The Forrest City times., 1899-05-12
CONFEDERATE VETERANS.
Opening of the Annual Reunion oi the United Confederate Veter-
 ans at Charleston, s. c.
TEN THOUSAND OLD VETERANS IN LINE.
The City Filled with Visitors and Thousands Turned Away from the Auditorfum-Enthu Reccp- tion to Gen. GordOn-The ola "Rebel Yell"

Charleston, S. C., May 11.-Fully 3j,- GOO 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- ercses at the new Auditorium. Ten thousand veterans were in line, when the procession moved, shortly before three o'clock.
 The divisions in each department were arranged in the order of the dates 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 line as follows:
 The Army of Virginia-First, South Carolina division; second, Virginia di- vision; third, North Carolina division; fourth, Maryland division; fifth, Ken lucky division; sixth, West Virginia division.
 Army of the Tennessee-First, Mis- ion; third, Alabama division; fourth, Georgia division; fifth, Louisiana di- vision; sixth, Tennessee division.
 Transmississippi Department-Firs-, 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-Chief K A. Smith.
 When Gen. C. l.. Walker called tho first session of the reunion to order with the gavel used at the secession as sembly, in 1860, over 7,500 people were in the auditorium. Thousands were turned away.
 The old "Rebel Yell"
 Gov. Ellerbe could not attend the re- union, on account of illness, and the address of welcome was delivered by Lieut.-Gov. McSweeny. Mayor J. A. Snyth followed. His reference 10 South Carolina and Charleston as the cradle of secession brought forth the retel yell. The yell was caught up by the crowd on the outside and passed along for blocks.
 Ovation to Gen. Gordon.
 At 11:30 Gen. Walker introduced Gen. John B. Gordon, comamnder-in- chief of the United Confederate Vet erans. The audience arose, and for several minutes shouted like demons. Hats were thrown into the air and tl.e band played Dixie" Every sentence of his speech was wildly applaudcd.
 An InspirinK scene.
 It was several minutes after he had taken his seat before quiet could be restored. When order was ecured Gen. Gordon said:
 "l want every comrade to stand and sing: Praise God from whom all ble ssings flow Mrs. Jefferson Davis was introduced by Gen. Gordon as the enc whom Jefferson Davis loved bet ter than the confederacy. and better than his own life. As Mrs. Davis ap- peared the veterans went wild with enthusiasm.
 "I am going to shake her hand, comrades" cried Gen. Gordon. "I am going to hug her." and caught her in bis arms and pressed her to his bosom.
 Many distinguished officers and pri yates were next introduced The con vention then adjourned.