The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-05-12
WHEELER HERO
At CHARLESTON
Greeted With The Frantic Enthusi-
asm Of the Volunteers,
GEN. GORDON PRESENTED HIM
While Handkerchiefs, Canes and
Umbrellas Filled Air.
TEARS WELLED FROM MANY EYES
As the Little General Talked of the
Dark Sixties.
GRAND TRIBUTE TO MISS DAVIS
General Lees Resolution on McKinleys
Suggestion Still in the Hands of
the Committee Gordon Has
No Opposition.
AS the Little General Talked of the
Dark Sixties.
GRAND TRIBUTE TO MISS DAVIS

Charleston, S. c., May 1.-THE Confed-
crate Veterans held but one session today,
which shortly after noon gave way to the
Winnie Davis memorial execises at the
conclusion of which an adjournment until
o'clock was taken.
The announcement that General Joseph
Wheeler was to speak filled the Auditorium
and the heroes of two wars was given
rousng reception and immense audience.
The delegates and visitors devoted the
afternoon to excursions to nearby resorts,
trips down the bay and social functions,
and tonight a concert was given at the
Auditorium, where the superb choir and
orchestra rendered a programme of south
ern war Songs
General Stephen d. Lees resolution ac-
cepting President McKinley's suggestion
that the federal government should assume
the care of the confederate graves is now
in the hands of the committee on resolu-
tions, to which it was referred early in the
forenoon. The committee held a protracted
session, but reached no final action. They
will meet at o'clock tomorrow morning,
and Ii is probable the matter will be dis
posed of during the morning session of the
convention. The election of officers will
occur tomorrow. General John B. Gordon
has no opposition to reelection as COM
msnder-in-chlef and his election will be
probably unanimous.
The perfect weather conditions continue
and the reunion is pronounced one of the
most enjoyable and successful of it's eight
predecessors In spite of the crowd there
have been no disorders or accidents and
the police arrangements are in keeping
with other preparations made by the city
for the reception and entertainment of the
veterans
The committee on resolutions, which is
considering General Lees resolution, is
composed of the following: T. w. Car
VILE, South Carolina; Colonel Ben. H.
Young. Kentucky; General George Reise
Florida; Colonel Boiling, Virginia; W. p.
Talley. Tennessee; James p. Coffin, Ar
kansas; Thomas Spight, Mississippi; r. W.
Hunter District of Columbia; James r.
Crow, Alabama; Colonel Davis, Fable La
Colonel ]. s. Sanders, Missouri; s. p
Green. Texas; James A. Lafan, West vir-
ginia; c. c. Rainwater, Maryland; F. H.
Busbee. N. c.
committee of Confederate Veterans
appointed by the general assembly of
Florida, headed by Colonel Durant, pre-
sented to the veterans during the morning
session resolution of the Florida legisla-
formity in the method of granting pensions
by the different states to disabled veterans
Wheeler Created Frantic Enthusiasm
After some further general business the
feature of the days session took place
General Wheeler's address and the scene
that attended his introduction was one of
frantic enthusiasm. Advancing to the
front of the platform, General Gordon
held up his hand, and absolute silence fell
nnOn the andipnCa a c no
Comrades, have here real treat for
you. If l should tell this convention there
is here the hero of Santiago-.' General
Gordon could get no further A wild burst
of applause thundered forth, rebel yells
split the air and hats, canes and handker-
chiefs were waved as the great audience
rose to its feet. Finally, securing quiet
General Gordon spoke of General Wheeler
ms "the man who at Santiago held to the
front place the army and flag of America"
Again the applause thundered out and,
rising, the assembage continued cheering
until the scene was one of the widest that
has ever marked a reunion. Proceeding,
General Gordon described General Wheeler
as one of the widest wizards of the con-
federacy," and then repeated the apochry-
phal story of the famous little cavalry man
phal story of the famous little cavalryman
when at Santiago. Again the applause
broke out The audience rose as General
Wheeler stepped forward. apparently much
aHected. he wore black Prince Albert
suit with badges on each lapel of his coat.
He spoke deliberately, calmly md clearly,
the audience giving him close attention.
His reference to the general sorrow caused
by the death of Winnie Davis yisibly af-
fected many.
General Wheeler concluded amid a great
demonstration OF cheers and applause,
with the band playing America"
General Wheeler said in part:
General Wheeler's Address
"Thc history of our country when COM
pared with all the eras that have preceded
us. shows that our civilization has pro-
duced the highest class of men and the
nobles. type OF soldiers. The very idea Of
liberty nerves the soul and trcs the heart
Defeat but exasperates, aiding desperation
to vigor and energy, to determined resolve
"I. was the teaching OF fathers and
mothers who fled from the oppression OF