Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/263

This page has been validated.
Editorial Paragraphs.
255

of November last that they had received in all $21,140.95—that they had paid in full for the recumbent figure of Lee $15,000, and on the mausoleum to receive it $2,844.67, leaving a balance in the treasury of $3,296.28, and a deficiency of $6,183.05 to raise in order to complete the mausoleum.

A recent Lexington paper states that only $2,000 are now needed. Surely the needed amount ought to be at once raised in order that at least one fitting monument to our grand old chieftain may be completed. Valentine's monument is one of the most splendid creations of genius in this country, and when the beautiful mausoleum designed by Neilson of Baltimore is completed, the tomb of Lee will be fitly decorated and appropriately cared for.

Let the old soldiers of Lee, and his friends and admirers everywhere, rally at once, raise the small amount necessary to complete this beautiful monument, and then combine on the grand monument in Richmond, which we are pledged to build.

We are authorized to receive subscriptions, and would be glad to be the medium of sending to Lexington a good part of what remains to be collected.

Send on at once, then, a contribution (large or small) for this noble object.


The Second Reunion of the Louisiana Division Army of Tennessee was held in New Orleans on the 5th of April, and seems to have been quite a brilliant affair. We are glad to hear of all such reunions, and hope that they will keep alive the memories of the brave old days of 61-65. But we again urge that at these "gatherings of the clans" arrangements ought to be made to put on record the heroic deeds of the men who "wore the gray."


Book Notices.

Life of Alexander H. Stevens. By Richard Malcom Johnston and William Hard Browne. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co.

We are indebted to the publishers for a copy of this beautifully gotten up book, which, in paper, printing and binding, is in the usual style of the work of this famous house.

The literary execution of the book is admirable. Mr. Johnston has been for years an intimate friend of Mr. Stephens, and has had some peculiar advantages in gathering material for a true picture of the inner life of the "great commoner." Mr. Browne has added his fine literary taste and skill, and the book is one of deep interest—indeed, a charming specimen of biography. The extracts from Mr. Stephens' private letters, diaries and conversations, as well as from his public speeches, enhance the value of the book.

Mr. Stephens' long public career, his unquestioned ability, and his high character give a certain degree of importance to his utterances. But each one must, of course, judge for himself as to the correctness of many of his opinions and acts. We do not here pass upon them at all.