Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-13
MAY PASS ON BUTLER
HIS CONDUCT TOUCHED on AT
MEETING OF LEE CAMP.
REGARDED Is DANGEROUS SUBJECT.
Its Introduction Deprecated by Men,
bers of the Camp-A Veteran
Promptly Denies the Change That
He Was Under Butler.

The action OF MajOr-General Butler In
connection with the alleged insubordina-
ton of the Third Virginia Regiment was
not acted on by Lee Camp at its meet
ing last night, but II was quite clear
that his old comrades in arms have
been giving the matter serious thought,
and it was also evident that just at
present they are not prepared to exon
crate him of all charges.
The meeting was not a large one,
owing to the wet weather. and when 8
o'clock came the routine OF business was
finished. Under the head Of the good of
the camp nobody offered to say anything.
though Commander Laughton insisted
upon remarks from some of the COM
rades. It was something almost unpre-
cedented for the camp to adjourn so
early, and the Commander hesitated long
to put the motion.
While still requesting remarks, COM
rade entered, advanced and saluted, and
was on the point of taking his seat, when
a member of the camp well in the rear
of the hall arose and requested that he
address the camp.
II think, Commander" he said, that
the comrade can give us something in
teresting, and l want TO hear from him."
The newcomer protested that he could
say nothing which would edify or inte-
rest the camp. and resumed his seat.
But the comrade who had insisted on his
speaking would not let him escape so
easily.
CHARGE AND DENIAL.
nd he az
on the comrades speaking tonight.
feel sure he could interest us veEy much
just at this time. as l understand he was
a member OF General Buffers command"
1.-THE comrade is mistaken" exclaimed
the late conner, springing to his feet. Il
was in Fitz. Lees Brigade, and later in
Fitz. Lees Division. 1 never served I'M
der Butler in my life" he declared, with
emphasis.
''You should demand an apology" re-
marked comrade further down the hall.
1.-THE subject should never have been
brought up" said another comrade. soto
voce, 20 neighbor. IT'S dangerous. It's
coming up soon enough"
I'VE are on the edge of volcano" said
another
Commander Laughton here put the mo-
ton to adjourn, and 1t was promptly car
ried. AS the members gathered about the
commanders stand for the usual friendly
gossip, the allusion to the South Carolina
General was commented upon. 1t was
very evident that the general sentiment
was opposed TO any mention of it.
NOT YET TINE.
ut is not the time to discuss General
Buffers conduct" said a member or the
camp to the Dispatch reporter. ut Will
be time enough when court OF inquiry
shall have reported upon his conduct"
Are you thinking Of taking down his
picture2 was asked. abiding to the large
portrait of General Butler hanging on the
wall, presented to the camp in October
last.
"Oh of course not" was the reply.
II the camp were called upon to pass
on General Buffers case now 1t is diff
cult TO say what it's action would be.
There is, of course, strong feeling Of
friendship for the old Confederate SOL
der, but there is also strong predsposi-
ton to believe the story of the Virginia
officers and men, and il is not possible
that all parties can be in the right. 1t is
not unlikely that the question will come
up eventually.