Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-01-20

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General Lees birthday has long since
become sacred day to every Virgin
ian. At the birth of the republic the
brightest stars in the country's galaxy
were furnished by the Old Dominion;
in the latter days the State gave birth
to another whose fame 80 long as the
human race will endure will be the
"alpha" in the constellation OF the
worlds heroes. 1t is to the memory OF
this great and good man that the 18th
of January has been dedicated-it is
the anniversary of his birth. Lee
| Camp, Confederate Veterans, of this
city, look forward to the recurrence OF
the event with the same interest that
in their boyhood days they anticipated
the coming of Christmas. Each year
brings with it additional interest, and
the gathering around the festive board
and the recalling of the "reminiscences
OF by-gone days is pleasant, exhilaral-
ing and enjoyed by all who participate.
1t was suggested last night by
one of the speakers that the
followers of General Lee did not
did not desert during the war, and 10
fact have maintained their allegiance
ever since. Their devotion was not the
result of severe military discipline-but
was actuated by faith in and love for
the noble specimen of manhood they
followed for four years, often barefoot as
they were and deprived of almost the
bare necessaries of life. They love now
to assemble and greet each other at
banquet, shake the hands of former
brethren 10 arms and contrast the pres
emit with the past.
Arrangements for the celebration OF
the event had been progressing for
several days. Fair hands had the af-
fair in charge, and, as might have been
expected. there was nothing done that
was not done in the best manner. The
committee of the Woman's Auxiliary
who conducted everything so credit
ably was the following: Mrs. j. E.
Alexander, Mrs James W. Shinn,
Mrs. E. II. O'Brien, Miss Annie
Henderson, Mrs. India Henderson
Mrs. Julia Tubman, Mrs. Annie.
Pierpoint, Mrs. Thomas Collingsworth,
Mrs. Sidney Douglas, Mrs. A. H.
Thomas, Mrs. N. D. Ridenour, Mrs. j.
M. White, Mrs. G.. w. Ramsay, Mrs.
W. II. Bacon, Mrs. Frank Pollard, Miss
Lena Shinn, and Misses Julia and Edna
Alexander.
The camp and few of their invited
friends assembled at their new hall at
7 o'clock and about an hour later pro-
ceeded in q body to Odd Fellows Hall,
headed by Commander Thomas Perry.
Upon entering the hall they were greet.
ed not only by dazzling pictures. not
only those of tastefully decorated ball
and sumptuously and temptingly pre-
pared tables, but smiling womanhood
was there to meet them. Much care
had been taken in the preparation Of
the hall. On each side the names of
men whose brilliance increases with
the years were on the walls-Lee,
Jackson, Johnston, Stuart and Corse
The pillars were festooned with
Confederate emblems, while conspic-
uously everywhere battle flags and Vir
ginia's cost of arms could be seen. And
the tables-well it would take too much
space for full description; suffice it to
say nothing had been omitted. Can
delebra glistened all over them, while
the viands were food meet indeed for
the goods.
The company was soon called to order
and a blessing was invoked by Rev.
J. T. Williams and the feast which fol.
lowed, the guests being served by the
committee of ladies named above, was
an event none will soon forget. 1t took
about an hour to discuss the dinner,
course following course in rapid sue
cession, the needs Of each guest being
closely watched by their attentive lady
friends. The feast having come to a
close and cigars being lighted there was
call to order, aud the toast, General
Robert E. Lee," was announced. Rev.
]. T. Williams had been selected to re-
spond. General Lee has been
presented by his eulogists from
many standpoints, but Mr. Williams
threw out many original thoughts
which were much appreciated by his
hearers. In fact he pictured the hero
from every standpoint, forming from
his virtues and genius composite being
which was indeed noble work of the
Creator.
Senator John w. Daniel was next
announced. He replied to the toast,
Johnny Reb-I see him now; his old
SLOUGH hat cooked DER his eye askew"
and before the Senator concluded all
present had had the picture indelibly
impressed upon their minds forever.
Senator Daniel began by saying that
the late Lord Palmerston was on one
occasion after he had become an old
man invited by some young bloods to
accompany them on fox hunt. He
replied mo; I've been there In the
reverse OF this l will say that when
Comrade johnson invited me to this
gathering my reply was eyes, IwiH go,
as I've been there" He then pictured
Johnny Reb," and said there would
have been no Lee, Johnston, Jackson or
Stuart but for Johnny Reb." Yes,
rs, 900 of them brought out the genius
which were in these illustrious men,
who would, humanity speaking, have
wasted their fragrance upon the desert
air had it not been for Johnny Reb.;'
The Confederate soldier had assumed a
different attitude in late years. He was
member of corporation who were
the greatest monopolists. They were
the strongest in fellowship of any or
ganization on Gods green earth. He
lived in an age when people were learn
ing to appreciate the members of the
Army of Northern Virginia. The love