The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-03-16

RICHMOND, Va, March l5.-In recog-
nition of the attention that was shown
the several thousand Grand Army men
who visited Richmond last fall after
the encampment OF the Grand Army at
Washington, q committee wai formed
before adjournment to present a suita-
bic testimonial in return for the kind
ness shown. 1t was agreed that the
eastern ward at the soldiers home
should be furnished as the testimonial,
Mr.. N. V. Randolph and Mr., Cans, OF
this city, were appointed a committee
to purchase the furniture and send the
bills to the Washington committee.
This has been done and the ward has
been handsomely and comfortably
fitted up with the latest improved hos
pital furniture, The ward will be used
principally for those who are incurably
afflicted, and will be lasting nonu.
ment TO the existing friendship between
the camps Of the north and the camps
Of the south.
A delegation from the Grand Army
encampment OF Washington arrived in
this city this evening to formally pre-
sent tho ward to the home. Among
them were Chairman John Jay Edison,
Gen. H. V. Boynton, Corporal Tanner,
ex-District Commissioner DouglasS,
Gen. Duncan s. Walker, u. II. Warner,
p. V. DeGraw, of the United Press, and
II. P. Goodwin, OF the EUening Star
They were met at the depot byn COM
mittee and were escorted TO Murphy's
hotel, where an elegant lunch was
served, after which they were driven
around the city in carriages.
At 6 o'clock the party arrived at the
soldiers' Home and repaired TO tho mess
room, where the inmates OF the institu'
tion were assembled. Rev. Randolph,
president Of the board OF visitors, called
the meeting to order and briefly stated
the object OF the visit and introduced
Mr.. Edison, who said:
"Our visit to Richmond and Robert
e. Lee Camp of Confederate Soldiers
has been contemplated for some time
as being a very proper duty on our
part, and a great pleasure to perform.
Upon Invitation OF the people OF the
national capitol the Grand Army Of the
Republic held their 26th national en-
campment in Washington in Septem.
ber, 1892. 1t was, without doubt, the
largest assemblage Of people that has
taken place in modern times. The
veterans OF tho war looked forward
and expected great pleasure in revisit.
ing the scenes OF war-the camping
grounds, campaigns and battlefields.
ave refer to the many acts OF cour'
tesy, attention and comfort extended by
the veteran soldiers of the conferacy to
the q. A. K. re.visiting Virginia and
Maryland.
1--WE determined that tho citizens ex-
ecutive committee having IN charge the
reception and entertainment OF the G.
A. X, on behalf OF the citizens OF Wash.
ington, should indicate their ackuowl-
edgment, high appreciation aud graft
tude by visit to the Robert E. Lee
Camp for the purpose Of presenting
suitable testimonial. 1t seemed most
appropriate and desirable that we
should ft up in proper manner
ward in the Confederate soldiers homo
provided for disabled veterans. Moth
ing else we could find could express our
feelings and good will more appropriate
"Let us congratulate ourselves as
nation upon the auspicious age in
which we live and with many bright
hopes before US continue through as
loyal friends and citizens" :"
Mr.. Randolph in few we'll chosen
remarks accepted the trust in behalf OF
the home.
Patriotic and touching addresses
were then made by Corporal Tanner,
Col. Douglas, Gen. Walker, b. II. War
ner and Mayor j. Taylor Ellison, The
committee was then driven to Murphy's
Hotel where they were banquetted and
more speech making was indulged in,
The Washingtonians leave for homo by
the early morning train.