Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-31
Observation-Disclosures 81, 1887.
LET THE VETERANS DECIDE.

A wear will elapse before the annual
encampment Of the Grand Army of the
Republic will be called upon to act on
the invitation given it to meet In Rich
mond in 1899.
We are glad to hear that during this
interval some OF the leading GA. X,
men will make It their business to COM
municate with prominent ex-Confede-
rates with the view of having frank
understanding as 10 what action upon
this question would best promote the
country's welfare.
our information is that the c. A. r..
would not think of coming here unless
they Nere. assured by our veterans that
they would be made welcome. The CHIEF
object of a meeting at Richmond is that
there may be reunion of the Blue and
the Gray, but If the Gray be not In full
sympathy with the movement, the hoped
for success could not be possible IT
would be well. therefore, for the old
soldiers of both sides, through their rep
resentative men. to talk the matter over
calmly and In the spirit of brotherly
kindness. This, we feel sure, would lead
to such an understanding as would en-
able the next encampment TO vote intel
ligently. The G.. A. r. might then find
out that among those who view the
scheme with disfavor are men OF distinc-
ton, who served in the Union army, and
who believe that so far from the cause
of reconciliation being advanced by such
a gathering here. 1t might be seriously
inperilled, II not actually set back.
This is matter largely between the
soldiers of the two sections. We have
evidence that many of the Union veterans
would like to come here. But, if we
think that the time has not yet arrived
when their visit may be made to the sat
isfaction of hosts and guests, both, ought
we not to say so? Yes; this is matter
for the old soldiers to decide. There
can be no reunion here worthy of the
name unless our ex-Confederate organi-
cations enter heartily into the spirit OF
II. and make ready to do a large share
OF the entertaining.
We urge that this subject receive care
full and deliberate attention; that the
leading veterans OF both armies have q
clear understanding with one another
and that they deal with the situation
as they find 1t. If II is agreed that a
reunion here In 1899 probably would be
attended by fun measure of success
well and good; but, II a contrary view
prevails, let 1t be understood that the
acceptance OF the invitation shall be In
definitely postponed. without further
ado about 1t.
This is not matter which Richmond
can afford to treat as of local concern
member that Richmond was the capital
of the Confederacy. and Is the capital OF
the Old Dominion. And so the views
Of all Virginians and all southerners
should receive respectful consideration.
The Young Mems Business Association
OF Richmond has done the work that II
cut out for itself thoroughly and vigor-
ously and now 1t may well be content
TO rest upon its laureis and leave the de-
cision OF the question to the veterans OF
the Blue and the Gray.
II q. A. X. meeting here cannot be
a reunion OF the Blue and the Gray. II
can be nothing that will draw the Sec
tons closer together. or that will efface
recollections Of "the late unpleasant
ness"