The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1885-05-14
BLUE and GRAY.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY
OF THE ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC.
Distinguished Military Men
Present-A Sensational Incl
dent-Grant's Dispatch.
A Band Ct Ex-COnfederates
Invited to be Present with
the Society.
They Raise the "RebeI Yell,'
and Shake Hands with Their
Former Opponents.

BALTIMORE, May THE business meeting O
the Society OF the Army of the Potomac wa
held at Ford's Opera-hOuse, yesterday al
Lernoon. The stage was set as camp
Many distinguished men occupied seats On tht
stage. Gen. Horatio Z. King, secretary. catleC
TIL meeting to order and saiC that he had beer
commissioned by Gen. Grant to say he wa.
greatly disappointed at not being abls to pre-
side over the deliberations of the society, Du
radeS.
The reunion in 1885 will be held ct san Fran.
clSco Gen. Vandelyo stated the National
Encampment of the Grand Army of the Repub
lie would probably be held there next year and
that the California Legislature had approDri-
ated S23, 900 for the entertainment Of the visitors
provided both organizations came at the same
time. Cheap railroad fares were promised and
cor dial welcome guaranteed.
Nominations for the ensuing year being in
order, General John @. Robinson advanced on
htSecrutcheS. He thanked his friends for the
mention of his name for Commander of the
Army of the Pot omac, but would under no cir
cumstances allow it to be used in opposition to
5he end Ea soldier t6 now holding the
thoriZed to cast one ballot on which to betn-
scribed the name of U. $. Grant.
Various corps assoc. .ations seconded
General Robinson's motion: a,d it was
carried by standing vote amidst the widest
enthusiasm. Other officers were a so re-
elected. Gen W. 81. Brown, OF Washington.
suggested that, as the r. E. Lee camp, of Rich
mond, Va, were in the Immediate neighbor-
hood, it would be both generous and graceful
to invite them to oc 'upy seats on the floor OF
the house, and make their acquaintance.
motion to that effect was made and sec
onded, wien two or three men jumped up and
violently 0ppo.ed such proceedings; one of
them saying, Rebels no matter now rePentant,
had no interest in the business of Union sol
d..,ers and their presence was an insnlt which
he could not endure Nearly every man in
the house was instantly on his feet to try TO
make himself heard, and for a while there was
ascene Of confusion which threatened to fer
inmate in personal encounter. The C 9irmau
vainly endeavOred to secure order and threaten
ed to call the police. Quiet was finally restored
and committee appointed to invite eX-con-
federafe so dierS to mset their old oppo lents
after the business Ceeting was disposed OF.
A resolution from the Grand Army of the
Republic, veterans of the Union, was adopted
asking that the cfvil-Service rules referring to
the fact that the preference that should be
gwen persons hOnorably discharged from the
army or navy in the distribution of Offices shall
be strictly 1nforced.
Also resolution asking congress to appro-
PIRATE sufficient funds for the erection of a
After adjournment the committee appointed
to invite the r. E. Lee camp to seats on the
floor came In, bringing with them long string
oroo+Id Of men lin IN grey suits: They were
in return, filed the house with a genuine "rebel
YELL" The ex-Confederates were scattered
among the blue coats, and officers were invited
to the stage. Col. McGinniS, of Montana, well
coined them, and the Commanding General
cooke responded. Short addresses were also
MADE DY Col. CnaS. Marshall, Chicfo General
Lees staff, and Col. Evans, Of Richmond.
The reception at Ford's Opera-house, at
night was brilliant success. Hundreds OF
ladies were present. On the stage were many
men distinguished In military circles In the
audience we're the II. e. Lee ex Confederates
Gen. King, See 'ary of the Society, read the
following telegram from Gen. Grant: "Pease
shank members Of the Society of the Army OF
the fatomae for their partiality In selecting
me, for the Sc 'ond time. their President I
wish my health promised the probability of my
being at the next meeting. 1 would regarh It
As prov1denttal should L be able to attend, but
l accept the honor though without hope of per
forming the duties of the Office Wishing all
members many happy rsuBiess, remain
lSigned] U. D. GRANT"
Maj. Latrebe welcomed the Veterans in be-
half OF the Veterans of the city.
Vice-Pesident Hunt returned thanks in the
name of the society He said we had a fair,
square fight and row we want fair, square
peace. am here to represent General Grant
l have said enough. and 1 will try to repres
sent him by being silent.
Mai. Jewett @. Sprague delivered an origf-
nal poem.
Gen. Calvin .. Pratt, New York, delivered
an Grafton.
SHIRT addresses were made by Gen Lloyd,
of Mary and, Gen. II. Sloeum, Con. j. F. Hart
ran, OF Florida, Gen, Horace Porter and O. o.
BOhnanan, an E1-Confederate soldier.
The audience was strihnglY demonstrative'