Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-05-23
= DRIZZLY DAY.
Opening Of she RcuniOn-GeneraI
GOrdop'S Response To Welcomes.


GOrdOn'S Response to Welcomes.
HOT sTOS. TEN. May 22.-This morn
'ug opened up with drizzllng rain and a
liscsrseahlc atmosphere. There was not
a moments cessation OF the penetrating
mist. ana the streets were muddy ana
slippery. There are fully $1,000 visitors in
the city. Banners bearing the names OF
States are strung across Main street IN
the order OF secession Of the several
States The Vet and dripping and myriad
flags twiDed and stated everywhere. Nut
Ser heavily. General Gordon. who arrived
last night. was overwhelmed with visit
ors this morning. who crowded around
him 90 shake the hand Of him who lea
them in many a stormy conflict
Nine o'clock was the hour at which the
convention was 20 De opened, but 10 was
nearer n when President Cleveland, OF
the United Confederate Veterans Relief
Association. opened the meeting The vast
auditorium holding 1000 people, was
crowded 90 its utmost capacity. The
seats. as they rcceded from the huge plat
form rose iu amphithcatric style the dele
gates from each state having their local.
~ designated by a banner Around three
sides OF the building ran a spacious balco.
ms. The entire interior was deliberately
decorated with flags and bunting, and
behind the stage four large American
flags were draped around the eftigy Of an
eagle painted IN brilliant colors. while on
each side were hung the Confederate
colors ln half roscttc. Along the edge OF
the platform was "a row Of palmettoes.
relieving the background as II appeared
from the audience.
While the crowd was waiting Herberts
Houston Light Guard Band rendered IA
miiiar war melodies. and as Dixie or
fT. ftTsourfo Igfuq Flag rose QUrppgciVplV
through the vast building the hum Of the
great audience burst into deatening cres-
caudos Of cheers and applause.
PRAYER BY CHAPLAIN JONES.
AT about 1850 O'Clock General John b.
Gordon mounted the platform lie was
looking the picture OF health, and bowed
"a graceful acknowledgment as the crowd
greeted him with long and continued ap-
plause President Cleveland introduced
Chaplain General Jones. who opened the
meeting with prayer lie called upon the
God OF Abraham. Isaac. and Jacob; the
God OF jefferson Davis, 10 be with the
veterans at this reunion. 10 be with them
In their deliberations, 10 bless every sec
lion OF our common country, 20 bless the
MANNED COnfederates here and az home
aud raise up friends 70 care for them in
days to come.
President Cleveland followed IN a brief
said. they had come together 20 honor
The cause for which Il waved. They HAD
met to-day under the blessings OF peace,
lu cheerful acceptance OF their heritage
OF defeat. without criticism applause
He welcomed the delegates 10 the hearts
and homes Of Texas, the realization OF
their brightest dreams.
In closing. he presented Governor
Charles Culberson. who said that the
- m
tlpiied wrongs Of monarchy, planted
themselves en- a wilderness, where the
essential principle OF their economy was
local self-goyernment. Under this system
grew up the institution OF slavery. This
was recognized by a majority al the North
and a minority OF the South, proper laws
being made for the safety Of slaves. The
system continued 10 flourish, and the
North pursued the slave trade until the
increase % slaves In the South made them
profitable. Growing manufactures gave
them employment and they were woven
into the warp and wool OF our social sys-
TEN. The North at this time exhibited
quickcued conscience as 20 the wrongs
of slaVe-hold.ng and when disuniOn was
threatened invading armies were sent 10
coercc sovereign and independent states
20 remain I'M the Union. The challenge
being made. there was no choice for the
states Dut acceptance. NAppiauae.l
tie paid a high tribute 70 the great
leader. whose daughter honors us win
Der presence to-day (applause) ana
eulogized the glory OF the southern
cause ~ was the prOudest act or ms
official life % welcome the veterans OF
ibat cause
AZ the conclusion Of the Governors
speech the band played THE Bonnie
Blue Flag" and the crowd burst forth
DO loud applause.
Mayor browne then arose and ex-
tended 20 the visitors the hospitality OF
the city. when General Gordon was IN
uod1cod the crowd went Wild. and Il was
some time before the speaker could pro-
cee1
GoRDoNs SPEECH
General Gordon said Il was pleasant
Outs 10 respond 20 the characteristic hos
piahues Of Texas Around the name
y MS State are gathered glorious ana
hsloHed memories. and high hopes OF
Ifh contributions 20 the future OF the
t'pabiic She has z genial climate ana
zen fpu Ia history she has the memo
q Alamo. Goisd. and San Jacinto.
l' deeds OF Houston. Of Austin. OF
e1 ats and Lamar viii never be for
tLf Sksfn.ity - 49,. ..,.e seaFroH vale.