The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-13
HONORING BEAUREGARD
INNIVERSARY OF THE BOHBARD-
MENT OF FORT SUMTER,
In Which tho Great Soldier So HeroicalIy
Figured, Celebrated In an Appropriate
Manner by Ex-Confsderatcs.

United States troops, was celebrated by
thousands OF Charlestonians, veterans
from neighboring parishes and several
representatives OF other States. II was
not an exultant commemoration of vic
tory. but a memorial tribute of the peo-
pie to the men who had come to their
aid when their needs were sorest.
Heretofore the anniversary OF the sur
render OF Fort Sumter has not been
observed in Charleston except by the
annual meeting of the Confederate sur
vivors of this county, who read few
memorials in honor of their members
deceased during the preceding year.
passed ordinary resolutions Of regret.
talked their battles over for two hours,
and perhaps, in view OF their depleted
ranks, drank n toast to those that would
pass away before another meeting.
To-day the Confederate survivors Of
Charleston held their second meeting
since the war. the first being memorial
services to jefferson Davis. To-day the
wives and sisters, children and grand
children of Confederate soldiers took
their places in the procession TO the
Grand Opera House, following the Con-
federate Veterans, bearing the sword Of
Beauregard and crowded that edifce to
its utmost capacity, hundreds falling to
obtain admttance. 1t was a scene and
occasion that will not soon be forgotten.
There was not a suggestion of regret over
the failure of the COnfederacy; not
breath of disloyalty to the flag against
which they fought. and which hoated
over their heads as they spoke to-day,
but a tribute to General Beauregard,
whose death they had assembled to de-
plore.
They made no apologies for his course
or that Of their dead comrades in what
they still believe TO be the greatest strug-
gle in the worlds history for constitu-
tional liberty.
As soon as the announcement of
Beauregard's death was received it was
determined to make this ordinary. I'M
eventful and unobserved anniversary Of
the attack on Fort Sumter, in which he
played a most conspicuous part, the oc-
casion of memorial services to his
memory This was the intention OF the
Confederate survivors, but when the will
of the great soldier and engineer was
opened. and 1t was found that he had
left his sword to the city OF Charleston,
the enthusiasm of the people knew no
bounds The scope OF the celebration
was enlarged. and the result was the
outpouring of the people to-day.
The city council sent a committee OF
distinguished citizens TO New Orleans
,wo weeks ago TO receive the sword Of
Beauregard They returned and delivered
the sword into the custody Of the city
with appropriate ceremonies. To-day the
sword was brought from its place in the
city hall to the memorial meeting al the
Grand Opera House by ex-Mayor Court
Ia CT
mander Of Fort Sumpter. Major John
Johnson. engineer and historian Of the
siege and Major c. s. Gadsden. who
COMPOSED the committee which brought
the sword from New orleans.
The guard OF honor TO this committee
consisted Of the city council. veterans OF
the Confederacy I'm this city and color
guards OF every white military orsaniza-
ton in Charleston. with their flags draped
and preceded by band playing martial
music.
As the procession entered the already
crowded opera house General Huguenin,
bearing Beauregard's sword, the enthu-
siasm rose to the highest intensity; men.
women and children rose to their feet
and cheered: sober men grew wild, and
probably Charleston testified as she never
will again in human emotion her rever-
ence for the past and her love and ad-
miration for her defender. The flags
borne by the color guards were the COM
panv colors. the Stars and Stripes. and
the company flag of the Marion artillery,
which is claimed to have been the first
flag fred ut by the United States troops
during the war. The opera-house had
been deliberately draped from pit to dome
with flags Of all nations, and the stage
was at once on armory and garden,
consisting Of stacks OF arms and flags,
palmetto trees. banks Of roses and fes-
toons OF moss and ivy. Attached TO the
flags above the stage, and arranged so as
to fall away in regular tiers before the
audience. were broad bands OF white
cloth, each being inscribed with the name
Of the famous regiments Of which Beau
regard was leader. Fort Sumter" MA
nassas." shiloh" and Petersburg" in
the order formed the subject Of special
address during the day. At the corners
OF the stage were placed two famous
bullet-holed. ragged and torn battleaags
from Fort Sumter; on the left that own
ed by the Sumter Guards and on the
right that owned by the Washington Light
Infantry
Each was under glass in a massive
frame. surmotnted Ly garlands Of ivy
and roses. Thore were various other
Confederate colors including the head !
quarters flag once used by Beauregdrd !
himself a banner bearing the legend. |
Fort Sumter" was hanked on one side |
by a gorgeous United States flag. and |
On the other by the stars and bars. The /
dressing Of the stage was The artistic |
work Of Major Edward Willis. formerly |
If Beauregards staff
On the stage with hundreds OF dis !
inguished survivors were Colonel Alex
,nder Robert Chisholm. Of New York, |
md DR.. r. c. Brodie. OF Charleston. who |
llso belonged to Beauregards military |
family.
The exercises were opened with prayer
by Rev. @. f. Chichester the distin-
suished Confederate artilerist. In the /
Lbsence Of General Wade Hampton. who
vas delayed by Ill health I'm Washington
Alexander Robert Chisholm. of Beaure-
ards staff. delivered the opening address
N "Beauregard at Manassas" which was
eceived with great enthusiasm by his
Id comrades
F. l.. Parker read a striking paper on
General Beauregards Operations I'm the
vest. prepared by Mrs. Sallie Rhett
roman. Of New Orleans. widow Of Beau
egard's biographer
Major John Johnson spoke eloquentIy
n THE Defence OF Charleston Harbor."
nd General Hasood one Of South Caro-
mas ablest brigaders. and an ex-Gover-
or Of the State made an able historical
Contribution TO the days proceedings In
rs address on "Beauregard at Drewry's
luff and Petersburg"
The exercises were concluded ny Rev.
r. Robert Wilson, late surgeon Com
ederate States Army, and the vast as-
emblage dispersed.