Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-09-03

the pltstoCOtUl99l ShA p4o1 ~ '--e-' 49,
so construed, The purpose was 10
reach the veterans individually, and
heads of the camp appeared to be the
most effective channel of accomplish
ing this end. The theory of the
movement to establish the Memorial
Association is this; That every Com
federate Veteran should have a pro-
prietory interest in the insti-
tuition; that each one of them should
feel that he had contributed some
thing toward perpetuating the mem
ories of the great struggle in which
he has borne part. The fact that
many of our veterans are poor in
duced the recommendation that
shares of stock in the Association
should be fixed at $40 each. While this
would not be barrier to those who
are able and propose to subscribe
liberally-and there are number
of such-it would enable those of
most moderate means to participate.
In addition to this it NAV be taken
for granted that the Board of Admin
istrators would allow some latitude
of time in payments when the circum-
stances of the subscribers warranted
such action. 1t would be compara-
lively an easy task to secure the
money for the proposed work from
q few rich men; but this would be
regarded more as an evidence of in
dividual liberality than as proof
of the existence of that sentiment
which every Confederate veteran
cherishes in his heart.
The popular idea is to have the
proposed institution so constructed
that each State shall have ample and
separate space aud accommodation
for records, relics, mementoes and
portraits. There are no architectural
difficulties in the way of such an ar
rangement-with the addition of a
grand hall for the annual meetings
of the Veteran Association.
1t is contemplated to have meet
ing of the Board of Administrators
in the near future. As this body is
charged with the organization and
administration of the Association, it
should have all possible data and in
formation when it convenes.
No doubt the question of subscrip-
tions will occupy the first attention of
the Board, as the amount available
will determine the time of Inaugural
ting the work. In view of this 1t is
important to ascertain as speedily as
possible about how much may be re-
lied upon from the members of each
camp. If you will give me this in
formation in regard to your camp, it
will be transmitted to the Board
when it convenes. A number of
veterans are of the opinion that an
active canvass by the commanders of
the proposed Association will weld a
larger sum than 5000, 600, which was
the amount estimated for in the cir
cular letter. Should this prove to
be the case tue institution could be
upon grander and
larger scale than was originally con-
The surviving veterans are unani-
nous in the desire to perpetuate the
of the glorious struggles of
the South for Constitutional Rights,
to pay deserved tribute 10 the heroic
deeds of their fallen comrades; to1
furni sh an inspiring object lesson TO
their descendants, and to leave to
posterity enduring proofs of the
loyalty and devotion to duty
of the confederate soldier.
All this can be accomplished by |
harmon ious and united action.
Fraternally yours,
CHARLES BROADWAY Rouss,
Il n.;...4. n e -.n,r