Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-11
The Plan Of Mr.. Charles ID. Rouss Sub
United tn Lee Camp.

nitted to Leo Camp.
In the Dispatches report Of the pro-
ceedings Of Lee Camp Friday night refer
ence was made to letter which had
been received from Mr.. Charles u. Rouss.
of New York, urging the necessity Of
preserving the Confederate records, es-
tabllshing a gallery OF great Confederate
leaders, etc. This letter, which also con-
tained suggestions looking to the accom-
plishment OF the object In view. was
referred to a committee, and Is as follows:
NEW YORK CITY, November 2. 1894.
Comrade spence,-More than quarter
OF q century has passed away since the
surrender at Appomattox. OF the many
who bore arms in defence of the liberty
OF the South IN the great civil war put
few remain. In short time the last
of those who wore the gray Will nave
passed to "the other shore Upon the
few that remains devolves the duty OF
perpetuating the memory OF our gallant
comrades who sleep beneath the sod.
Nearly 500 veteran camps" memorial
associations" historical societies., and
"old-soldlers' homes attest the loving
and loyal remembrance OF the Confederate
well. This question is forced upon US:
What Is to become OF these institutions
and OF our records and cherished relics
when the last Of our veterans who are
their custodians. shall have passed away?
SCATTERED BROADCAST.
The mementoes Of the struggle Of the
South for civil liberty and the evidences
Of her glorious prowess In the field are
scattered broadcast over the country.
Should they not be collected ana pro-
vision be made for their preservation
as a rich Inheritance for our children
and n patriotic object lesson for gene
rations TO come? Is 1t not feasible FOR
the surviving Confederate veterans, act
ing in brotherly concert, to form an as
ISOLATION having for its object the col
lection and preservation OF these records
and relics, and also a gallery OF por-
traits OF the great leaders who added
SO much lustre to our cause? This would
be a labor of love to all, and would
necessltate but a small contribution from
each. A general support would insure
success, while, as experience has shown.
the maintenance Of local institutions has
become burdensome to the constantly de-
creasing numbers Of veterans upon whom
they depend. Large numbers who have
not been able to connect themselves with
local camps would be glad to contri-
butte to the establishment OF broad ma
tional institution. The desire to per-
petuate the glorious memories OF the past
Is strong and universal, and there should
be no difficulty in giving it substantial
expression. l have discussed the matter
with a number Of Confederate veterans.
and have received promise OF hearty CO.
a,.rotfop op1 supu0rt Offers of
tribution have been liberal.
THE POPULAR IDEA.
II has been estimated that 100000 would
be amply sufficient to purchase a suitable
property for such an institution as Is
contemplated, and to create a suitable In
come for its maintenance. The popu-
lar idea seems to be 10 organize O Con-
federate memorial association and de-
pository, somewhat OF the nature OF
Joint stock company. with shares of such
moderate value say not TO exceed $40
each, that all could participate. II Is
thought that board OF administration
composed OF seven or nine OF the sur
yiving Confederate officers OF the highest
rank, would prove acceptable to all. \
proper selection Of location could be LETT
safely TO such body.
/ trust that this matter may receive
your favorable consideration, and that
you will unite in an effort to perpetuate
the glorious memories of the past. AS
General Gordon has said so eloquently,
ITO cherish such memories and recall
such q past, whether crowned with sue
cess or consecrated in defeat Is to idea
lie principle and strengthen character,
intensity love OF country, and convert
defeat and disaster into pillars OF sup
port for future manhood and nobler wo-
manhood"
/ have addressed the heads OF the various
Confederate organizations, soliciting an
expression OF opinion in regard to the
object that l desire to secure. VIII you
kindly give the matter your attention
and favor me with the views OF your
comrades and yourself?
Fraternally yours,
CHARLES II. ROUSS.
Ex-Prvate, Confederate States Army.
1t might be stated In this connection
that the Confederate Memorial and Lite
rary Society constitutes good founda-
ton upon which to build Mr.. Rouss's
proposed institution. The Davis Mansion
has been set apart as the museum of this
society. and the ladies having charge OF
II have already collected a large number
OF Confederate relics and records.