thy memories? We will strew o’er thy still bosoms, Spring time’s sweetest, choicest blossoms, The fair Kleur-de lis “Emblems of true knighihood’s pride” With the amaranth side by side. But how vain the task to number Our immortal braves, who slumber ! And yet, like no vague penumbra They before me rise. Clad in robes of snowy whiteness, With a more than mortal brightness, Pass my yearning eyes Those who’ve stacked their arms forever, Those who’ve crossed the shining river ! Ah! the South’s warm heart embraces Each of these dear fallen faces, Asleep in hallowed r- sting places Marked, “Con federate dead.” All, bright jewels of that Nation, Perished from the fair creation head Slumbers olt ’ncath some white stone Bearing that sad word, “unknown !” What though weak gave up to stronger In brute force—forgive the wronger— Though our banner float no longer, But is sadly pressed To some still dead heart that bore it Proudly through the tight now o’er it That cold, pulseless breast— Lies the Banner, sadly furled, That once claimed homage of a world ! Scatter llowers, each “last home” over, Every soldier’s earth-mound cover, Son, and brother, friend and lover, Sweetly resting here: Each “somebody’s darliug” sleeping; Far or near, some heart is weeping For each grave so dear Holds somebody's love and pride— All are ours, for us they died ! On tins one day, set apart, The whole South mourns as with one heart! Augusta, Ga., April, 18GS. THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE. It is exceedingly gratifying to receive the approval of our friends, and, particu larly so, to learn that the “Lost Cause” has so many warm friends at the North. We give below 7 a number of extracts from Northern and Southern letters received at this office, which, we are sure, will please our readers, as they have pleased us : Sf.dalia, Mo. * * * May God bless and prosper your undertaking is the prayer of thousands of us, who yet cling with affectionate, though saddened hearts, to “the Conquered Banner.” Samuel’s Depot, Ky. * * * I will try to raise a club for the Banner, as there are several in this section who, like myself, fought four years lor the Lost Cause, and feel an interest in keeping up its traditions.” Brownsville, Tenn. * * * But of one thing I am certain ; the author of “the Conquered Banner” can never prove recreant to “the Lost Cause,” nor permit defamation of our glorious dead to pass umebuked and un refuted. St. Francis’ Seminary, ( Francis Station, Wisconsin. ( * * * I feel assured your subscribers in this section will soon reach a goodly number, despite that anti-South ern prejudice, which, happily, is waning fist, as reason, less cntrammeled by pre judice, bows acknowledgment to the sacred term, “Right.” Logansport, Ind. * *- * Like yourself I was born and reared under the warm, genial sun of the Southern States, and, like your self, all my sympathies are, and long have been, enlisted for that holy, hut lost cause. It was in my Southern home that I heard the pathetic air of “the Con quered Banner,” written by your power ful pen. It was in my Southern home that I heard the touching words of “In Memoriam,” read to several Southern youth by a brave Colonel ot the L» ."t Cause.” Oh! what feeling he betrayed as the solemn words followed each other, and how he blessed the mighty pen of Father Ryan, as ho finished. Could any one hear those words without feeling a sympathy for the Southern cause ? I dare say not.” Millington, Kent Cos., Md. * * * And as I happen to be one that believes in the justice of t:ie cause of the South, I ask that you send me a specimen number ot your paper, etc. Mobile, Ala. * * * Not being yet so loyal as to forget my soldier life under the “stars and bars,” I think I shall like your paper. St. Louis, Mo. * * * I read your inaugural, copied from the advanced sheets. The tone is truly noble, and the theme is the sentiment of the Southern heart. Hudson, Mich. * * * We have just had our Spring election in this State, and the re sult shows that our Republican friends do not wish to accept the poor, unfortunate negro, whom they have used, in social or political equality. You are, no doubt, aware that anew Constitution for this State was presented for the acceptance or rejection of the people on the 6th inst. It was rejected by a large majority. * * The spirit of wisdom, prudence, justic e and charity, be with you. Equal Rights. Sing Sing, N. Y. * * * We read your admira ble introductory, reprinted in the N. Y, Freemans Journal, we need not say, with delight, as meeting a response in our own hearts, and ask the privilege of en rolling ourselves among your readers. Maysville, Ky * * * lam one of those who served in Gen. Jno. H. Morgan’s cavalry, and who believe as you do, that wc fought for the right, and therefore am not ashamed to read the Banner of the South. I am a convert to the Catholic Church, and feel that I cannot do better than become a subscriber to your paper. * Hoping that you may be spared to a good old age to speak for our Church, and the poor South, is the prayer of, &c. Sturgeon, Boone Cos., Mo. * * * May God bless and prosper your undertaking. New Madrid, Mo. * * * ’Tis just the paper I want. * * * lam a Catholic and a Rebel. You are vindicating our cause in the right way. [From a Lady. Oxford, Butler Cos., Ohio. * * * I wish success to you and your paper. Carlinsvtlle, 111. * * * Wishing your paper and our cause all the success they so really deserve, I subscribe myself, &e, New York City. * * * My brother * * has sent me a number of your paper which I have read with a great deal of interest, and am so well pleased with it that I would like to get it regularly. * With my best wishes for your success, Ac. Perryyille, Ya. * * * Your poems have touched the hearts of all in this battle scarred portion of the Once beautiful vu ey, feeling, as we all do, that one friei and iu adversity is worth a score under other circumstances.