The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-07-03

Confederate reunion ended this even
ing in blaze of glory. 1t has been u
day that will be classed as memora
Bile one in Richmond's history. The con-
vention itself was OF short duration.
The great features of the day were the
parade and the laying of the corner
stone of the Davis monument.
There We're many evidences of lack
OF good management of the parade. In
the first place the route was too short
causing the crowd to be too great in
numbers along the sidewalks and in the
streets from the Capitol square to Mon
roe Park.
There were many long delays. Those
who marched were on their feet from
noon to O'Clock and many became
completely exhausted.
1t was great parade and was viewed
by about $50 600 people. as most OF the
cltyS population turned out TO see It,
The crowd was an enthusiastic one and
impartial i'll its cheering OF the differ
ent organizations. Such Il turnout of
veterans will never be seen again. There
We're nearly 10000 of them in line. The
military made splendid showing
Gordon, Hampton, Stephen ID. Lee, Mrs
Davis, Mrs. Pickett and others received
continuous ovation along the route.
The demons tlation to-day surpaSS-
ed all previous events in the history OF
the city, and as far as the crowds pres
ent Were concerned overshadowed all
Former similar occasions, w,len the South
sent here representatives by the thou
sand to honor the memory of her diStn-
guished leaders and sons in the cx-capi-
tai of the Southern Confederacy No
sooner than General Gordon had an
nounced the adjournment of the Confed-
crate Reunion Conv enuion sine die with
three expressive raps Of his Chick a
mauSa tree Gavel, than there was rush
~ NsA+ +ats i,N4
locations in time 10 fall into the line OF
the procession, which moved promptly
al / O'Clock p. III.
There were 10000 men in the line with
100 bands of music and 200 600 or more
on the streets to witness this grand pa
rade OF youthful military cadets, stall
wart militiamen and venerable grav-
bearded and battle-scarred veterans.
who had seen service on the hard fought
fields of Virginia
The latter retrod the streets which 80
and 30 years ago resounded with the mar
fial footsteps of the armies of Lee and
afterwards Of Grant. 1t was great
Gay, and nobody who witnessed the pa
rade, the heartfelt devotion OF the men
in line and the enthusiasm of the peo-
pie on the streets. would do otherwise
than declare that 1t was day consecraIt-
ed to American manhood, patriotism and
Ealor.
Inc spectacle was inspiring, and as
the bands passed playing "The Star
Spangled Banner" Dixie" Maryland"
and Yankee Doodle" every man and
woman felt themselves a truer Amer!-
can.
Nothing could have been mord auspi-
cious than the weather. and all other
conditions for such q grand occasion
Inc procession. though prompt in form
ing, was somewhat delayed by diver
sence OF the cavalry. artillery the Vir-
slnla and North Carolina regiments OF
aniantry and the carriages containing
the distinguished guests and young lady
sponsors from the States and Territories
so as 10 take in portion of Main street
ihey joined the veterans at Fifth and
FRANKLIN streets. and for nearly four
hours this grand parade Of young SOL
ulers and old heroes. with its bands of
music hags and banners, marched
alonG streets aflame with national and
Southern colors and greeted at every
point with the cheers and plaudits OF
.ne women who were either daughters
OF mothers OF the old Confederacy The
coiumn, including as 1t did every branch
OF the military service, made a splendid
appearance, and would have been
deemed an American gem in either
New York or Chicago.
In the line were numerous mementoas
OF the late war in the shape of bullet
noied and tattered Confederate battle
Hags. uniforms that had been worn ON
many O bloody field, knapsacks. can-
teens. muskets and rifles that bore evil
dence OF service in many n campaign.
TWO venerable old soldiers carried fid-
dies with which they entertained camp
Ire during the war. Many had empty
sleeves ana many others wooden legs.
but they stOoA the fctio,.A of tha fo,,r