The age-herald., 1898-07-21

To-morrow 0he anniversary of the patt'e of Manassas) routine business will DC trans- acted by the convention and various soci.' functions will be given in the evening".
 Grand Parade of Veterans
 The grand parade of the veterans, which is looked forward to with much interest, will be presented Friday afternoon (anni- yersary of the battle of Atlanta).
 The Sons of Veterans
 Atlanta, July 20-The Sons of Confed- crate Veterans who have been coming into town for two days held the first days ses- sion today. Addresses of welcome were delivered to which Hon. Jesse w. Sparks responded Today's session was not of vital importance, but there are many mat ters to be considered. committee was appointed today to revise the constitution which was formulated in Richmond three years ago and they will report in day or two
 The election of officers will be held today.
 The sons, as a body, favor Charleston for the next encampment of the veterans and the sons From Chief Smythe down, every man is working nara for Charleston and their hopes tonight are high. .,, President Wilkes, of the Fulton club, will entertains the sons and thelr 1rlends ae the club tomorrow.
 Ten thousand veterans and their friends filled to ovsrfowing the big auditorium at Piedmont park this morning and cheereo the living heroes of the Confedefacy ana the names of the dead. Glowing tributes were paid to the records and achievements of the sons of the south in the war witn Spain A burning July sun sent its hottest rays through the windows or the ampni- theater, but the heat did not diminish tne enthusiasm of the assembled thousands. When General John B. Gordon entered tho 1nlo, nd cheering were deafening. The general, when he reached the platform walked from one side to the other, lowing his acknowledgements again and again. There was no doubting his place jn the hearts of the veterans.
 It was one hour and half after the time set for opening the convention when Gen. eral Cary Evans, the commander of the Georgia delegation called the assembiage to order On the stage, grouped about Gen eral Gordon, were General Stephen D. Lee, General Cabell, of Texas; General Iige An- derson General Hooker, the orator or the dav: General J. J. Anderson and General wilson. of Florida, and Adjutant General Moorman of New Orleans In the hrst row on the stage were Governor Atkinson anu ex-Governors Bullock and McDaniel, Mayor Collier, Colonel W. A. Hempnin ana deh- eral Asbury Coward.
 Rev. Dr. J. William Jones, the chap lain-general of the Confederates, invoked divine blessing upon the assemblage ana welcoming addresses were then delivered bv Mayor Collier, Representative Thomas Fielder, Colonel Hemphill and Governor Atkinson.
 The Governors Welcome
 Tho oovernor's welcome was heartily received After extending the freedom or the state city and the executive mansion' the governor said:
 "A great many people have misconceived our relations to the national government. ra6 forces two things-the negro as free man and the adjustment of the doctrine Of se- cession. But the state never did surrenaer the strict construction of the constitution of the United States. Whenever this great question which divide northern and south- ern statesmen is submitted to the supreme court 1t has always decided in favor or the southern position.
 General Gordon was next on the list Of speakers. As soon as the governor had concluded, the impatient veterans, unable longer to restrain themselves. began to shout "Gordon, Gordon" From all parts of the building the name was taken up and the greeting was assuming vociferous pro- portions when the general rose and raised his hand The audience was stilled in- stantN. General Evans then introduced General Gordon. The general notwith- standing his recent illness, the effects of which were plainly visible was surprising ly strong in voice and his remarks were heard in every part of the auditorium.
 GeF GordoR's Speech
 General Gordon said:
 Governor, General Evans, MT Mayor and Gentlemen of the Committees:
 As Georgian at home, my proper place in this programme would seem to be among those who bid these veterans well come and not as the mouthpiece of the re- cip.ents of that welcome. The official sta tion however, to which my comrades have called me demands that in their name re-