Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-25
TEN THOUSAND VETERANS IN LINE.
Largest Parade in the History of
the Organization.

NASHVILLE, TENN. June 2i.-The
parade of the United Confederate Vete-
rams to-day--the closing event of the re-
union-in which more than 1000 veterans
took part, was the largest In the history
of the organization, and one of the great
est ever seen in this city. The streets
were densely crowded.
The Stars and Stripes and the Confede-
rate flag were conspicuous I'm the long
line. that reached from the Public Square
to the Tennessee Centennial Exposition
gates.
One hundred thousand people had col
lected TO see the parade. Nothing in
the history Of Nashville has equalled the
outpouring. Never was there such a
procession. On the faces of lookers-on
and on some of the bent figures stepping
briskly and proudly. could be seen the
suggestion that never again would there
be such another parade. The line started
promptly, police on horseback clearing
the way, and from start to finish the
best of order prevailed. All vehicles
wero kept off the streets included in the
line Of march, and the street-cars stop
ped running.
The parade was cheerfully accorded
the full right Of way. From the starting
point the custom-house, through the
centre of the city, around the
to Vanderbilt University. where the
parade broke ranks, a dense mass
of enthusiastic, cheering people greeted
the old soldiers. their generals
and the beautiful women who took part.
The citizens of Nashville were both well
coming and speeding their departing
guests. and they did it with a whole
soued cordiality, inspiring to witness.
THE PROCESSION.
General II. Jackson, of Nashville. chief
marshal, headed the procession, his staff
consisting of distinguished men. Com
mander-in-Chicf John B. Gordon and
staff came next, with the Savannah
Hussars as an escort. General Vaughan,
the new major r-general OF the Tennessee
Division. followed. Then came the State
divisions, each division preceded by its
sponsors, maids Of honor. and invited
lady guests, beautifully attired in sum-
mer costumes, South Carolina, Mississippi,
Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana.
Virginia. Arkansas. Missouri Kentucky,
Maryland, lthe Indian Territory, New
York, Illinois, North Carolina. Texas.
Oklahoma, West Virginia, the District of
Columbia, all had veterans in line.
Following the chief marshal and Gene
raj Gordon came Troop A, Captain Hager
commanding, of Tennessee Cavalry. and
thirteen young ladies on horseback, as
an escort and guard of honor.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans also
marched, and were commanded by Robert
j. Smythe, of Charleston, the newly
elected commander.
The Daughters of the Confederacy
were present in large numbers, and rode
In carriages.
General Bate. General Joseph Wheeler.
and General S. Il. Buckner were In car
riages at the head Of the Tennessee Di-
NJ. G. Butler Miss Buckner, and Mrs.
w. b. Bate preceded them in a carriage.
Judge Reagan and General John 5. Ford
rode with the Texas Division. Mrs. A.
p. Stewart Robert T.. Lee. and John II.
Polk aroused continued cheers. General
stephen d. Lee was easily recognized.
With their respective divisions, the
commanding officers from each State
rode by, and as they were recognized
shouts went up and as little bands
marched along bearing the tattered flags
inscribed with the names OF bloody bat
tle-fields, a mighty roar ascended. From
the time the South Carolina troops.
bearing palmetto branches, started to
the music of Dixie" all down the line
until Tennessees troops passed the stand
where General Gordon for one hour and
a half saluted the passing posts. the air
was rent with cheers. with drum-beats,
bugle- blasts. and music by bands.
HEAVY RAIN.
And though. at noon rain fell In tor
rents. the veterans. sponsors. maids of
honor, generals. and privates stood to
their posts. and when the storm had
passed resumed the line of march.
AS was to be expected. the Tennessee
Division was the largest. but the adioin-
ing States furnished thousands. and from
the distant, ones the attendance was
heavy. After passing the reviewing
stand the parade was dismissed, and the