The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-06-17

Let Hospitable Nirginians Entertain 'he
Confederate Veterans

Confederate N'ttid"H'
Editor 81 The Times:
Sir.-Somotimes, I'm thinking over the
matter DO occurs Co mc iAAl tA' p.'f'~
OF Richmond scarcely realize what l"iec
rt.utn.r OF OR friends lTOm The SCUM
will visit Richmond during tne mee'.,.s
of the United Confederate Veterans Inc
Inet of thIs month ana first Of July. HaV-
iur an extensive correspondence through
out the South. I ana in q position 10
know that wc VIII probably nave Dy lar
fine largest gathering OF strangers WIN
i'm our gates" that has ever Wis
ifoa us at one time before. our
canacitv for caring for these Nsi-
tors will be taxed 10 the utmost.
VITA the special efforts on lhe pant "i
our hotels and private hoarding-houses'
etc believe that we VIII not nave ac-
commodations for more than onc-iehth
mart of those who viii come. Now. thc
question confronts us. Shall we let these
frionds walk the streets Of Richmond hum
cry. and without a place 10 lay their
fcads2 N0--a thousand times no. 10 VIII,
though. be necessary for our people 10
open their homes and take care OF as
many as they can. making them aS com
Portable as possible in every nv al"''r
space. Let all who have not done 80 sehd
in their names and addresses 10 the IN
tortalnmcnt Committee. advising them
now many persons they can care ior' Also
stating the price. Tho charges for enter
tainment should be very moderate. any
attempt az extortion sternly frowned upon.
as many who come Will be comparatively
poor I'm purse. and yet they are numbered
among the nohlest and best specimens OF
men end women that ever lived, and they
deserve the kiudcst and best attention on
our part
In travelling in other states. 7 find
everywhere people have an exalted idea
OF the hospitality Of Virginia. Many ~
the ola veterans viii tell You. as the
tears trickle down their checks about
the kindness shown during their CAM
palgus iu Virginia and tArs au regard
Richmond as the Mecca of Tie South.
in coming here. should we not exert our
solves 10 The utmost 20 make their visit
red-lcfteT-day In their lives? By united cf-
forts we can make an exceedingly happy
occasion, though TO DO SO may detract
somewhat from 0ur pleasure and enjoy
lueut of the reunion but should we for
one moment consider our own personal
feelings or .nciiu8fi0ns whom the good
name OF our city is al stake? II would be-
an everlasting shame for our friends who
risked their lives for the protection of our
hCmos and hresides fO have 90 Car-r uu-
peasant memories home after this re-
union The yi-i. ana tlo memories in con-
ucction with 30 should d"e ODD their minds
and the minds of their children for gene
rati0us Many OF the old veterans VIII
VISIT Richmond for the first time and last
timo since tho war. Others who have
fathers, brothers, and husbands sleeping
beneath the sod OF VIRGINIA wlI come
10 identify their graves and 10 pay the last
sad tribute Of respect. The Keepers OF
our cemeteries sholld have everything in
readiness and afford every facility for Joe
eating the graves Of the relatives and dear
ones who laid down their lives for their
country.
Some may hesitate TO throw omen their
homes TO strangers for fear Of having 80
entertain drlukino mCn. Let mo -av night
here 7 believe that the United Confede-
rate Veterans is fle most temper seeu-
lar body Of fits size I'm the world il was
my privilege 10 attend the Confederate re-
union at birmingham in April. 1924. which
was certainly very large gathering. fully
go O0 people being In the city and on tile
grounds on Thursday. During my three
DAYS $50 Ourn there. / remember seeing but
two men under the influence Of liquor.
ana they were both able 20 take care of
themselves. The growing Temperance SEM
t'ment in the South is one of the good
srns of the times.
Let ms now. with united hearts and
hands. omen our homes and exert our
selves I'm every way 20 make this reunion
of Confederate veterans one OF The great
est iu the history OF the organization. TO
DO so would prove blessing 10 Richmond
and TO Virginia.
I..r fr.I'