The Evening Argus

DECORATION OF THE SOLDIERS' GRAVES,-
Should unfavorable weather not interfere, on
Sunday next, the 6th, the Spiritual Societies
of our city and Davenport will visit the Island
and strew flowers on the graves of the
soldiers there. The lack of unanimity in
the demonstration last week was a circumstance
to be deplored, and it is hoped that
all who did not take part in it will be present
at this one. The entire day should be
devoted to this noble purpose-honor to the
last remains of the heroic dead and the perpetuation
of their memories. We do not
see how any objection can be urged against
the day selected. A decorous testimonial of
reverence for the dead, can certainly in no
manner interfere with our traditional veneration
for the Sabbath. The strewing of
flowers on our soldiers' graves should never
be made the occasion of festivities of any
description. While time has softened down
to tender melancholy that sad solemnity
with which we once viewed these treasured
remains, our feelings should never grow
lighter our appreciation of the terrible sacrifices
made for our benefit, never less impressive.
As the Des Moines Statesman remarks
What can be more befitting Sunday than
a reverential visit to the graves of men who
gave their lives for us? Can it be any desecration
of the Sabbath to strew flowers over
the resting places of loved ones dead? Can
we honor God in any way more directly and
really than by visiting and adorning the
ground where sleep those who died for love
of country and with faith in Him?
Who can so preach or so pray as to bring
us nearer to God than we approach by such
a bestowal of the Sabbath?
Let the day be well observed by societies.
families, and parties.