The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-29
THEI My PIRfDE.
Efforts to Bring Union aud Confederate
soldiers Together Despite Opposition

The projectors Of the blue and gray pa
rade. proposed 10 be held In TINS city on
the Fourth Of July, have determined upon
an effort 10 carry the plan through ln
spite OF the objection OF Commanier-ln-
Chief Walker, OF the Grand Army or tho
Republic. 10 the gray uniforms OF the
Confederate veterans. The history or
General Walkers OppOsiticn IS given by
Colonel John j. Garrett, who was Con-
federate. and who Is secretary OF the
Executive Committee on Arrang ments,
places the protest Of the Commander in
a new light.
Colonel Garrett sail: The veterans OF
the South are Americans. ! want 10 have
them come here TO show the world tnat
We are one nation, with one flag ana
one destiny. This IS patriotic under
taking, tull Of Americanism and nOthin,
else, and ought TO know. for 1 am the
first man who started the idea d"
As told IN the Herald yesterday. when
the committees had been ORGANIZED
CHARLES a. Dana. chairman Of the Exc
cutive Committee, was requested 10 write
10 commandments Walker. OF the
Grand Army; 10 obtain his views. II a
favorable reply was received ffom him a
similar letter was 10 be sent 10 General
Gordon, commanding the Union Of Con-
IedSrate Veterans. Colonel Garnet yes
terday gave the history OF the cOrrespOn-
dence with General Walker
Mr.. Dana wrote 10 him. said he
stating the object Of the parade and
asking his opinion. After several weeks
Of delay, which General Walker excused
on the ground that be- had been absent
from home, a reply was received from
him. He asked the nature OF the pro-
posed gathering and whether the Con-
federdtes were 10 come as patriots and
citizens. II 3D. ne was heartily ina favor
OF IL. But. IL the banners ard the gray
uniforms were TO De paraded he was OPP
posed 10 the project.
His second letter sid that the Grand
Army could not consent 10 march IN
column with men who wore the uniform
OF the cause which IL had shot TO death
thirty years ago. Tho letter concluded
with the words quoted in the Herald:
The sooner those who wore the gray
shall cease trying 10 symbolic the lost
cause by flag or uniform, and shall re-
frain from representing themselves as a
distinct part OF the people, the sooner
will a full realization Of patriotism and
fraternity be brought about
I'VE have decided not 10 give up the
idea Of holding the para-a, nOtwithstand-
ing the opposition OF the Grand Army. "
continued Colonel Garnett. we shah ex-
tend invitations TO the Grand Army posts,
the members of which, | understand, may
come II they choose to do so without
violating any rule OF the organization.
We shall also send invitations 20 Union
veterans who DO not belong 10 the Grand
Army. All who are willing 10 come will
notify me. as ecretary-COlonel John j.
Garrett. No. 203 Broadway.
When We have found out how many
will come We will lay the result before
the Executive Committee Tor further ac-
ton. II there should be 10000 or 1000
We will go ahead. ! do not know what
effect General Walkers remarks Will have
in the South. If they have any ! hope
n will be neutralized by the willingness
OF Union veterans. Irrespective Of the
Grand Army. 10 take part In the pa
fade.'
\ large number Of hnanciers were in
terested IN the movement at the begin
ming. and promised that there should be
no lack Of money to defrdy the expenses.
Among those who promised their sup
port were 6. =. Huntington, J. Pierpont
MORGAN Isidor Straus. n. l.. Clafiin, Aus
tin COrbin. Andrew Carnegie, Roswell i.
Flower. John RI. Starin, and many
others.-New York Herald.