Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-06-24
EX.CONFEDERATES.
They Meet In Nashville for Their
Annual Reunion.
REACAy'S SPEECH TO The VETERANS
The Names Suggested for COMMANDMENTS
Chief-Briliiant Reception Given at
Night by the Tennessee Daugh.
tiers Of the COnfederacy.

NASHVILLE, Tenn, June 23.-Many
special trains arrived yesterday with
ex.confederate soldiers and friends,
who came for the purpose Of attending
the annual reunion of the United Con-
federate Veterans. The assemblage
was called to order by Gen. Gordon
and prayer was offered by DR.. Jones,
the chaplain. Gov. Taylor delivered
an address Of welcome in behalf Of the
state. The chief subject Of discussion
is the proposed retirement of Gen.
John B. Gordon as commander-in-
chief. He has signitied his intention
Of retiring from the command Of the
association, and this has caused good
deal OF wirepulling. Many names are
suggested for his successor. Gen.
Simon b. Buckner Gen. Joe Wheeler,
Gen. Stewart and others are suggested.
Gen. Reagan, in his address to the vet
Grams, spoke as follows:
This great assemblage and this interesting
occasion call up many memories Of great events
earnest discussion which preceded the year
1851: the action Of the southern states In pass
ing the ordinances Of secession; the organiza-
tion Of the government OF the confederate
states; the commencement OF h0stilities; the
enthusiasm on both sides; the assembling OF
mighty armies; the greatest war OF modem
times. Why all this strife and suffering and
death between people Of the same country,
the same race. and in general way OF the
same political and religious opinions? An in
hertance from the governments of Europe and
from our ancestors had raised question in
volving too much of the social and industrial
structure and TOO much Of property values to
admit Of adjustment in the ordinary methods
Of negotiations and compromise. And It's deci-
sion was therefore submitted to the arbitra-
ment Of war.
The facts Of history viudicate us against the
charge OF being either rebels or traitors and
show that we were not the authors OF cause
less war brought about bv ambitious leaders,"
but that our brave men fought and suffered and
died, and our holy men OF God prayed and our
noble women suffered patiently and patriot
u
war cruelty forced upon us for the purpose Of
unfolding the constitution and laws Of the
United States, as preserving the rights Of the
several states to regulate their own domestic
policies and Of protecting the people against
spoliation and robbery bya dominant majority,
some OF whose members because the Holy
Bible sanctioned slavery, declared that they
wanted an "anti-slavery Bible and an anti
slavery Cod and who, because the constitu-
ton fthe United States recognized and pro-
tected slavery, declared that 1t was league
with hell and covenant with death"
Whatever may have been said in the past in
the defense Of the institution of slavery and
whatever may now be thought of the means by
which 1t was abolished in this country, the
spirit Of the present age Is against 1t and 1t has
passed away andI suppose no one wishes Its
restoration II that were practicable, Certainly
would not restore 1t II I had the power
think 1t better for the black race that they are
free and | am sure 1t is better for the white
race that there are no slaves The restoration
Of peace, good government the rule Of law and
OF good will between those who were once enc
mics Is as gratifying to me as 1t can be to any
other citizen. But the charge has been con-
stantly made since the war that the confeder-
ates were rebels and traitors, and therefore
lawess criminals. Now that we are again citi-
lens of the United States, living under the
same government, our late adversaries ought
not to desire to degrade us in the eyes Of pos
GRITTY and II they would be wise and Just they
should not wish to place our people In history
n the position of being unworthy of the rights
liberty and character Of citizens of our great
md common country
In the great centennial exposition of Tennes-
zee we have before us magnificent exhibition
" the result of southern enterprise and pros
)erty to gladden. the hearts of our people and
o crafty the pride of the people Of this great
tate And to-day the people of the south are
IS earnest in their attachment to our common
government as those Of any other part of the
lnion, and would make as great sacrifices il
iced be, in defense Of our government as could |
Ne made by any other part Of the American
,eople. Enjoying peace and liberty to-day we
an refer with pride to the courage and hero
SIN Of our soldiers in the late war and to the
allantry and skill Of our officers. And when |
impartial history comes to be written we do not |
oubt that 1t will be seen that they were never |
xcelled In the qualities Of patient endurance
nd manly courage by any other people.
At night at the capitola brilliant re-
option given by the Tennessee
of the Confederacy to the
the sponsors and the maids
# honor was held. 1t was largely at
ended and was one of the charming /