The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1899-05-18
THE GREAT REUNION.
HEROES OF THE LOST CAUSE
MEET IN CHARLESTON.


Heroes.
This has been glorious week IN
Charleston. The old city, proud tC
be known as the "Cradle Of Secession,
acknowledged centre Of the valorou<
and proud sentiments OF patriotic
South Carolina, has overflowed with
the beloved veterans and q vast throne
OF younger but ardent and patriotic
people. The colors Of the dead Con.
federacy mingled everywhere with the
stars and stripes tho bands played
Dixie" " and Star Spangled Banner
Although the scouc was so animated
this is a week OF memories and the mon
who. wore the gray and who suffered
and all but died for the cause that
was lost, came fret in everything, and
the leaders Of that lost cause wore
hailed with cheers and tears and smiles
on every hand.
The great annual reunion of tho
United Confederate Veterans began
Wed9esday morning but tho majority
OF the visitors reached the city Tues
day. The city was taxed to the utmost
to care for the crowds but the great
task seems to have been admirably
accomplished.
Wade Hampton was given one of the
grandest Ovations Of his life in Char
lesion Tuesday night. He was tho
central figure Of the exercises at tho
dedication Of tho auditorium. Hamp-
ton was honored to the fullest measure,
and when he was Introduced and "oso
the moro than 1000 people in tho
audience rose en- lnassc. The cheering
was deafening and men women and
children waved their handkerchicfs
and hats In The air, the old soldiers
making the occasion more thrilling
with their genuine rebel yells.
The ovation was fully equal to that
memorable one at Richmond q few
years ago, and the old hero appreciate
ed 1t. He had but q few words to say
when he addressed tho audience.
Mayor Smythe in introducing him
made use Of the words vi Shakespeare
DO not think Drawer gentleman"S
ls now alive. He referred to Gen.
Hampton as the noble citizen OF Char
lesion who honorcd his people tonight
the man first in the hearts Of Char
lesion people.
Gen. Hampton said he had not come
mere to make speech. He referred
to the welcome always given him here.
and said that this one recalled to his
mind the scenes OF 10 and the men he
had commanded. 1t was Charleston
that had given him tho means to ac-
compl1sh what was done in 1876. Ho
referred to his childhood memories of
st. Michael's chimes. There were no
people he loved and valued moro than
the pCOpio OF Charleston
MAJ. BAKER, speaking subsequently,
paid high tribute to Gen. Hampton
as man, soldier and statesman.
AT night the great auditorium
erected especially for this occasion
was formally dedicated with impress.
siVe ceremonies. Its seating capacity
OF 7,O00 persons was taxed to hold the
crowd. On the stage were seated all
OF the distinguished visitors and many
OF the leading citizens of the city 4
superb choir and orchestra furnished
the musical portion Of tho exercises
and addresses were mado by Mayor
Smythe, Gen. Wade Hampton, Mai.
Theo G. Barker and Hon. II. w. Bt.-
COT The prayer was made by lSt. Rev.
Ellison Capers, bishop of South Caro-
lima and brigadier general in tho
Confederate army.
WBDNESDAY-THE OPENING SESSION.
The annual convention OF the United
Con1ederate Veterans was opened ut
the new auditorium Wednesday morn
Ing. The auditorium seats 1000 pco-
pie and several thousand were turned
away.
Just before the audience was called
to order General Norman met Cen
eral Gordon on the stage and threw
his arms about his neck and all but
kissed him. General Gordon was
escorted to the presiding chair by
General Norman, chief of staff, and
General CT. Walker, commanding the
South Carolina division.
General Walker called the audience
to order using the same gavel that was
used in calling to order the secession
assembly In 1860. DR.. j. William
Jones, chaplain, led in prayer, invok-
ing Gods blessings on the white haired
veterans and pleading for universal
peace and good will.
Hon. f. B. Gary, speaker of the
South Carolina house of repl esenta-
tlyes, read u resolution Of welcome
from the general assembly. Governor
Ellerbc wired he could not attend the
reunion on account OF illness. His
telegram of regret was read by Gen
eral Walker. In the absence OF the
HoVernCr tho address Of welcome was
delivered on behalf OF the State by
Lieutenant Governor Nj. B. McSwceuy.
Mayor j. Adger Smytho delivered an
enthusiastic address of welcome on tho
part OF the city, and was cheercd to
Inc echo for his magnificent work in
making arrangements for the Veterans
entertainment. His reference to
south Carolina and Charleston as the
cradle OF secession brought forth the
Rebel yell from ten thousand throats.
the yell was caught up by the crawd
on the outside and passed along for
AT 1880 General Walker introduced
General John b. Gordon, commando
in~chiof Of the United Confcdc~ato
Veterans. No man probably over co re.
ceived such an enthusiastic demonatra
tion. The audience rose at the vnrv ~
mention OF his rame, and for several
minutes shouted like mad mon. Hats
were thrown into the air and the band
played Dixie" furioasly. Every sen.
tence' OF his speech was applauded
General GOrdOnrwas at his'best, in excel.
lent voice and afire with enthusiasm,