The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1899-08-03
WELCOME TO THE VETERANS
CHEsTER's GRAND HOSPITALITY

Generous Greeting at Chester-Gen.
eral Walker Makes an Eloquent
, Response.
The annual reunion OF the South
Carolina Division, u. G. ", was held
at Chester on the Goth and 9th of July.
The attendance Of Confederate survi-
vOrs was not very large, but the hospi-
tality and good cheer OF the Chester
people made up for tho lack in other
respects.
The convention was called to order by
Capt. j. w. Reed, commander OF the
local camp, and the exercises were
opened with prayer by Rev. S. p. H.
Elwell, ID, chaplain general OF the
South Carolina Division.
Miss May Hood, sponsor for the
Walker-GastOn camp, was presented
by Capt. IL :cd, ard welcomed the vet.
Grams on behalf OF the camp in Chester,
CT which she was the representative.
This feature was quito al innovation
upon past reunions, as 1t Is customary to
have q veteran to fill this place, but
Gen. Walker said the veterans were
grateful for the change, which was
compliment to Miss Hood and the
maDnsr in which she had performed
the service.
Senator J. L Glenn extended a well
come on behalf of tho citizens Of Ches-
ter, and on tehalf of Capt. Roed, pre-
sented to the division a gavcl Of pine
wood, just = plain gavel, withou, orna-
ment or figure, but worry suggestive Of
history. As he explained to Gen.
Walker, the handle Is q part OF tho
gun that fired the first shot against
Fort Sumter, and the head OF the NAL
let WAS carved from piece Of wood
from Jefferson Davis' home at Rich
&h1 60 ~f l.
federacy," where were hold cabinet
meetings at which were discussed
questions Of the gravest import.
In responding TO the welcome cxtend-
ed, Gen. Walker said that the division
had been warmly welcomed elsewhere,
but 1t had been left for Chester to ex-
topd heart warming welcome
through q lovely young sponsor, and
the division was heartily grateful for
it. He accepted the precious relic
presented by Senator Glenn. History
called together the convention in
Charleston las, May he had raped
upon table which was used in the Sc
cessiOn convention, and the gavel used
was that " hich had called the secession
convention to order. To-day he would
use gavcl equally as precious in its
associations. Continuing he saids
On the part Of the South Carolina
Division, u. G. ", assembled at your
hospitable invitation in your beautiful
city, l tender you a thousand thanks
for the splendid hospitality you have
offered us. We have been met like
brothers, as we are, and you have taken
ns to your hearts and to your
homes.
South Carolinians are bound by 8
common destiny. wrapped in tho fo!ds
of common love, identified with co n
mon interest, and when called upon Tor
any heroic service have always ac.ed
on common impulse. But, these los
are not kept strong, unless as the sons
OF noble State we are brought into
mOuntainet r, the man from tho hill
country, and the citiZens from the sea-
shore are brought together they learn
to know and to love each other. Thcy
are impelle d to act together for the
good Of the whole State. Thes9 meet
ings Oblitcrat, sectional lines, and
draw all the sons OF Carolina into q
common fold. A community which
draws these cords OF affection tightly
around the people OF the State docs
great service to the whole State, and
you have shown your devotion to Caro-
lima in bridging this about by this g To-
rious meeting,
You have done we'll to select for this
great gathering OF South CarOlini" ns
an occasion such as the present YJu
have brought together her sons, wi o,
when danger threatened her, rallied to
her defence. Who for four long wears
battled side by side. And with tho m
you have brought her younger sons
and daughters, who revere and respe Ct
these veterans In this great love feast t
you have gathered the sons OF South
Carolina, who have proved their love
and devotion to their State, and these
who honor them for duty well done.
Such gathering Ia not a scramble for
power, or a strife for honor, place or
riches. So when you invite the repre-
sentatives OF every interest OF our fair
commonwealth, alike In sentiment and
Ia feeling, the very act of bringing
them together docs world of good to
our whole State. | congratulate YOU
on having accomplished this magnifi-
cent work. We are not surprised to
find such wise forethought from your
broad minded citizens.
Now that you havo gathered us hore,
I feel sure that you will treat us with
the most liboral hospitality. Our visit
has just begun, but tho foretastc Of
your splendld hospitality makes Us
most since; e;ely thankf full for what you
have done, and for what wo are yet to
receive. We propose to break bread
In your homes, enjoy oil the good
things you have ready for US, and when
you have filled us with love and kind
ness we will return to our homes carry
ing away 8 deep love and affection for
the great city OF Chester and her glori
Gus and noble people.
Gen. Walker then read that beauti-
ful tribute to the Confederate dead
which is engraven on the monument
in the capitol grounds at Columbia.
When he had concluded tho veterans
arose and with right hand raised to
heaven responded feelingly, "They died
for their country"
Hc read q beautiful tribute to the
women Of the Confederacy, and they
responded, "God bless the women OF
the Confederacy."
The death Of Maj. S. Reod Stoney
OF Gen. Walkers staff WAS then an
bounced. Gen. Walker stated very
feelingly that Maj. Stoney had died
mindful Of his comrades and their
neetinp topather hore t0-1au