The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-07-21
InECONFDDERATE VETS
Enthusiastically Greet Their Com
mander, General Gordon.
THESOUPHERN HEROES OF TODAY

The Names of IIobson, Bagley, Blue
and 4schley Cheered to the Echo.
General Gordon VIII Be Re-elected
Commander without IL Contest.
Atlanta. Ga, July 21.--A conservative
estimate Of the people now in Atlanta,
to attend the eighth annual reunion of
the Confederate veterans. is 10000. and
today's arrivals are expected to swell
the total number, of visitors to the 5O,.
900 marx: Much disappointment is ex.
pressed at the unavoidable absence Of
Mrs: Jefferson Davis. Miss Winnie Da-
Wis, however, is expected today.
The interest of the day centered in
the first meeting of the veterans in tho
Auditorium of Piedmont Park. There.
surrounded by 10000 of his devoted fol.
lowers, General John b. Gordon. COM
mander-in-chief of the veterans, de-
livered an address which thrilled his
auditors. The speeches of the day
abounded with praises of the heroic
deeds and achievements Of the sons OF
the south in the present war. and the
name Of Hobson, Bagley. Schley and
Blue were cheered to the echo. Gem
eral Charles L. Hooker, Of Mississippi
the orator of the day was given
cordial reception.
General Cary Evans, the commander
OF the Georgia delegation, called the as
semblaGe to order. Rev. DR.. J. William
JONES' the chaplain general of the Con-
federates invoked divine blessings upon
the assemblage and the welcoming ad-
dresses were then delivered by Mayor
Collier Representative Thomas 3. Eel.
der, Colonel w. A. Hemphill and Gov
ernor Atkinson.
The governors welcome was heartily
received. Extending the freedom of tho
city, state and executive mansion, the
governor said:
"A great many people have miscon-
ceived our relations to the national
government. When we surrendered to
the opposing forces. we granted two
things-the negro as free man and
the adjustment Of the doctrine Of se-
cession. But the state never did sur
render the strict construction of the
constitution of the United States.
Whenever this great question which
divides northern and southern states-
men Is submitted to the supreme court !
1t has always decided in favor of 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 al parts of the building the name
was taken up ana the greeting was as
suming vociferous proportions when
the general rose and raised his hand.
The audience was stlled instantly
General Evans then introduced Gem
eral Gordon. The general, notwith-
standing his recent illness. the effects
Of which were plainly visible, was sur
prisngly strong in voice, and his re-
marks, literally punctuated with ap-
2ause. were heard in every part of the
auditorium.
Referring. to the surrender at Ap-
General Hooker the orator
II the day. stated that some of the
ederal officers desired to fire a salute
When General Grant learning of 1t said:
Stop that firing. We have no victory
o be proud of, for we have been four
'ears capturing these 5000 men who
rave laid down their arms"
1t goes without saying that General
Gordon will be reelected commander
n-chief without opposition.
spirited contest is on for the next
'ncampment. Charleston, s. c., has
'een aggressive from the start but
his morning the chances seem to favor
louisville.
Professor II. F. Andrews, director of
ne Corcoran School of Art at WASH
1gton. has painted a magnificent full
myth military portrait of General Lee
be presented to the Confederate Me-
lorial association. The portrait will be
nveiled at the Auditorium tonight.