Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1883-08-18
Notes By The Way.

Texas has been so thoroughly written
up of late years that but little remains
to be said except as to facts connected
with her rapid development Much,
however, that is said of Texas is mis-
leading. He who describes the coun-
try at large by what he sees in few
places will miss the mark about as
widely as it is possible to do. There
are as many varieties of soil and as
much difference in local characteristics
as you will find in the older States.
Society here is pretty much what it is
in Tennessee or Kentucky. ! have
seen large gatherings in several States
ands on similar occasions, but | find
no marked difference as to the general
appearances, manner, and conduct Of
the people. A fine opportunity to see
Texas people in vast numbers was af-
forded me in this place. The 7th and
8th of this month witnessed the great
annual reunion of ex.Confederates
on scale, perhaps, unprecedented in
the history of such gatherings The
people came in immense numbers from
all directions, thousands coming from
fifty to seventy-6ve miles in wagons
and encamplng on the ground. The
trains, regular and special from all di-
rections, were crowded to their utmost
capacity. They came III carriages of
every description, on horseback, and on
foot. Such an immense gathering |
have never before witnessed, There
was no reliable means of ascertaining
the number of people present even ap-
proximately. Estimates ran as high
as thirty thousand. Such exercises
were had as is usaul upon such occa-
sions. Distinguished speakers were
present, representing differentStates Of
the late Confederacy. Some very ex.
cellent addresses were made breathing
sentiments of loyalty to the memories
of the buried past, and yet no word ol
bitterness or unkind feeling toward any
section was uttered by any speaker.
These reunions when participated in
by men of all sections and conducted
upon generous, noble and patriotic
principles, as was the case on this occa
sion, will do more to bring about that
moral unity so earnestly advocated by
one Of the speakers than all other means
combined.
Army tents were provided ant
marked as headquarters for the soldiers
of the different States, and also for the
ex-Unionists. Many States were
largely represented. At the Tennessee
headquarters between two hundred
and three hundred were registered
The largest body of old soldiers that
saw at any one time was of Gen. Ross
old brigade. 1 observed the lines care
fully, and it was quite remarkable tina
nearly all of them were comparatively
young looking men still. They wer
certainly quite youthful in the war o
twenty years had left but little i'm
preston upon their brows. All that i'm
mense throng was bountifully fed, ant
a great abundance Of provisions wer
carried away unconsumed.
1t was great day for even grea
Texas. There was no disorder or ii
regularity of any kind that was worth.
of notice. 1t was a complete success
from its inception to final conclusion
The gray and the blue mingled il
friendly re>union, and all alike rejoice
in the glory of common country, an
in the glad hopes of common, glor
Gus destiny. F.
Mckinney, Texas, Aug. 8, 'S3.