The Van Buren press., 1899-05-13
CONFEDERATE VETERANS.
Opening of the Annual Reunion Of
the United Confederate Veter-
ans at Charleston, S. C.
TEN THOUSAND OLD VETERANS IN LINE.
me City Filled with Visitors aud
Thousands Turned Away from The
Auditorium-Enthu ReceD-
tiOn to Gen. GOrdon-The Old
"RebeI Yell"

Charleston, S. c., May 11.-Fully 3j,-
600 visitors and confederate veterans
are here attending the anual reunion
OF the United Confederate Veteran So
ciety. Every hotel and boarding house
in the city is filled and cots have been
placed in the public buildings.
The Grand Parade.
The feature of the day was the
parade, preceded by the reunion ex-
ercises at the new Auditorium. Ten
thousand veterans We're in line, when
tie procession moved, shortly before
three o'clock.
The divisions in each department
We're arranged in the order of the
oates of secession, followed by those
which did not leave the Union, placed
in the order of their joining the United
Confederate veterans.
Order of Formation.
The war departments and divisions
of the confederate army were in lire
as follows:
The Army of Nirginia-First, South
Carolina division; second, Virginia Iii
vision; third, North Carolina division;
fourth, Maryland division; fifth, Ken
lucky division; sixth, West Virginia
division.
Army of the Tennessee-First, Mis-
sissippi division; second, Florida divis-
ion; third, Alabama division; fourth,
Georgia division; fifth, Louisiana lii
| vision; sixth, Tennessee division.
Transmississippi epartment-Fi
Texas division; second, Arkansas di-
vision; third, Missouri division;
fourth, Indian Territory division; fifth,
Oklahoma division.
Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Following this came the United
Sons of Confederate Veterans. led by
Commander-in-C Chief X "A. Smith.
When Gen. c. L. Walker called the
| first session of the reunion to order
with the gavel used at the secession
as sembly in 1860, over $500 people
were in the auditorium. Thousands
were turned away.
The Old "Rebel YelI.'
Gov. Ellerbe could not attend the re-
union, on account of illness, and the
address of welcome was delivered 10y
Lieut.. Gov. McSweeny Mayor j. A.
Sniyth followed. His reference 10
South Carolina and Charleston as the
cIIdle of secession brought forth the
1etel veil The yell was caught up by
the crowd on the outside and passed
| along for blocks.
Ovation to Gen. Gordon.
At 1880 Gen. Walker introduced
| Gen. John B. Gordon, COMMANDMENTS
| chief of the United Confederate Vet
erans. The audience arose, and for
several minutes shouted like demons.
! Hats were thrown into the air and The
band played "Diyie." Every sentence
OF his speech was wildly applauded'
An Inspiring Scene.
| II was several minutes after he had
taken his seat before quiet could be
restored. When order was ecured Gen.
| Gordon said: ..r
81 want every comrade to stand and
sing: Praise God from whom all
| blessings flow " Mrs. Jefferson DAVIS
was introduced by Gen. Gordon as The
| cue whom jefferson Davis loved bet
ter than the confederacy, and better
than his own life. AS Mrs Davis ap-
| ncared the veterans went wild with
| enthusiasm.
II am going TO shake her hand,
| comrades" cried Gen. Gordon. Il am
gong to hug her." and caught her III
bis arms and pressed her to his
| bosom.
Many distinguished officers and pri'
Yates were next introduced. The con-
ycntion then adjourned.