The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-05-27
THE ARMY IN GRAY.
Veterans of the Coniederncy March Once
More shoulder to Shoulder.


Houston, Tex, May 22.-The fifth annual
reunion of the United Confederate Neter-
ans was formally inaugurated at the Win
ME Davis auditorium by General Gordon
this morning amidst scenes which will be
remembered long after the last veteran of
the cause comm emorated today has re-
turned to dust and the last of the great
leaders in that immortal conflict have
passed away.
In an ever-increasing stream the crowds
have been pouring into Houston from every
quarter of the union. regular and special
trains. bringing with them tattered battle
flags and enthusiastic hearts; bringing with
them the sacred memories and yet more
sacred scars of hard fought battlefields and
the determination TO meet and mingle once
more with their comrades in arms before
they bow TO the final conquerer.
This climax in the matter of numbers was
reached this morning, and tonight there are
not less than $1,000 visitors in Houston.
They are Glowing each other in the streets
and the hotels in cosmopolitan cCnglomer-
alton. Veterans, crippled and decrcpid.
minEle with daughters or the confederacy,
wearing their Jaunty costumes of confeder-
ate gray, while here and there a dark COM
pleXion and long black hair betoken the
American Indian.
At every possible opportunity the old vet
Grams gather around their respective lcad-
ers and shake their hands with cordial
warmth, not infrcquently with tears in
their eyes
The morning began with n drzzling rain,
when. with lew intervals, has prevailed al
day. dampenng the clothes but not the
arCor OF the thousands OF veterans who
never failed TO respond 10 the stirring
strains OF the numerous bands which are
playing war melodies all over the city.
Gordon's Welcome.
Nine o'clock was the hour at which the
50 cordial were the veterans in their greet
ings TO General Gordon ana others that il
was nearly II o'clock when the command
or mounted the platform. The auditorium,
which is n beautiful piece OF architecture.
is decorated inside with hundreds OF flags
and yard after yard Of bunting, while a
row OF palmetto leaves ornament the edge
OF the huge platform.
There was a deafeninC roar of cheers
when General Gordon mounted the plat
form lie bowed his Acknowledgement, and
Is the band struck up "Di&ie' the cnthu-
siasm rose still higher. Seated on the
platform were the members of General
Gordon's star and the major generals a.
the divisions, each with his respective staff.
There were also a large number OF ladies'.
Near General Gordon sat Governor CulDcr-
son. Mayor Brown, CHAPLAIN General J. w.
Jones. Professor W. Is. Sleveland, General
5. -. Lee and others.
The convention was opened with prayer
b. the chaplain general, in which he in
vokcd the blessing of God on the delihera-
tons of The assembly and asked THAI the
God of Israel and of jefferson Davis would
raise up friends 10 care for the veterans in
their declining years.
Professor Cleveland then introduced Gov
ernor Culberson who welcomed the dele
gates and friends TO Texas. lie paid
hich tribute to'southern valor ana the jus
tee of the southern cause. saying that it
Na-s4G h.a lrs-~ az
rcer to welcome the veterans to this re-
union.
Mayor Browne followed in a brief ad-
dress, bidding the visitors welcome to the
city.
General Gordon then rose to respond TO
the addresses of welcome. 1t was the signal
Tor another outburst Of cheers from the
throats of the l0C00 people who We're
semb!ed in the vast auditorium, each state
under its respective banner 1t was some
time before the speaker could be heard.
Cultivate Fraternity.
Go forward in the cultivation of a ma
tion3l fraternity, giving no heed TO impru-
cent ca thouEhtless efforts TO stimulate
sectional animosities in any quarter. l
rejoice I'm the privilege Of bearing 10 you
fraternal greetings from the great body of
brave men who confronted you i'm battle.
It has been my fortune recently 10 Ttngle
with those men in every section. BE as
sured. my confederate comrades, that the
overwhelming majority of the Grand Army
of the Republic. composed of soldiers who
Were brave in battle and are generous in
peace. courageous. knigh;ly and true, bear
toward you neither lingering bitterness
nor sentiment of distrust. Whatever of un-
timely passion which may here and there
exist from any cause will be of short dura-
ton and comparatively harmless. In the
presence OF your continued conservatism
and before the higher and noher sentiment
of the country, il viii vanish like vapor
before the morning sun.
but must not consume more of the time
of this convention. | close as j began by
assuring the governor OF this great state.
the mayor of this metropolitan city and the
generous and patriotic people of both. that
the United Confederate Veterans are pro-
foundIy grateful for this superb reception