Southern Woman's response to calling off Dixie

“TIME TO CALL OFF ‘DIXIE ‘ “
Elite, a society periodical of Chicago, contained an editorial
recently under the above caption, in which it argued:
It is sectional, and its tendency is to keep alive the lost
cause. The" Star-spangled Banner," "Hail, Columbia," etc., are
not sectional. Let us drop "Dixie' for good and set the bands
to playing national airs. Why do Northern people go out of their
way to conciliate Southern folks? They always do. At the
convention of Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, if
a delegate's name from Connecticut was called, it aroused no
enthusiasm; but let a name from Georgia be announced, and the
house immediately found its hands. These societies are pledged
to treat the war of the rebellion as if it had never occurred,
so their action cannot be explained on the ninety and nine who
went. not astray and the rejoicing over the one wanderer basis.
By all means let all be cordial and kind, but let the bands stop
playing "Dixie" and the people stop playing toady.

A SOUTHERN WOMAN'S ANSWER.
True merit rarely goes without recognition. We, as Southern people,
glory in this "tendency to keep alive the sentiment of the lost
cause." Why not? Have we anything of which to be ashamed? True,
defeat was ours, but it was brought about not through any lack of
bravery, gallantry, or patriotism for what we believe to be right
because of its being guaranteed by the Constitution of the United
States. The record of Confederate soldiers is without a parallel
in history and, as time goes on, instead of being classed as
traitors, their many gallant deeds and loyal hearts will be
appreciated for their true worth, and their names go down in history
as heroes true to every trust.
"Time to call off 'Dixie?'" No!
In Dixie's land we'll take our stand, We'll live and die by Dixie.
It is not that we love the "Star-spangled Banner" less, but "Dixie"
will always be absolutely sacred to Southern hearts.  Around “Dixie"
twine our fondest memories and dearest associations. "Dixie" went
with our  loved ones through all the perils of war, and in their
darkest hours of strife "Dixie's" bright, sweet strain cheered the
boys on.
Why, then, should we call off "Dixie?" Its strains are melodious and
edifying. Rather call off "Marching through Georgia," which reminds
one of naught save cruelty and ruin, and in whose bars there is no
music.
Why is it that the lady of the South receives the recognition of any
convention in which she participates? It is simply that a true
Southern woman stands out in any company and shows by every word and
deed her superiority. She realizes her true worth, and others are
bound to recognize it. We agree that it is time to put a stop to
"toadyism," but let the bands continue to play "Dixie," and may its
strains continue to send a thrill of joy and pride to the heart of
every true Southerner for generations to come!