Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1891-09-08
Rejected the Confederate Home.

Confederate SOlQlerS dOno was kuOch-
ed in the head last week by the state
legislature, and ehere is blaze of
Indignation among the veterans
throughout the state. The farmers
alliance is responsible for the act and
the reason most generally given is that
they do not care about keeping up the
memories of the war. In 1883 when
Major Stewart OF Texas, went to New
York to solicit subscriptions for the
erection of Confederate Soldiers
Home he met with a freezing recep-
ton. So hnmiliating was the spectacle
that Henry w. Grady in leading edi-
torial beginning, 'Come home, Major
Stewart, came home" called halt up
on the parading of Confederate wounds
in northern cities, and proposed
that the southern people should
build their own homes. This was &C
companjed by a subscription OF 81 200
for the Georgia home. The idea took
immediate hold. Prominent southern
society men of New York sent in
checks, and from every village In
Georgia came contributions until $780,
600 was in hand. With this money 100
acres were purchased adjoining Grants
park, in Atlanta, and building was
erected thereon from elaborate designs.
Nothing was left hut for the legislature
to accept this gift, the land alone being
now enhanced in value to $500, 600. 1t
was at this iuncture that the farmers
alliance made its appearance. 1t was
said that enough people had already
been drawn to the cities, that the vete-
rams who had not made money since the
war were not of sufficient Importance to
| hat hn 1nf
should not assume the burden OF
supporting veterans VINO ala
not make enough to support them
! selves.
The following is a sample of the
debate in the legislature: Mr.. Sears OF
Webster, said he was opposed to the bill.
'"rhere are" said he, "a great many
hidden expenses in this BILL such as
paying the per dunn OF the board OF
visitors, etc., etc. A. the next le9isla-
ture there will be asked more appro-
priation, and when you get it saddled
on ysu as a state institution, you never
will get rid OF it. The first thing you
know thew will want first class steam
laundry and other improvements. This
bill defeats it's object. Every old SOL
der has some sort of home, though 1t
NAV not be a corner lot in Atlanta"
| Mr.. WOOten. Have you any cOnfed-
crate veterans in Webster county?
Mr.. Sears. Yes, but only one.
Mr.. Wooten. Is he not in the county
poor house?
Mr.. Sears. Yes but by his own con.
sent.
Mr.. Ryals. Do you allow him to
vote?
Mr.. Sears. do not know that there
is any law against it, but he is there
rather than to live with some of his
relatives. / am opposed to the bill,
and hope it will not pass.
Mr.. Boifeuillet said: irrespective
of the business features of this bill, |
Would vote for it for sentiment"
Mr.. Baldwin. This sentiment will
put these men in this home as in a
prison."
Mr.. Boifeuillet NO. sir, this will
be home in every sense of the word.
The Confederate Veteran association OF
Randolph county indorses this bill,
the county the gentleman represents"
Mr.. Baldwin. do you know who
composes that association"
Mr Beifeuillet, mo sir, but l sup
pose they are gentlemen and confeder-
ate soldiers"
Mr.. Baldwin. 81 know them. They
are the tail end and buttermilk con-
federate troops who enlisted when the
war was nearly over"
When it became evident that the ma
jority were opposed to undertaking the
support of the home it was then offered
free of conditions as gift subject to
immediate sale, if so ordered. Even
this was secuted, and the whole scheme
was rejected by a vote OF SO to "a.