The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-07-03
GETTYSBURG'S BATTLE.
The Great Peaoe-Gathering of
Veterans
WHO MEET TO VIEW THE SCENE,
General Longstreet's Speech-He Pictures
the Meeting of the Forces-Other
Very Important News.


tie breeze, and save the monuments nothing
showed that this was the scene of the pivotal
battle of the civil war; All last night the
Streets were crowded with visitors, some seek
ing lodging and others out for good time.
All day trains have been arriving until the
streets are filled with mass of humanity, and
boarding and lodging are at the highest posi-
Ible premium. AT half past ten this morning,
the veterans formed and by and by the Frank
ford band marched across the road to the Ma
tional cemetery, and on through this to the
vine clad rostrum, where religious services
were held. The scene was unusually impress
i've. and when Chaplain Sayres had finished
his sermon, more than thousand voices join
ed in singing America"
In the evening the usual dress parade was OBJ
served, and it recalled most vividly the scenes
OF the battle, and more eyes than one were
wet with tears at the remembrance of the dead
comrades who had marched in the same line.
Smmediately after the parade o sacred song
service was held, and the band gave the usual
evening concert.
The camp presents charming appearance
tonight, with the numerous electric lights illu-
min2ting it, and little knots of veterans gath
cred before each tent discussing the great con-
!diet and the part they played III it. At2
O'Clock the road from town to Reynolds grave
was crowded with carriages and pedestrians
on their way to witness the exercises Of the
first corps.
Tho stand was packed and the ground be-
low was crowded with the veterans and visit
ors,when, just as the strains of the band leading
the procession Of prominent men who were to
take part in the exercises was heard coming
over the brow of Seminary hill, Captain Pond,
of Wisconsin, walked up to General Long
street who was sitting on the platform and
whispered quietly to him:
"General. come quietly with me. l think
the platform is giving way"
The general at once walked off, and q second
afterward, with q crash, the supports gave
w and N Dnd To 4tao ott1,6
The fall was but two feet, and fortunately no
one was injured. By the time order had been
restored, the procession was entering the
woods and the cannon of the light battery
shundered forth a salute to Governor Beaver.
AS the governor appeared the PROSTATE
platform, the crowd gave cheer such as
these woods have not heard since the same
day twenty-five years ago. Bishop Potter
made most eloquent prayer.
Major e. 2. Halstead, president Of the asso-
citation of the first corps, in a few words intro
Iuced Governor Beaver, who delivered the
address of welcome. Ex-Governor John c.
Robinson, of New York, resting on his
Crutches, then responded on behalf of the
corps. Addresses were made by Frederick
Smith, war governor of New Hampshire; e.
j. Crmsbee, governor of Vermont; Colonel
L.. A. Grant, Judge w. G. Kelsey, of Yer
mont.
General Longstreet was then called for. He
said
''NIr. Chairman, soldiers, gentlemen and
of the engagement of the first day of Get
fysburg, but am pleased to be here
in time to witness the ceremony
concentrating the days of honor of the
army of the Potomac and to express that
eympathy that should go out from all hearts
to those who know how to appreciate the con-
duct of soldiers who offer their lives on the al
Tarof their country, and who may better attest
the bravery of the defenders of Gettysburg
than those who breasted the measure of bat
tie against them, and who could more forcibly
realize that it was their heorism that grasped
the eliminating moment; resolved to resist
the advancing aspirations of states sovereign
ty with the frmness that it was justified by
the strong ground upon which fortune cast
their lines. Amidst these formidable sur
roundngs, these rock-bound slopes and
heights, reinforced by balls of lead
and iron, and ribs of steel and
American valor, the gauge of battle was
pitched, and here the great army of the south,
the pride and glory OF that section, found it.
self overmatched arrested in its march Of tri-
umph, and forced to stand and to recoil, but
not for wantof gallantry fortitude or faith.
The battle .of the second day by McLaw's
and Hoods divisions, and part of Anderson's
was as spirited as someoG the dashing efforts of
the first Napoleon, but before the end it was
found to be a work to upheave the mountain.
That of the third day by Pickett's divisions
and Trimble's marching twelve hundred yards
under the fire of a hundred cannon, and 10000
IS likely to have in the annals
Oh war. ms battle scene recurS to my mind
with vivid force The gallant Pickett at the
head of my old division, and Trimble, of even
bearing, like soldiers on, parade, hold
ing their men to their desperate
Brigadiers Armstead, Garrett and Kemper,
Vigilant Of their compact files; the elastic steps
of the troops whose half concealed smiles ex-
pressed pleasure in their opportunity, marked
a period that should fill the measure of o
soldiers pride, and well did they meet the
promise of their parting salutations with that
confidence that commands success where it is
possible. Their hammered ranks moved
Steadily on till marching up, face to face, they
fell their noble heads at the feet of their con-
querorS who, standing like their own brave
hills, received with welcome the shock of this
well-adjusted battle. Such is the sacrifice
sometimes demanded by the panOply OF armies
arTayed for battle.
But times have changed, Twenty-Five years
have softened the usages of war, Those
frowning heights have given over their savage
tones and our meetings for the exchange of
blows and broken bones are left for more con-
genial days, for friendly greetings and for
covenants of tranquil repose. The ladies are
here to grace the serene occasion and quicken
the sentiment that draws us nearer together
God bless them, and help that they may dispel
She illusions that come. between the people,
and make the land as blithe sas the bride at
Ehe coming Of the bridegroom.
General Fairchilds was next introduced
lie said twenty-five years has made it possible
to sandwich yankee and confederate between
Yankee Doodle and Dixie. The men Of the
north did not love the men of the south less,
but they loved the old flag more and the mon
of the south did not love the old flag less, but
they loved states sovereignty more. This,
Mr.. President, think tells the whole story.
The old flag still remains (cries of "amen'),
and they all say amen from the gulf to the
lakes.
Professor Williams, representing Governor
Eprague, of Rhode Island, followed. After
him the assemblage was addressed by numer-
GUS other persons Of prominence in the first
corps and at about 8 o'clock the meeting
broke up and the crowd dispersed over the bat
flefeld to inspect various memorials. Several
monuments were dedicated during the day.
UHE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
A Strong Article Showing Its Benefits to the
Farmers.
From the Southern Farmers Alliance
We regret to note a disposition on the part
pfsome of our friends and contemporaries to make
wholesale denunciatlon Of our state department Of
agriculture, coupled frequently with the demand
FOR its entire abolition surely friends cannot
f.a int al rrfff tbo 90