The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-08-29

That Mr.. Henry Watterson, in his speech at
Pittsbnrg last year inviting the Grand Army OF
the Republic to hold its 29th annual Encamp-
ment in the city nc has done so much to make
famous voiced a welcome to the veterans which
is felt by every citizen of Louisville needs only
statement OF the preparations now being
rapidly completed to prove.
That the spirit of patriotism and friend
ship which prompted Louisville to invite the
former troops of the Nation TO accept of her
hospitality is fully reciprocated and appreciated
in the North is evidenced by the unprecented
interest felt throughout the country in this
years Encampment.
Fully aware of the responsibilities Of such a
stupendous undertaking the EncaInpment of
SO many thousands, the people here entered
months ago with commendable unanimity upon
the task before chem. What splendid work
they have achieved September will reveal.
Louisville has been 6tly styled the Gateway
of the South. She was literally such a gateway
"a years ago, when more troops, en- route to the
front, passed this way than by any other route
west of the Allegheny Mountains.
The Louisville OF to-day is not the Louisville
Of war times. 1t is now city of 100000 in
habitants. with magnificent business houses,
mammoth manufactures. palatial homes, aud
the spirit OF enterprise as marked as those
of any other likesized city in the country.
Three magnificent bridges span the Ohio. unit
ing it with the cities of New Albany and jeff
ersonvile, Ind, no longer dirty little villages,
with six mule teams blowing the muddy streets.
but clean, finely paved cities Of 900 and l0. :
900 inhabitants, respectively. Time has not
wholly obliterated the lines Of Notifications
built during the war, although the city now
extends TO what would. in war times, have been
considered far beyond the lines.
Preparations have been made to care for 300,-
600 people during the Encampment. If larger
] 49, fl,a., Z.
| tions ample for all demands The Citizens
Committee has done its work with the idea in
| view that the pleasure OF the occasion to the
veterans depends upon their comfort while in
! the city. The free quarters TO he furn sbed to
! the Posts making application for them said
! by those who have attended former Encamp-
ments to be far superior TO anything OF the
kind ever before offered. The official program
CT entertainments will DO issued TO the press and
sent to every Post in the country by Sept. l.
The Committee on Invitation and Reception
| has sent out invitations to the Governors OF all
the States and to the prominent men of the
! North aud South. Replies have been received
| from many Of these, and in every Instance the
| sentiments expressed have been cordial and
patriotic to an eminent degree. Gov. Mat
thews of indiana, in accepting the invitation
wrote thus 10 the committee: II feel assured
that, from the well-known and generous hOspi
| tality of the citizens of Louisville, those at
tending will carry away with them none bu
pleasant memories of their visit. The firs
| Encampment 10 be held in a Southern city
| and welcomed Hospitality aud cordially by
| ex- Confederate soldiers, will present grand
and pleasing feature"
Gov. Mitchell, of Florida, has this to say
al am profoundly impressed with the belle
! that the only certain means of eliminating tn,
animosities engendered by ante-bellum ignor
ance aud misconception OF the character of the
| people composing our great Nation, by the citi
zens OF the different sections of the country, i,
to bring them together in assem- blages of THU
sort, where they may become better acquainted
| view with pleasure this assembling under th,
banner of peace the hosts of the fateful days 0
1876"
Gen. ii. 4. Douglas, Adjutant- General, o
Maryland, writes: Since the wonderful hos
pitality and reception given to all ex-Confed
crates who visited Chicago last Spring on TIL
occasion of the dedication of the Confederate
monument there, and the era of universe
good feeling there inaugurated, it should b
the pleasure OF every exon iedeIate soldie
to greet the real Union soldier on Southern
soil"
Hon. Eli Torrance, of Minneapolis. one Q
the foremost jurists of the Northwest, accept
with these words: Permit me to assure 20
and your old army associates that the persona
interest taken and fraternity manifested b
the ex-Confederate soldiers In the comm
Encampment. and their manifest purpose (
enslave us in the bonds of friendship, is
; me most delightful feature of most de
lightful occasion, and | believe the comm
September days will not only be full Of plea