Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-07
OPPOSES a G.. \. II. VISIT.
Col. CussOns Doesn't Want the En-
campment in Richmond.
(Special to the New York Sun)

Especial to the New York SUM
RICHMOND, VA, August 5.-In view
of the action Of the Young Mems Bush
ness Association of this city in resolving
to invite the Grand Army Of the Republic
to hold its 1899 encampment here. Colonel
John Cussons, the Virginia State Com
mander Of the United Confederate Nete-
rams. has written a letter opposing the
move on the ground that the visitors
would not receive here the cordial well
come and sincere hospitality TO which
they are entitled, and which they would
naturally expect to enjoy. In his letter
Colonel Cussons says:
I'VE should sedulously avoid any act or
utterance which might possibly engender
friction between the departing and the
On-cOming generations OF our people. old
Confederates dwell naturally on the past,
nursing the memory OF the great DAYS
which are gone-days rich in promise ana
i'm achieved renown-days dark with the
gloom Of defeat, filed with abiding sor-
row. yet never until now threatened with
the tint of shame. Meantime our young
men lift their eager gaze TO the future,
and are impatient OF all that may seem
to check or hinder their career.
81 sympathi with them. / wish them
godsDeed. They are the true talesmen OF
Virginia, and in every fibre Of my being
| thrill with their energy and gather
inspiration from their hope. But is this
public a thing 10 be desired by the people
of your city? Would your Confederate
camps be likely to forget their many re-
pulses and cordially fraternize with these
visitors? Would they entertain them with
that free and ELUSIVE hospitality which
has so long marked their treatment OF
the stranger within their gates? And fail
ing this even i'm slight degree, would not
the day of healing be pushed further
back?
las n separate proposition. perhaps.
nothing would be more instructive or
more salutary than close intermingling
of our southern youth with the men or
the Grand Army, for the illusion which
northern literature has been fostering
among our young people would be rather
rudely dissipated when a mixed assort-
ment of these gentlemen should begin 10
regale YOU with their camp songs on
Marching Through Georgia and the
Sour AppleTruee.' and 'Sheridan's Ride
in the Valley and TO be less than pre-
pared for this would impose n restraint
upon your guests which would rob their
reunion of one OF its striking character
| isticg."
Colonel Cussons then quoted the utter
ance of "a well-informed and patriotic
northerner," which is in part as follows;
LET time and merciful silence oollte-
rate the scars Of war. and succeeding
| generations, fostered by the smiles or
| prosperity, soften the bitterness or the
| Dast and mellow the memory or a mighty
| struggle, in which each contending host
| called upon Almighty God 10 sustain their
cause. which it honestly believed to DC
| lust"
Colonel Cussons concludes:
al fully join with you in the opinion
that for Richmond or any other southern
| CITY TO assume the relation of host to an
organization which is partly composed OF
/ negroes would at this time be peculiarly
unftting. and | sincerely hope that some
other method may be devised for the adj
vencement CT RichmOnd's welfare
! II is believed here that the letter OF
| Colonel Cussons will preclude any posi-
bility OF securing 10 this city the Grahu
Army Of the Republic encampment.