The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1898-03-21
GEN. GRAHAM COMES
TO TAKE OMNAND
Commander OF tho Department Of The
South Arrived Wednesday.
HIS STAFF ACCOMPANIES HIM
Officers from Fort Mcpherson Greeted
Him at the Train.
TALKS PLEASANTLY OF CHANGE
Says he Knows Nothing Of the War
Situation, Except What He Has
Read In the Papers.

Read in the Papers.
The department OF the south was the pass
word Wednesday. Brigadier General Will
liam NJ. Graham commander Of the depart
ment of the south: Lieutenant Colonel John
Simpson. chief quartermaster and Lieu
tenant G. T. Barney aid-de-camp to Cen
eral Graham. reached the city during the
morning. Their future official residence will
be Atlanta
The distinguished party Of United States
army officers was met at the train by
Colonel Cook commandant of Fort McPher-
son. First Lieutenant Normoyle and 9TH
crs. who extended to General Graham and
those accompanying him warm welcome
to Atlanta
General Graham's party was escorted at
once TO the AragOn hotel, where a suite of
rooms had been arranged in advance The
trip here was long one. and the officers
we're glad to reach their destination, where
they could take a rest.
The members of the party wero besicgcd
during the afternoon with people who wish
ed to speak with them. Some came socially
and many for business. A number of Of
ticers from the post We're at the hotel to
pay their respects. Several officers of the
Georgia Volunteers called on the arrivals.
1t was a military day for the hotel. and
the department of the south" was the
name on everyone's lips when General
Graham arrived a large flag was run up on
the flag STAFF on the hotel and 1lOatcd to
the breeze in recognition of his presence.
General Graham is already pleased with
Atlanta. one of the first things he said to
q Constitution reporter was that he be
lieved he would find Atlanta a beautiful
city and would enjoy his residence here.
Is tg..ID jG ,,H and Ita
personifcation of courtesy and geutlenesS.
In citizens clothes he does not have the
appearance of an army officer. ami would
never be taken IS such, but the moment he
,ons his uniform he looks the strong, ro-
bust and agile officer That his friends say
he is He is a thorough diplomat, possess
ing in u prc-cmineut degree the ability OF
saying Il great deal without giving out any
General Graham would talk for the press.
but said that ne did not know anything
officially As to the crisis between Spain
ana the United States. he knew no more
than any civilian who read the newspapers,
and as to a declaration of war that was a
matter for the president and congress
Il viii at once establish my headquarters
partment.' II" said. Il expect within
week to be permancnIy situated and trans
acting the executive business of the depart
ment OF the1bf as it should be-
Chang - Been Contemplated.
Docs y jion between Spain and
the Unit ave any hearing on the
change .0ents of the army?'
was
IN .5's&1 General Ora
ham. for n. contemplated
for s ~ iva Leased with my
new III ,on requI> l shall like it.
Yes. in m and he 'nent Of the east
in th. ron, which "a Ter that depart
ment .if zyitho,i the west by the
revision ~ -.l.,,,.'5 :. The post at San
Antonio wt>9 1a,.,l.! the same as it was
when | wa ~.
ATLANTA, W tcrstand, is an admirably
located city, Tl" would be an important
point in case OF a war, as ] believe it has
= large number of railroads ana very A.
ccssi6lc TO all parts OF the south. I do not
know whether il would be made a c..rtar
Of operations during war That is a ques-
nave hoI '''SlEt" any oI'','9 OIL ii'P
ahct LON ne #"L 'GI''! ,I'iGIe 1I''I nero