Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-17
BATTLEFIELD PARKS
A FREDERICKSBURG MEETING IN
FuRTHERANCE OF THEM.
A Large Gathering - Resolutions
Adopted-speeches by Congressman
Jenkins of wisconsin, General
james A. walker, and others.

FREDERICKSBURG. VA. April H.
Especially 1.-THE battle-held park meeting
at the opera-house tonight was pro-
nounced success, and the pro. otors OF
the scheme for the establishni: at OF a
national park, or, rather, several such
commemorative places. with fine roads
leading from one to the other, are to be
congratulated. The train from Wash
ington this afternoon brought Congress
men Jones and Walker, OF Virginia; Nc
Call and Draper. OF Massachusetts,; Jen-
kins, of Wisconsin, and other distin-
guished visitors.
The distinguished visitors were met at
the depot by a large committee OF citi-
zens and coverings Band and escorted
to the Exchange Hotel, where provision
had been made for their entertainment.
After Kidding themselves Of the dust OF
travel they mingled freely with the peo-
pie. The Massachusetts, members were
then driven to the home of the Hon. j.
S. Potter, by whom they were enter
tanned. Prominent citizens took charge
of the other gentlemen. who met at the
homes OF their hosts many ladies, who
called to pay their respects.
AT THE OPERA-HOUSE.
The crowd began to gather at the
opera-house long before the hour Of meet
ing, and by 7:30 p. NJ. the building was
filed to overlooking. The stage was
reserved for invited guests and members
OF the press. The large number of la
dies present evidenced the deep interest
they are taking in the matter. and an
auxiliary committee composed Of the fair
sex will soon be named.
The entrance OF the band and those
who were expected to speak was the sig
nal for long-continued applause. The
stage was a mass OF living green. Potted
plants and flowers in profusion were
placed everywhere spot could be found
TO accommodate them.
Mr.. A. p. Rowe, chairman OF the Frede-
ricksburg branch of tho Battlefield
Park Association, called the meeting to
order and In well-chosen words told
the audience OF the aims and objects of
the association, which, II accomplished,
aside from their historical value In cali
ing the attention OF future generations
to the superlative valor of the American
soldier, irrespective of the side on which
he fought, would. he said. be Of such
manifest advantage to this section.
At the conclusion Of Mr. Rowe's re-
marks, which were loudly applauded, the
Rev. S. G. Ferguson. one OF Mosby's
men. invoked a Divine blessing on the
gathering.
RESOLUTIONS.
A series of resolutions were then
read by the Hon. w. a. Little. at the
request OF Judge ]. b. Sener, which the
meeting adopted unanimously.
MR.. JENKINS SPEAKS.
Judge Sener. by the request of Mayor
Rowe, then introduced the Hon. w. d..
Jenkins, OF Wisconsin, who for thirty
minutes or more spoke 10 the gathering
most appropriately, fully endorsing the
objects OF the association, promising TO
lend his every effort 10 the furtherance
OF the plans, and prophesying that gov
ernmental aid could not long be Withheld
from so laudable an object. Not only at
Fredericksburg, said Mr.. Jenkins, should
such parks be established. but 1t was a
solemn duty the government owed coming
generations that they be established at
all other spots made memorable by the
brave deeds of the American soldier, no
matter whether he was on the northern
or the southern side.
GENERAL WALKERS REMARKS.
At the close OF Mr.. Jenkins's remarks
General James A. Walker was introduced
to the audience by Judge Sener, who re-
marked that an introduction was scarcely
needed FOR a former commander OF the
Stonewall Brigade.
General Walker, in his remarks. paid
a high compliment to the old burg, and
her heroic citizens. He made most
eloquent address, taking the same stand
as did the gentleman from Wisconsin
When General Walker had finished his
speech the lateness of the hour pre-
cluded extended speeches from the other
distinguished visitors, though the few
words they said showed how thoroughly
they were imbued with the purposes OF
to-nights meeting. At the conclusion OF
the speeches a resolution was unani-
mously adopted by the meeting. thank
ing the speakers for their presence and
pledging one and all to work for ma
tional park in this vicinity. The meeting
then adjourned sine die, and the visitors
were escorted to their hotel and fittingly
entertained.
The resolutions read by Mr.. Little call
for the establishment of national battle
field parks on the sites OF the fields or
Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Courthouse,
Charlottesville, and the Wilderness, ahd
earnestly urge the cordial cooperation or
the Grand Army of the Republic and the
United Confederate Veterans, because
l.. g.