Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-29
A SNEERING REFUSAL
PICKETrs MEN WOULDN'T BH
WELCOME IN PHILADELPHIA.
To Extending tn the Survivors of
the Immortal Charge at Gettyss
burg nm Invitation to Participate
1n n Reunion.

PHILADELPHIA, PA. July 2S-(Spc~
cal)--The proposed reunion on Pennsya-
vania soil OF tho surviving heroes Of
Picketts immortal charge at Gettysburg
with northern veterans who participated
In the battle has been unceremoniously
declared of, and that. too after pubsica-
ton had been made OF the plans and
proposed invitation to the veterans from
the South. The opposition proved too
mighty, and the fear was general among
the Union veterans who favored Thomp-
sons project, that the welcome could not
be made as cordial and unanimous as
circumstances would demand. Thirteen
Grand-Army posts out of thirty-two reso-.
lutely withstood the requests OF the
majority to make an invitation to the
southern heroes unanimous, and. there
fore, the survivors Of Pickett's Division
and Pickett Camp will not be asked to
visit the City OF Brotherly Love in Au-
gust next. and at least, not this year.
The veterans are greatly wrought up
case as detailed IN Tuesdays Dispatch.
and now explanations are very much In
order Mr.. Thompson takes the situation
philosophically, and. though regrettinS
the failure Of this plan to create mora
fraternal feeling between those who
stubbornly battled against each other at
Gettysburg. says he feels sure ample
amends for the delay will be made next
summer, if the southern veterans will
accept.
A STATEMENT.
John Freeman Mackie, of Post 4oo who
has charge Of all naval arrangements for
the picnic. made to your correspoadent
an unofficial statement tonight regards
ing the defeat of the reunion scheme.
"Mr. Thompson" he began. recently
asked permission to invite the survivors
of Picketfs Division to our celebration
at his park. and said he would furnish
transportation from the South and enc
tertain them here, II the Grand Army
posts would guarantee proper welcome
and cordial reception. He was empowers
ed to proceed, and his manager was press
ent last week at our meeting. Thirty
his plans were definitely stated. Tho
opposing elements fell upon us suddenly
and actually surprised us. The discuss
sion was most heated. but the vote stood
10 to l3 in favor Of the reunion. MIR.
Thompson's agent Immediately demands
ed unanimous Endorsement, but many OBJ
jectors arose. defeating 1t. Now" con-
tinued Mr.. Mackie. MIR. Thompson de-
clines to act without full consent from
the thirteen posts. and they refuse to
acquiesce.
SNEERING REFUSAL.
~rhis is how the matter lays tonight.
though tho invitation to the confede-
rates is practically off until next sum-
mer. 1 myself, a hot Republican and
Unionist though / was and am. would
gladly welcome the veterans from the
South, but when / saw what strength tho
opposition had developed. l realized that
the sneering refusal OF thirteen posts
would prevent a whole-hearted and gene
rous welcome, such as the occasion and
circumstances especially would demand
on our part"
Strenuous efforts were put forth By
prominent members of the Grand Army
of philadelphia to prevent a result such
as has now come about, but influence
both powerful and persuasive failed to
win over the thirteen posts who oppose
the attendance of Confcderates on tho
Union veterans picnic. 1t Is probable
the matter will rest as it stands. II the
local newspapers can be kept from pubs
fishing the facts herein stated.