Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-10-03
Suit for $4,000.
The appointment of Gen. Tohn c. Vi


GyE9itor Cu,i,lingha,n
The appointment of Gen. John c. I'm
derwood as agent and superintendent of
the Confederate Memorial Institute, and
his action (or perhaps non-action) in the
matter of securing subscriptions toward
the Battle Abbey fond, has given rise to
an unfortunate controversy, which has
eliminated in editor Cunningham. of the
Confederate Veteran, being sued by Un-
derwood for $4,000 damages. The last
number of the Confederate Veteran has
lengthy article upon the subject, in
which editor Cunningham says
Mr.. Rouss has shown over and over
so great desire to have the Institute
project succeed that he has submitted to
outrageous criticisms rather than COM
plain. have had in my possession for a
long time copies of correspondence be-
tween Underwood and Mr.. Rouss. Pat
rons of the Veteran ought to know of this
correspondence and although Mr.. Rouss
may prefer that it be not printed, in his
anxiety to consummate the undertaking,
Underwood compels me to make show
ing. and in doing so the record will place
Mr.. Charles Broadway Rouss, the faithful
Confederate, the marvelously successful
merchant. whose patriotic acts already
exceed those of any of his fellows by deeds
already performed. on pinnacle that few
men can reach. His career in this respect
shows the character of man who should
be perpetuated in bronze to the last gen
Grafton.
Mr.. Rouss had generously, independ-
cnt ofhis munifcent offer of $Ioo, 900, de-
termined to aid the enterprise in procur-
ing the other 100000, by giving $500
per month, and VIXEN, after long time,
these gifts Were deemed to be of no bene-
fit, he declined to continue them. Con
ferences and correspondence were then
had, and the following strong and patri-
otic letter from Mr.. Rouss to Gen. I'm
derwood was elected:
New York City, February O. 1898.
Dear Sir.-Replying to yours of the 27th
ult., will say that l hoped my previous
correspondence with Gen. Chipley. run
ming back to September and October of
last year. added to my conversation with
you upon the occasion of your visit here
in January last, had sufficiently defined
and explained my position as to make
further correspondence between us un-
necessary; but the issues which your letter
force upon my attention require con
sideration which must be met, otherwise
silence upon my part may imply assent
to the construction affirmed bv you
as to my action and the conditions of my
contribution to the Memorial Fund.
cannot but believe that if Gen. Chip
ley were alive there would be no cause for
disagreement, ashe would not only admit
my right to discontinue further contribu-
tions when did, but would also indorse
the propriety and wisdom of my refusal
to contribute further to an effort which,
up to that time, had shown no results
worth considering, and which even now
does not claim tohave anything in prospect
except hopeful" promises, which may
never be realized, and which, if reduced to
possession, would come from source
which would be humiliating to the great
body of Confederate veterans and the
people of the Southland, whose pride in
the great Memorial would have lost its
sanctity and enthusiasm when it became
evident that the monumental offering to
their heroes was the product of forced
appeal to that section of the country which
represented the conqueror, instead of
bsing the free and sacred offering of the
people for the defense of whose rights and
homes and good name they had sacrificed
life, treasure and all to protect and exalt.
1t is, however. due to me to say that W hilc
this view has always been held by me, yet
Inever permitted my personal idea to con
troll those of the Board of Management,
being willing at any and all times to sub
nit to its determinations, whatever they
might be. My contribution of one hun
dred thousand dollars to the Memorial
Fund, which was made in good faith at
the time offered, is now. and has always
been, subject to call and disposition of the
Board of Managers whenever they were
in position to ask for it. Not only .his,
but in order that they might be facilitated
in their efforts to obtain subscriptions to
the Memorial Fund from the people of
the Southland. I offered to give them an
amount which would start them in procur-
ing their portion of the Memorial Fund.
And while this aid was not promised for
any length of time, and in deed was only
intended to start the enterprise. yet con-
tinued the gift until it has now reached
fifteen or twenty thousand dollars, or more
than the whole amount collected to date.
Nor would have discontinued this aid
if had seen the evidence of present
Accomplishment. or of any prospects OF
results in the uea; future. could not
get my own consent, nor did believe
the consent of the Board of Managers
could be obtained, to spend FIVE hundred
dollars month without anything to show
for it.
1t is true you claim to have promises OF
aid from certain parties in the North and
West; but to my mind their letters. upon
which you base Your hopes of realization,
are only kind expressions of sympathy
which any public man would gladly give
to be pleasant and agreeable, especially
as it was in line with popular sentiment.
consider your letters, properly analysed,
as amounting to very little; aud this
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