The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1895-11-02
THE VETERANS PICNIC
At BeausejOur P:I'k-A Day That
Was Thoroughly Enjoyed.

/ Last Saturday the reunion and
basket picnic of the confederate
veterans of General Frank Gardner
Camp took place at Beausej our
Park amid much enthusiasm. The
attendance was not very large, but
the good fellowship and the spirit
of genuine cordially visible ON
every hand, made up for the lack OF
numbers. There is something en-
nobling in these reunions Of the old
patriots who answered to their
country's call in the hour OF danger,
and right here let us express the
hope that the members of Gardner
camp will meet at least once year.
What more edifying spectacle can
be presented to the boys and girls
Of the growing generation than
gathering of these gray haired
heroes? Only small number Of
the vast army is left, and year by
year the ranks of the survivors are
tlinned by the hand of death.
At II o'clock the park was pretty
we'll filed up with the families of
the veterans and those who had an
swered to the generous invitation en-
tended to ybody to participate
in the celebration. The veterans
assembled at the bridge near the
park and after forming the columns
marched to the speakers stand, Mrs.
the camp, and Judge \. G.. Allen,
the orator of the day, walk ing at
the head of the procession. At the
termination of the march Mrs.
Gardner and Judge Allen took seats
on the platform from, which the
speakers delivered their addresses.
During the time which INTERVIEWED
before the speaking the Broussard
c. Jennaro, dispensed some appro-
pirate pieces Of music.
Mr.. !. A. Laneuville stepped to
the front of the platform and pre-
sented a beautiful bouquet to Mrs.
Gardner. Before doing SO the ven
cradle gentleman gave expression to
some patriotic sentiments in a man
ner that was quite touching. The
bouquet was made up exclusively
Of flowers bearing the Confederate
colors: it was a splendid specimen
Of the florists art.
Mr.. u. y. Cochrane, adjutant of
the camp, presented Judge Allen
to the audience in few well-chosen
words. The judge spoke about two
hours and during that time held his
hearers spell-bound by his fervid
eloquence. 1t is safe to say that
the people of the parish have never
heard more eloquent speaker. He
reviewed the principal battles, pay
ing glowing tributes to the confed-
crate generals and chieftains. The
Judge spoke Of the gallant services
of the | ouisiana soldiers, who, he
said, were the peers of any ON
earth. He spoke of the bravery
and devotion to duty Of Generals
Gardner and Mouton, the latter
having met his death on the field CT
battle. Many were visably affected
by the eloquent words of the ora
tor. We regret that the limited
of space at our disposal will
not permit of a more extended re-
port Of Judge Aliens Grafton.
At the end of Judge Aliens adj
dress Miss May Bailey, the pretty
and bright young daughter Of our
worthy townsman, Mr.. w. b. Bal
lev, recited Father Rvan's econ
uuered Banner" holding in her
hand the staff Of very handsome
banner made of silk and presented
to the camp by Mrs. w. +. Bailey.
Judge Conrad Debaillon, mem
Der Of the camp, spoke in French
The Judges address, though short
was to the point and was well re-
ceived.
The :Sword o. RObt. T.. Lee, "
one of Father Ryan's beautiful
poems, was we'll rendered by Rnbt.
II. McFadden, son Of Judge Nc
Fadden.
In response to an invitation from