Birmingham age-herald., 1894-09-12
First Confed rate to Enter the
 Doorway of the
UNION VETERANLEG HALL
At PittSburg, Given a Hearty Welcome-The Scenes and
 Sights of the Parade.

PITTsBURa, Sept. n.-Well ou towards midnight that which to the members of the Union Veteran legion attending the encampment and the Pittsburg memb bers of the organization was perhaps the most re- markabie scenes since the close of the re- bellion took place, when Gen. John B. Gordon, one of the leading commanders of the Confederate army, appeared before the vast number of federal soldiers and raised his voice for the obliteration of sectional ism and for an united America. To say that the union soldiers were responsive to Sen- ator Gordou's plea, gives no adequate idea of the reciprocal feeling manifested by the thunderous cheers and hearty hand grasps with which the ex Cop federate general was received. It was the regular meeting night of the Union Veteran legion andAthe hall was thronged. General Gordon was the first member of the Confederate army to ever enter the hall.
 The great crowd gave three very hearty cheers.
 Gen. A. L. Pearson, in happy remarks, introduced General Gordon, whom many had met at the surrender of Appon1attox.
 General Gordon said: ''I and all right thinking men of any section would admire men who fought for these,' turning to the union flags, which profusely covered the speakers stand. He delivered a very eloquent apostrophe, pledging his devotion and that of all eX-Conf federates of the south to that banner and all that 1t symbolizes. He addressed the soldiers as comrades and countrymen, and every time the general, in his calm, deliberate tones, used these eDdearing terms the audience was visibly affected.
 At tbe end of the address three tremen. douS cheers were given.
 Corporal Tan ner responded in an address of no less ferVid eloquence, pledging the respect and admiration of all real union soldiers, who fought and suffered, for such loyal tand patriotic men as the soldiers represented by General Gordon.
 Corporal Tanners remarks were delivered most earnestly and eloquently, seated in 6 cbair, the recent amputation of his limbs preventing him from standing on his feet.
 Represen tatives of the surviving veterans of the union, gathered from nearly all the states and territories, marched this uorn- ing through the twin cities of Pittsburg and Allegheny aDd received the plaudits and homage of more than a third of a mill lion spectators. It was a glorious day. Pittsburg and its sister city were early awake, and hours before the divisions had begun to mako even siGu of forming the streets were uncomfortably packed.
 In both eities, as well as in nearly every town within radius of score of miles, there had been proclaimed public holi. day, and from Homestead and Newcastle, McKeesport and Braddock, Beaver Falls, New Brighton and Connellsville brawny iron and coke men, with their wives and children, came pouring in like ceaseIess torrent.
 General business in Pittsburg and AL leg2eny, wholesale as well as retail, was entirely suspended. The streets were free from teams. Street cars that crossed the line of parade were withdrawn until the afternoon, and as the route selected lay for the most part over the broad, spacious ave- nues and thoroughfayes there was nothing to interfere with the absolute pleasure and enjoyment of both participants and specta- tors.
 Promptly at 1016 o'clock Senior Aide de-Camp Silas Burton reported to Con- mander- in Chief Adams that the first di- vision was ready to move. There was the roar of cannon, the burst of trumpets and then the escorting platoon of police, the pride and pick of Pittsburg's force, astride magnificent animals, moved down Sm1tbfleld street., spanning the roadway from curb to curb. The mounted staff of the commander in -cb lief moved In columns of fours. It had as special escort General Lander Post No. D of Lynn, Mass. and the post had in turn mounted escort of nearly 200 local members of the order. By virtue of seniority Illinois had the right of line, but in point of numbers did not make the appearance that had been expected.
 Farragut post of Chicago created enthu- siasm with tattered battle flag from the United States steamer Monitor while eighty members of the Columbia post of Chicago, in black suits and caps and white gloves, presented natty appearance and were cheered to the echo. Decatur and Rock ford Post No. 1, Gen. George M. Thomas, George A. Custer and stevenson Of Spring field were the other posts in line.
 Wisconsin turned out about 100 strong, Old Abe, the historic stuffed eagle mascot of the department, being carried in the front ranks as of yore.
 The Buckeye State made an excellent slowing, between thirty and forty posts ---