Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-07-01
THE OVATION TO HAMPTON.
lie II Chcered Enthusiastically and
Makes a Ringing Speech.

&nttrtu anu
Makes Ringing speech.
At this juncture, sone Virginian yelled,
Three cheers FOR Wade HamHton." anu
this was followed by calls for "Hamp-
ton. Hampton" The cry was taken up
by the delegations from every State repre-
scented in that concourse Of people. No
sooner had the spark of enthusiasm been
kinded that it became the outburst Of
the most tremendous cheering Every
body seemed 10 arise to their feet al once
OH soldiers, some of whom no doubt,
had followed the leadership OF Hampton
waved their hats and cheered Justify
The enthusiasm spread 10 the galleries
The ladies waved their hauikerchiefs
and fans and Joined IN the wild ovation
which was given TO the great Con-
federate cavalry leader. Hampton,
Hampton" was the cry, but General
Hampton seemed unprepared for such
great reception lie bowed once o.
twice, but this did not stop the cheer
Ing. Speak to them" said General Cor
don, and then the famous South Caro-
lnian arose, and spoke as follows
Mr. Pre- sident.-I could always talk loud
enough 20 make you hear the word
charge" Oaughter) 1 am glad to
have the opportunity 10 meet the vete-
rams again and 10 mingle with those
whom l. once had the honor TO command.
II is proved by the sacrifices | have
made 10 meet you, because (and here
his voice trembled with emOtion). in all
human probability. l snail never have
this honor again. But animated by the
same spirit that has actuated you !
have come TO pay my homage TO that
great man and true Confederate. Jefier-
nakri- fAnr1une4l
and have been told that they have as
signed me to the command Of the cav
airy. | have come to ride again at the
head Of the broken ranks Of those men
whom 7 was always so proud to see
with their cleaning sabres flashing In the
front. / have just told your Governor
how fortunate he was-and by the by,
how fortunate I am also Some one has
said that he has never seen a dead cav
alryman. applause, mingled with
laughter) / said to Governor OFerrall:
you ought to be very proud that you
were I'm my command, for If you had
not been in my command you would not
have been here to make that speech
Renewed laughter)
NOT so FORTUNATE.
was not so fortunate. however, as
he. He was prepared to speak. and made
a magnificent speech. l will confess that
l was proud OF my cavalry. ] did not
expect 10 speak when I came
here Go on. 80 on" exclaimed an old
comrade. and General Hampton contin-
ued, as follows: During my associations
around here in this little neck OF woods
j was called on 10 fight more than to
speak" loud cheers) Raising his voice
higher. IN response to the request from
the audience, he added: MY fello%'-
citizens, my old comrades / would be
fighting again IL the flag " the Confede-
racy was still waving. "a voice. That's
rightD l want u impress upon you the
last words l ever heard our illustrous
General. Robert Lee, say. II was after
the war. and / was in his house talking
10 him about IT, He said: 81 did only
what my duty demanded. ! could never
have taken any other course without dis
honor" And turning those noble, flash
ing eyes 10 me- he said: II ii was all
to do over again, | would act precisely
as ! have done" loud applause) And.
7 repeat % myself what my great chief
tan said, ~ have no apologies 20 offer"
Continued applause, mingled with ex-
-lamations from the audience O. That's
lighLD
ENTERED AS A PRIVATE.
When my State called upon me. and
called upon all or her children 10 YOlun-
teer. | entered the army as a private.
49, the by, : think the privates are en-
titled TO more credit than anybody else
I'm the army. NaughterJ We could have
had good privates without good officers
but could not have had good officers
without priyates. renewed laugh-er)
always take Off nay hat % the tattered
Jacket OF a priyate-the man who did
not desert then. and who has not de-
serted since. l am sorry to say that a
good many | know have deserted since.
Ny friends, / cannot take my seat with
out thanking you for the cordial and
grateful and unexpected honor you have
paid me ir the welcome you have eX-
tended IL me. Believe me, that If there
is ANYTHING left TO me IN life. it Is the
proud thought that / was a Confederate
soldier. | want no other oritaph upon
nv monument than that / was Con-
federate soldier / cannot shake hands
with al Of you. II had as many hands
as Briarus, | could not DO that. My
heart goes out in thanks TO you, and II
we cannot met again here. we can
across the river under the shade or the
trees cloud applause)
Keen as was the desire TO applaud Cen
erai Hamptons patriotic remarks, when
the band. at the conclusion OF the South
CarolInlans speech, struck up pixie
the great mass OF humanity rose almost 10
a man and cheered until many threats
were hoarse. And even while the band
was playing this, the Confederacy's ma