THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9278, 2 December 1895, Page 5

THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.

No more beautiful spot was ever chosen by a grateful nation as the last resting place of its honoured heroes than the'< glorioug heights of Arlington, which rising from the Potomac overlook the tall spires and gilded domes of Washington, the capital of that great Union for the integrity of which thosj heroes died. .

There, amid shadowing oak, and sheltering vine nestle the graves of 16,000 of the men who perished in that terrible struggle, which in 1861 took place between the north and south.

Previous to the war the Arlington estate consisting of 1100 aores, and a mansion built on the model of the Athenian Temple of Theseus, was the property of that renowriedi General Lee, who on the outbreak of hostilities, 'although offered the chief com* mand of the Federal forces, placed his sword at the disposal of the beloved south to which he belonged.

Three daya after Lee's departure from hh cherished home the estate was occupied by federal troops, and the mansion, after being sacked, was used as the head-quarters for the officers in charge. As the war progressed tens of thousand* of the wounded and dying were transported to Washington, where fifty-six hospitals had been established for their reception.. by day the death roll increased until at last the grave yards were filled to overflowing, and it was with difficulty that a final reeting place could be found for the dead,v At thii juncture General Meigs, the officer in charge' at Washington, happened to. accompfcnj President Lincoln on a visit of inspection t<l Arlington; struck by. the beauty of tin place, the General, who was naturally enraged with Lee for his defection, deter< mined that come what might, his'quondam friend should never again occupy' hie old home. To give effect to this resolution, he at once proclaimed the place a national cemetery. The Government having endorsed this action the grounds around the house were quickly tenanted by the slain, and so rapidly did the ocoupants arrive that in one month alone 5291 took up their lrit quarters at Arlington..

Since the war large Bums of money have been expended on the cemetery and the mansion, and every year on what is called Decoration Day thousands of patriotic,people visit the heights for the purpose of placing floral tributes on the graves of the nation , * heroes.

ABLINGTON HEIGHX& Fit home of departed braves, ' ' Scene of calm repose and beauty, Loved and guarded be the graves, * '• Of the men who died for duty. * Here are lying, side by Bide, Gallant hearts thai; would not yield ; Men who fought with hero pride, Giving life their land to shield. ' ' ■ _ ■ All amidst the grass and flowers, We survey each treasure*! bed, Standing 'neath the shady bowers We who live salute the dead. Take the laurels that we bring, You who died so brave and loyal, Ever more your names shall ring, You who rest in shrouds so royal. Those to come your deeds shall tell, ••' * And your graves with wreaths renew, Though we now must say " farewell," Still our hearts will rest with you. E. W. Boras.