The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-10
PRocEEDINGs Nv DErAIL.
Chairman Woods Makes an Explanation
ofthe Position Of fthe Committee.


The committee met at IL o'clock A. NJ.
with the following members present:
Captain Micsjah Woods, chairman,
Charlottesville Va.
Judge Perryman Green, Of Danville.
Mr. y. y. Morgan. of Petersburg.
Colonel Washington Taylor or Norfolk.
Colonel w A smoot, OF Aley ndria.
Chairman Woods. Fellow Confederates
Comrades and Citizens Of Virginia:
You are all familiar with the objects
which are had in view in the investica-
ton which Will be held upon this occa-
sion. IL is not only very serious and
very sacred duty that We have 10 dts
charge, but II is a duty which. 10 this
committee, IS very unpleasant one
Under the resolutions adopted the
Grand Camp Of Confederate Veterans OF
Virginia requested these five gentlemen
to convene here 10 make an investigatiOn
az 10 whether ary OF the men ters OF the
History Committee Of the Grand Camp OF
Virginia are in any way connected with
publishing houses, or under their in
nuence. directly or indirectly.
If there is one duty which - a supreme
one 10 be discharged by the men Of this
generation in the South, II Is 70 see that
the story of that great war. that the
story Of the valor and the fortitude OF
the C0nf-derates, their loyalty 10 princi-
PIE, 10 home, and TO country. is not only
told trutlfully 10 this generation. but put
II. an abiding form, that others WHO come
after us may honor US FOR the deeds
which We reformed.
II is true. as has been said. that Prov
iderce denied 10 Is victory. but IL crown
ed w with immortal glory We Confei-
crates are charged with the duty now OF
T.. -
written: and the men 10 whom II Is de-
puted 10 recommend TO the teachers OF
the South and TO the States OF the South.
proper histories should be absolutely
clean-hendcd. They should be men whose
reDutatiGn in this respect Is as Chaste a.
the icicle that hangs new CONCEALED, from
Dian's temple
4 SACRED DUTY.
The gentlemen upon this committee
were notified some months ago that they
had been selected with a view 10 this
investigation. and / can say in behalf
Of the gentlemen upon this committee.
themselves as well as myself. that We
knew nothing absolutely OF the charge.
and nothing specially Of the rumors
that were aflOat touching the History
Committee Thought l may be guilty OF
some ceieiiciion OF duty as member or
the Grand Camp of Virginia. and as a
Confederate. / will say that I was not
familiar with the names Of those who
cCynuosed that committee.
When the summons came We felt that
we owed IL not only 10 our comrades
I'm virginia. but In the south. that We
owed it 10 the cause. 10 respond and act
upon this committee. and We are here
10 do 50.
You will recognize the fact that this
committee is not clothed with the exc
cufi.e power We SIT not as any regu-
lar coUrt formed by the laws Oi the Com
monweaHh. with power TO punish for
tontemnt or compel witnesses 70 testify.
lr all of this matter We have 70 rely upon
tn. courteous treatment Of those sum-
mond before us and We trust those who
may be asked questions will freely an
swer them. recognizing that. whilst We
have no power % compel them 10 testify
that there IS a public sentiment. JUST
public sentiment. that should compel any