Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-11-06
VERY GRAVE CHARGE
Members Of History Committee Alleged
10 Be Book COmpany's Agents.
LEE CAMP WANTS An INVESTIGATION.
Grand Commander Asked to Appoint
Committee 10 Make Inquiry.
THEY STAND by THE SONS.
Mrs. Randolph Writes n Letter De-
Tending the Young Men Against
Criticisms Passed Upon Them, and
Resolutions Are Adopted.

The grave charge that members OF the
History Committee OF the Grand Camp,
Confederate Veterans. Department of
Virginia, have been and are still believed
10 be the paid representatives Of the
American Book Company, whose histories
Il is sought TO have excluded from the
pubisc schools OF the state, was boldly
made in the meeting of Lee Camp last
night, and resolutions were adopted call
ing upon Grand-Commander James N.
stubbs 10 appoint committee 10 inves-
tigate the matter.
The subject, which has been quietly dis
cussed in veteran circles since the meet
ing OF the Grand Camp here two weeks
sgo and more particularly since the de-
clination of ex-Grand-Commander Gus
sons to serve on the History Committee.
OF which he was made chairman, was
brought TO the attention Of Lee Camp
by Major Thomas A. Brander. There
was an earnest discussion, In which those
who spoke did not mince their words,
and the resolutions. which were made
more far-reaching than they were when
first offered, were adopted without a dis
senting vote.
The matter, which came somewhat IN
the nature Of a surprise, though not en-
tirely so. proved to be the most inter-
esting one discussed In the camp TOT
some months Those who were instru-
mental I'm bringing the issue forward as
serted that they were prepared to pro-
n the
charges made. and there was shown a
determination to have the inquiry pushed
with vigor.
MAJOR BRANDER'S RESOLUTION.
The camp had not been in session long
when Major Brander offered the follow
ing: r.o,
whereas. Il has been currently reported
that certain members of the Grand camp
Confederate Veterans, of Virginia, nave
been and still are in the service OF lht
American Book Company, OF the CITY VI
New York and have received remuheld d,
tion for said services, and DeHeVihg ina
such POSITION occupied by them Is hlghly
detrimental 10 the interest of said organi
zation OF the Grand Camp, Confederate
Veterans. of Virginia: therefore, De II q.
Resolved by r. r.. Lee Camp, NO. 1
Confederate Veterans. of Richmond va.
THAT the Grand Commander be respect
fully requested to appoint commltIee I, I,
far as they may affect the History com
mittee, or any other member or mempets
OF the Grand Camp. Confederate Neee
rams Of Virginia, and We respectfully re
auest the Grand Commander of Sons o
Confederate Veterans OF virginia 10 tdh'
similar action in their organization, am am
that this communication be torwarde'
officialy TO the grand coihinahueIs' io
nuestinR prompt action.
HE HAS THE EVIDENCE.
his resolution. Major
T}rander said he felt that he was doing
Justice TO all true Confederate soldiers
II was impossible he said. TO serve two
masters and no Confederate soldier
could receive pay for services rendered
10 the American Book Company agalhs
the interests OF the southern soldler
whe+her he was an attorney or not =
am in position he sald, 10 luiiilsi M
evidence that one or two members OF th'
History Committee of the Crane
camp are In the pay of the American
Book Company"
Maior Brander's resolution and speech
delivered with fiery emphasis, woul'
have created more profound sensatlo
had they not been expected ana III
matter OF which he spoke been generali'
discussed since the Grand camp me
here AS il was, the impression wa
most marked.
Major Randolph seconded the motion
In Justice he said, to the members OF tn
committee who are not IN the pa
of anv book concern. Judge Christian
asked Major Brander whether the mel
to whom he alluded were still In IN
emplov Of the American BOOK company
II 80. he suggested that the words an
still are" should be inserted aiter IN
words "have BEEN Major Branoer ac
cented the amendment. saying That n
wo,,;d glady accept anything that woul
make the resolution strong and sweep
ing. Major Randolph said no man ough
IN he on the committee who had eve
been In the pay Of any book company
Judee Christian said he thought IT
most pertient inquiry, and wa
thoroughly in sympathy with the resolu
tion.
LET THE FACTS COME OUT.
Hon Joseph c. Dickerson said he wa
I'm sympathy with the movement H
was not at all surprised that 1t wa
necessary He had had personal ex
perience as a member OF Lee camp
History Committee. He recalled th
fact that when the camp was agltatihl
The Barnes's History question, yer;
Drominent man had said to him: "Lool
out this is book publishers fight,
and the mail that same day had brough
him a history from one of the interest
ga publishers. II don't like 10 act o.
rumors. l want facts" he continued
and at this point he was interrupted D
Major Brander, Major Randolph an
others saving, 'You can get them
Mr. Dickerson continued: II don't lik
rlmors. don't question these rumors
but would II not be safer II we coui
pass a resolution after the facts nav
been brought TO the knowledge OF Uni
camp" Major Brander hoped the mo
tion would not be put of. The corrul
tion had been going on long enough. IL
was willing 10 stand or fall by his reso
mtion and II he could not prove II b
would take the responsibility Il mad
some appointments on that committee
ne said. "and I'm afraid / made mis-
take" This statement ELECTED muc
laughter.
WOULD NOT HEAR FROM 1T.
Colonel Smith opposed the resolutio
for one reason only. II II were sent
the Grand Camp. ne said, nothing woul
be heard of Il again. He suggested ths
Lee Camp should undertake the invest
CATION. The camp always fulfilled II
pledges. and they knew that II con
mittee were appointed report migi
confidently be looked for on the follow
ing meeting night.
Major Brander said: LET II &c TO Z
Grand Camp. II we don't hear from
we shall know where the fault lies. a
then Lee Camp will act. II we send I
resolution 10 Captain Elicit, Adjutant
the Grand Camp, we can rest assured IN
II Wlll reach the proper authorities, q