Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-15
THE G. 4. II. QUESTION.


Tho following is from the editorial
columns Of the Philadelphia Press,
Republican paper, which, however mas
been very candid in stating the facts con-
nected with the trouble IN the O. A. H.
posts. growing out Of the proposition 10
invite Picketfs men to the Phladelpma
veterans picnic:
richmond was the capital Of the Con-
federacv. The Grand Army Of the Re
nublic embraces the surviving heroes OF
The Union. IL WAS around Richmohd
that many Of the most desperate con-
nlcts of the civil war ragged. All thls
gives peculiar and significant interest
10 the earnest proposition OF Rlcnmond
that the Grand Army OF the Repubhc
shall hold its annual encampment OF 1873
in that city.
This movement is already inaugurated.
II sprang from the Young Mems business
Association. which includes six hundred
members and represents the Hover ana
force of the city's active lie. Ihat
body has already appointed Il strong ana
influential committee to promote the pro
iect and IS taking organized and ener-
getic measures in that direction.
II is unanimously endorsed by the city
Council and supported by the general
voice Of public sentiment. There nave
been a few isolated adverse expressions
but we are assured that they do not re-
fleet any wide feeling. They are the
utterances OF a few cranky and intract-
able persons, who cannot grasp a great
conception and DO not respond 10
broad and uplifting sentiment. Such
people may be found in any community,
and their hoarse notes of discord should
=, Al
IL is stated that more than 80 per cent.
of the people OF Richmond approve and
support the movement, and that nearly
90 per cent. OF the Confederate veterans
living there are in favor Of the contem-
plated reunion.
IL this proposition comes spontaneously
and earnestly. as we are told, and II IL
truly rejects the spirit OF the mass OF
the people. 1t should strike responsive
chord and should receive cordial con-
slderation. The significance and the IN
terest OF such a demonstration in such
n place could not be mistaken. In its
picturesque associations and its historic
memories alone II would be memorable.
The beleagurcd capital was the centre
and pivot OF the long fight. Many OF
the famous battle-fclds are at its door.
The return of the veterans of the two
opposing armies TO these scenes OF their
bloody struggle and their fraternal COM
mingiing on the very fields where their
swords FLASHED and their bayonets cross
ed. would be of unique and extraordinary
dramatic suggestion. But more valuable
than all Is the patriotic sentiment which
prompts the invitation, and the actual
presence OF the encampment under such
conditions would confirm and cement The
reunion of the republic.
Candor and common honesty require
us 10 say that the Information OF the
Press Is incorrect. Our people are mucf
divided upon this question. The great
majority OF them regret that the scheme
was ever preached. There are difficulties
IN tho way that cannot be removed
Greatest OF all these is the race
question. Here, there Is a color line
not only in hotels and boarding
houses. but in railroad cars, saloons
places OF amusement, churches etc
We do not believe the G. \. r.
would consent TO conform TO oui
customs, and we know that our peo
PIE would not and could not consent L
abandon their customs for a day or al
hour.
Again II would be practically impos
sible for our Confederate camps to parad
with the c. A. X. posts, since the G.
II. has adopted the rule that none OF -
members may appear in line with orsani
cations that display Confederate flaes
and we believe that no camp OF our
would think Of parading without IT.
camp flag.
1t is true that the Young Mems Bust
ness Association and the city Council
have Joined in extending the invitation
but Il has not been seconded by an,
organization OF Confederate veterans
nor by the Chamber Of Commerce.
1t would be alike unjust to the G. A. r
and TO the people OF Richmond 70 make