The Wilson times. [volume] (Wilson, N.C.) 1896-19??, 1897-06-25
Confederate Reunion.

GAsHvILLE, June 22.-Many special
trains arrived to-day with ex-Confeder-
ate soldiers and friends who came for
the purpose of attending the annual re-
union of the Confederate veterans. The
regular trains We're run in sections, in
order to accommodate the very heavy
demand for transportation.
Rain fell during the morning, but
the weather cleared somewhat toward
noon. The ex Confederate soldiers
spent the morning in attending the re-
union at the Tabernacle and meeting
old comrades.
Prominent among those on the plat
form were Gen. Stephen d. Lee, of
Mississippi, Judge ]. H. Reagan, of
Texas, the only surviving member of
Jefferson Davis cabinet Col. A. S.
Colyar and ID. Thomas Menses. of
Nashville and Hon. j. D. G.. Atkins,
surviving members of the Confederate
Congress, Hon. Marcus !. Wright, of
Washington.
Robert E. Lee Jr.. q grandson of
Gen. Robert E. Lee, also occupied a
prominent place on the platform and q
son Of Gen. Hood was present. Both
Of these young men were shown mark
ed attention by the veterans.
Gen. John b. Gordon arrived during
the morning and was given an en-
thusiastic reception.
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 be-
half of the State, Judge Ferriss spoke
for the county, and Bishop Fitzgerald,
who represented Mayor Mccarthy,
spoke for the city. Cap. J. B. Q. Brien,
chairman of the executive committee,
welcomed the visitors. Gen. Gordon
spoke briefly. Judge Reagan then de-
llVefeQ the OfallOn.
The city is full to overhowing and
the rush has not ceased. This ritter
noon and night the incoming trains
were packed and the streets are filled
with middle-aged men wearing the
associations badge. In addition the
friends and families of the veterans
have turned out in force, and the
sponsors and maids Of honor have ad-
ded to the attractions Tonight bands
are parading the streets, playing tunes
familiar to all who endured the trials
from 81 TO 65. Headquarters are
besieged, speeches are being made, and
the city is one grand mass of festive
occupants. The chief subject Of dis
cussion is the proposed retirement of
General John B. Gordon as comman-
der-in-chef. He has signified his in
tention of retiring from the command
of the association and this has caused a
SOOu OCdl vi WIG
Many names are suggested for his
successor, among them General Simon
Bolivar Buckner, General Joe Wheeler,
General Stewart and others. General
Buckner's position on the financial
question and his candidacy for Vice
President as the nominee of the Indian
apolis Convention is being used against
him. But from present indications this
is labor lost. General Gordon will an
nounce his desire to retire, the associa-
ton will re-elect him and force him to
again accept the position The Associ-
ated Press correspondent is satisfied,
from what he can learn, that General
Gordon will be elected commander-in-
chief and will accept.
A brilliant reception was given by
the Tennessee Daughters of the Confed-
eracy TO the old soldiers, the sponsors
and the maids of honor at the capitol
tonight, 1t was largely attended and
was one of the charming events of the
re- union
Tomorrow the convention will hold
a business session in the forenoon. In
the afternoon there will be reception
of the visiting ladies in the woman's
at the centennial, and at night
a Confederate concert at the tabernacle,
to be followed by grand BAL at the
capitol. The tide of incomers Vill not
cease until Thursday. Thou- ,nds of
the veterans visited the Expo, ition to-
night and witnessed the fireworks pre-
pared expressly for the occasion.