Birmingham age-herald., 1895-09-19
A MOST NOTABLE OCCASION Quarter-CentenniaI Reunion of
 the Cumberland. l. MAMMOTH TENT 0VERFLOWS Distinguished Wearers of the Blue and the Gray Vie With Each in Express
 sons of Patriotism.


 Army of the Cumberland meeting, in conjunction with the dedication of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga park, was held tonight in the tent erected to accommodate the several gatherings of the week, which convenience required should be in the city. Its ample folds covered a concourse of about 10000 peo- pie, 2O00 of which were on the stage. This portion of the gathering comprised public. national and state officials and survivors of the late war from both armies, to an extent seldom if ever equalled.
 Vice President Stevenson and Ex- Speaker Charles F. Crisp, one the second. the other formerly the third officer Of the government, headed a delegation of a score or more senators and representa- tives, the appointment of which was authorized by congress at it's last ses- sion in connection with the statute pro vidng for this national celebration. Four members of the cabinet represented the administration The governors of nearly score of states, with their gaiiy attired staffs, added to the military char acter of the occasion. Lieutenant-Gen- eral Schofield commanding the armies of the United States, saw his old com rades in arms and many Of his former antagonists for the last time prior to his retirement from active service. The great leaders of the union army were present in the persons of their sons, Col Fred D. Grant and Rev. Father Thomas E. Sherman. It was a historic assemblage and gave the key to the ora tor of the occasion, a new era In the history of the country.
 Presiding over 1t in the absence of the aged president of the society. Gen. W. $. Rosecrans. who seeks the breezes of the Pacific fO strengthen his declining days. was the even mere venerable Gen. J. D. Morgan of Quincy H., the hero of three wars. He called the vast as- semblage to order and the proceedings were begun by the singing of patriotic hymn by the Arion Glee club. Hon. George w. Ochs, mayor of the city, then welcomed the society to Chattanooga.
 In responding to his honor Gen. H. V. Boynton, corresponding secretary of the society, and member of the national park committee, expressed thanks for the cor dial welcome, the beauty of Its language, the strength of its friendship and fervor of its patriotism He said:
 we stand before you with a notable company of guests. The president of the United States, represented by his cabi- net; the vice-president, whose personality and high office we all delight to honor; the congress of the land numerously rep resented by persons of many Of It's dls- tinguished members, most of whom served with marked distinction under one or the other flags on the memorable fields about your city; the governors of nearly all the states in that vast empire, which within it's cardinal points em- braces Massachusetts and Colorado, Min nesota and Texas; the leutenant-general of our army, whose recent and well-de- served promotion has received the uni versal commendation of the country; our special guests, our sister society of the army of Grant and Sherman, that in- Vincible army, made inyincible by the valor of those splendid American soldiers whom they contended with, inch by inch and step by step, from Mississippi to the mountains. from the mountains to the sea and thence to that peaceful review at Washington we bring you the son of ouu great captain in war and the SOuth'S best friend in peace, Grant; and the son of his brilliant lieutenant, sherman; and We find ourselves honored by the presence of many distinguished Confederates, who will receive special welcome al the hands of our presiding officer. These are some of the national jewels in the crown we bring you tonight.
 Gen. J. D. Morgan welcomed the Con- federates, saying: Comrades, old Fa- ther Time, in his progress through this busy and teeming world of ours, brings some strange and startling changes. About thirty-two years ago not far from where 1 am now standing a great battle was fought when the blue and gray met face to face in conflict, both battling f<, what they thought was right With us that great contest ended thirty years ago. and now the blue and gray meet again, not as enemies but friends mem DerS Of the government and protected under one flag. Old Glory as we like to call it. And if in the near or far future this good government again requires the services of Ter sons the blue and gray will be found standing shoulder to shoul- der in protecting her rights. I bid you welcome"
 The annual address was delivered by Ex-Senator Charles F. Manderson of Ne hraska. He elaborated his theme, "The Advent of New Era" by the descrp- tion of the campaign of Chattanooga and Chickamauga. He urged that what has here been done should also be accom- plished on the other fields, set apart by the national government not to be pro- famed, Gettysburg, Antietem and Shiloh should become object lessons to the pa- triotic student of American history"
 In conclusion he said: "'The battle of Nashville practically closed the war of the west and the men who had carried the flag in the fore front of battle and the scenes of whose high enterprise I have faintiy portrayed were swallowed up in the great body of American people. Their work accomplished this, like the other great armies, melted away at the
 
 to arms had given them life as the morn- ing vapor before the rising sun. Like wise has disappeared that splendid body of men who fought so courageousy and sacrificed SO much for the lost cause They have accepted the result manfully. hopefully, periodically, The two con tending forces are blended. They are united in devotion to ono flag, one ma ton, one destiny. There is no line of division now between those who wore the blue and those who wore the gray. Their blending has brought the neutral tint, gra ufying every sense, indicative of rest and of peace.
 My comrades and my countrymen. have not fear for the republic. It is based upon mans love of liberty it's structure embedded in equal rights to all and it is cemented by the blood af nur slain Let the pess.mist be disturb d false prophets scent dangers anl give forth forebndings of evil to come. Be not dismayed. This government for the people. by the people and of the people shall not perish from the earth"
 Another song by the Glee club sue ceeded the applause which followed Gen eral Manderson's preoration, and pr'-