The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-03-15
C. A. II. ENCAMPMENT.


Heid Mt Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald, Ga, March 1A-The closing
session of the C. A. r. encampment which
was held last night was a most enjoyable
occasion, and could not fail to leave a good
impression with visitors. The large hail
had been profusely decorated with palmet-
tos, pine boughs. pictures OF S. II. Fitz-
gerald Gov. Northen, and Of famous gen.
erals and statesmen. while flags of all
sizes were everywhere it was possible to
put them. a profusion of cut flowers was
also used in decoration.
In spite of the fact that the hour of
opening was unusually early, at o'clock
the hall was filled and twenty minutes lat
er was packed and a large number were
unable to obtain admission.
After a selection of music, excellently
rendered by the Fitzgerald band, Post
Commander Whitney stated that by request
the post would perform the ceremony Of
saluting the flag. During this ceremony
the audience caught the spirit of enthu-
sasm, which this beautiful, impressive act
cannot fail TO inspire, and sang in perfect
time the Star Spangled Banner, with parts
of which the ceremony opens and closes.
Later In the evening one of the visitors
stated that nowhere else could such
scene been possible. Veterans from every
state in the union, eX-soldiers OF the south
and north, side by side, in company with
wives and children, doing honor to "Old
Glory" with full hearts.
Though the visitors had been in the city
twenty-four hours this was the first time
since their arrival that 1t had been posi-
BILE for them to hold public meeting, so
that the formal speeches of welcome came
at the real close of the session. Very
short addresses of welcome were made by
h1ai ANfthnxr n
c. WEIGH, Mrs. r. M Scott Mrs. E.
Frink, which gave unmistakable evidence
of the pleasure and qualification which
it has afforded the Fitzgerald people to
entertain the department Responses were
made by Commander Glen of Atlanta, c.
B. Buckley, senior vice commander-in-
chief of Alabama; Commander of the De-
partment of Alabama Black, Commander
Watson of Savannah and Col. w. w,
Brown of Macon. Commander Wood of
Atlanta was called upon, and compared
this city to a baby, and then gave a reel
tation on the subject of babies, which de-
lighted the audience so much that he was
twice recalled, each time responding gra-
ciously, and with such happy humor that
he made hosts of friends. The brief re-
sponses of the other speakers were much
enjoyed, and each one left the audience
with a feeling OF regret that the time was
so short, and a hope that these gentle
men may soon return and speak to the
people at greater length.
The Rotations by Miss Louise Good
now and Miss Grace Chapel and the vocal
solo by Mrs. Tebeau were excellently rem
dered and well received.
Commander-in-Chief Clarksou was then
introduced and was a favorite from the
first. In a half hours talk, which was
the very essence of patriotism, he paid
high tribute to the courage, Valor and
=,
ern soldiers, as well as to the fortitude
and patient endurance of all the women of
the land. in speaking of Memorial day
observauces, he stated he had learned that
southern soldiers had been invited to par
ticipate in the decoration of the graves
of heroes who wore the blue. lie spoke
in terms of highest praise of the spirit
which prompted this invitation and rec
commended that the northern soldiers go
in a body and be the first to lay floral
tribute on the graves of those who wore
the gray when the time on which the
southern people decorate the graves of
their loved ones. The hearty and fire.
quent applause occasioned by such senti-
ments as these showed that his hearers
were la perfect sympathy. During inter
vais between sessions the visitors were
driven about the city and were everywhere
greeted by flags and bunting, which grace
shacks and elegant residences alike.
Yesterday, in conversation with a citizen
Gen. Clarkson said he had been somewhat
prepared for receiving kindly courtesy at
the hands of the southern people, but was
simply overwhelmed with the hearty, cor
dial hospitality and brotherly love, extend
ed to him so lavishly by the entire south,
and that he found il impossible to express
his gratitude for his royal reception every
where. Occupying the position of COM
mander-in-chief of the department of the
United States, as he does, Gen. Clarkson S
southern tour cannot fail to accomplish
incalculable good.
Many distinguished people were obliged
to leave on the early trains. and the late
trains were held until after the close of
the evening session.
The city was crowded with visitors all
day and many of them will not leave until
tonight.
The ninth encampment was pronounced
by all to be the most successful one ever
held in Georgia.