The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-06-23
IN NASHVILLE'S GATES
DISTINGUISHED MEN PRESENT
AT THE CELEBRATION.
GENERAL J. 3, GORDON WILL RESIGN
Much Wire-PuIIing For the Position Of Com
mander--A Multitude CrowdiHg Into the
city--Gen. Lees Grandson and Gen.
Hoods Son Are Present.

Nashville, Tenn, June 22.-Many spe
cial trains arrived to-day with Exon
federate soldiers and friends who came
to attend the annual reunion of the Con
federate veterans. The regular trains
were run in sections, in order to accom-
modate the very heavy demand for trans
portation
Rain fell during the morning, but tht
weather cleared somewhat toward noon
The exConfederate soldiers spent the
morning i'll attending the reunion at tho
Tabernacle and meeting old comrades.
Promiuent among those on the plat
form were Gen. Stephen ID. Lee, OF Mis-
sissippi; Judge J. III. Reagan, of Texas
the only surviving member of Jefferson
Davis cabinet; Col. A. s. Colyar and
Dr. Thomas Menees, of Nashville, and
Hon. J. ID. G. Adkins, surviving members
of the Confederate Congress; Hon. Mar
Gus J. Wright, of Washington; Gen. ST.
mon b. Buckner of Kentucky; Col
Henry G. Myers, COL Lake, Col. Helm
of Memphis; Gen. Il. p. Skies, of Missis.
sippi: Col. Howard, of Geargia; Gen
Moorman, of New Orleans; Col. Baxter
Smith. of Nashville; Gen. W. r. Bate
Col John III. Savage, of Tennessee
DIR. q. &m. Jones. chaplain Of the United
Confederate Veterans; Gen. Clement
Evans, of Georgia, and General Joseph
Wheeler, of Alabama
Robert e. Lee, Jr., grandson of Gen
Robert r. Lee, also occupied a prominent
place on the platform and son of Gen
Hood was present. Both of these young
men were shown marked attention by
the veterans. General John r. Gordon
arrived during the morning, and was Civ
en- an enthusiastic reception.
The assemblage was called to order by
General Gordon, and prayer was offered
by DR. Jones, the chaplain. Governor
Taylor delivered an address of welcome
in behalf OF the State; Judge Ferriss
spoke for the county. and Bishop Fitz-
gerald, who represented Mayor McCar-
thy. spoke for the city. Captain j. B.
O'Brien, chairman of the executive COM
mittee, made some announcements and
In behalf of the committee welcomed the
visitors Gen. Gordon spoke briefly
Judge Reagan then delivered an elo-
quent address.
The city is full to overffowing. and
VI.
and tonight the incoming trains were
packed and the streets are filed with
middle aged men wearing the Associa-
tons badge. In addition the friends and
families of the veterans have turned out
in force, and the sponsors and maids OF
honor have added to the attractions.
Tonight bands are parading the
streets, playing tunes familiar to all who
endured the trials from 81 to '65.- Head
quarters are besieged, speeches are be-
ing made and the city is one grand mass
Of festive occupants. The chief subject
Of discussion is i'll the proposed retire
ment Of Gen. John B. Gordon as com
mander in chief. He has signifed his
intention of retiring from the command
OF the Association, and this has caused a
good deal of wire-pulling.
Many names are suggested for his sue
cessor, among them General Simon Boli-
var Buckner, General Joe Wheeler, Gen
aral Stewart, and others. General
Buckner's position on the financial ques-
tion and his candidacy for vice-presi-
dent as the nominee of the Indianapolis
convention is being urged against him.
But from present indications this is la
Dor lost. General Gordon will announce
his desire to retire, the association will
say he shall not retire, win re-elect him,
and force him to again accept the posi-
ton. The Associated Press correspon-
dent is satisfied, from what he can learn,
that General Gordon will be elected COM
mander in chief and will accept.
A brilliant reception was given by the
Tennessee Daughters of the Confeder-
acy to the old soldiers, the sponsors and
the maids of honor at the capitol tonight.
1t was largely attended and was one of
the charming events of the reunion
Tomorrow the convention will hold
business session in the forenoon. :, In
the afternoon there will be reception
of the visiting ladies in the woman's
building, at the Centennial and at night
a Confederate concert at the Tabernacle
to be followed by a grand ball at the
capitol. The tide of incomers will not
cease until Thursday. Thousands Of the
veterans visited the exposition tonight
and witnessed the fire works prepared
expressly for the occasion.