Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-23


nzed and protected slavery. declared
that 1t was a league with hell and
covenant with DEATH"
Whatever may have been said in the
past In defence OF the institution OF
slavery, and whatever may now be
thought OF the means by which II was
abolished in this country. the spirit OF
the present age Is against IT, and IL
has passed away, and / suppose no one
wishes It's restoration. II that were prac-
ticablc. Certainly l would not restore
IL IL had the power. think IT better
for the black race that they are free,
and ] am sure II is better for the white
race that there are no slaves. The re-
storation OF peace. good government,
the rule OF law. and good law. for those
who were once enemies. Is as gratifying
TO me as Il can be 10 any other citizen.
But the charge has been constantly made
since the war that the Confederates were
rebels and traitors and the effort Is all
the time being made TO educate the
rising generation into the belief that
their fathers and their mothers were
rebels and traitors. and. therefore. law
less criminals.
OUR PLACE IN HISTORY.
Now that we are again citizens of the
United States, living under the same gov
eminent and constitutional flag. our late
adversaries ought not to desire 10 de-
grade us In the eyes OF posterity. and IL
they would be wise and just, they should
not wish TO place our people In history
in the position OF being unworthy Of the
rights. liberty. and character OF citizens
OF our great and common country. And
while / have accepted, and do accept, In
good faith. the legitimate results OF the
war. and while am and will be. as true
10 my allegiance and duty to our common
government as any other citizen can he.
/ shall insist on my right to tell the
truths which show that in that great
struggle We were guided and controlled
by sense OF duty and by a spirit OF pa
triotsm, which caused us to stake life.
liberty. and property in a contest with a
greatly superior power rather than base
~ surrender our rights without a strug-
gle. From the desolation, absence OF
civil government and political rights, and
outlawry produced throughout the South
ern States. less than thirty years ago.
We now I'm all these states, nave sood
civil govbrnment. good laws faithfully
enforced. liberty protected society re-
organized. peace and industry re-estab-
lished with many valuable enterprises
put into successful operation, and with
steady and wonderful increase In popu-
lation. wealth. and comforts or civilized
life This constitutes the greatest ana
proudest vindication Of the capacities Of
our people for local self-government. and
is a grander and nobler achievement by
our people than was ever obtained by war.
II is the triumph of their capacity for
seif-government, and shows that our peo-
ple are worthy the possession OF the poll
teal power and religious liberty which
they now enjoy.
THE CITY OVERLOOKING.
The city is full TO overlooking. and the
rush has not ceased. This afternoon and
night the incoming trains were packed,
and the streets are filed with middle
aged men wearing the association
badge In addition. the friends ana
families of the veterans have turned out
i'm force. and the sponsors and maids Oh
honor have added TO the attractions.
Tonight bands are playing ana pa
rading the streets, playing tunes ia
miliar TO all who endured the trials from
1861 10 1866. Headquarters are besieged.
speeches are being made, and the city Is
one grand mass OF festive occupants. The
chief subject Of discussion Is the pro-
| nose3 retirement OF General John Il.
! Gordon As commander-in- chief. He has
eignifed his intention of retiring from
the command of the association, and TINS
has caused a good deal of wire-puliing
Many names are suggested for his sue
J cessor among them General Simon BOIL
var Ruckner General Joe Wheeler, Cen
oral Stewart. and others. General
/ Ruckner's position on the financial ques-
! tion and his candidacy for Nice-Presi-
/ dent as the nominee of the Indianapolis
convention is being urged against hlm'
But from presen; indications, TINS IS
/ labor lost General Gordon VIII an
nounce his desire to retire. the assoca-
tion will say he shall not retire, Will
reflect him. and force him TO again ac-
/ cept the position.
GORDON HIS OWN SUCCESSOR.
The Associated Press correspondent is
satisfied from what he can learn tha'
General Gordon will be elected COM
mander-ln-chief and will accept
A brilliant reception was given by the
j Tennessee Daughters Of the Confederacy
/ 10 the old soldiers. the sponsors, ana the
maids of honor at the Capitol tonight
/ II was largely attended, and was one OF
the charming events of the reunion,
Tomorrow. the convention VIII hoid
! business session in the forenoon. In th'
| afternoon there will be reception OF
/ Tho visiting ladies IN the Woman's Bulid'
inc at the Centennial, and at night
| Confederate concert at the Iabei hacie
~ he followed by grand ball at th'
| Capitol. -, 80. ooase
IRE tide Of incomers VIII nor ceas'
| ,,r4u Thursday. Thousands OF tne Nelo
rms visited he Exposition to-hisht, an.
witnessed fireworks prepared expressly
for the occasion.