Evening star., 1899-04-19
REUNION OF VETERANS
Survivors of Confederate Army to Meet in
Charleston.
Program for Their Entertainments e.
Battle of FIowcrs-FOrt Sumter
Open to Visitors.
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.


| CHARLESTON, S. c.. April 19.-Prepara-
| tions for the Confederate Veterans reunion
| here have now entered upon the detail
stage. but few weeks remaining in which
| to get ready for the big occasion. The ex-
| ecutive committee and subcommittee have
| been at work for several months laying out
| plans with great care, and these are now
being put into execution. The task of en-
| tertaining the vast numbers expected is no
| light one for Charleston. 1t is estimated
| that at least 1000 people will visit the city.
The question of accommodation for this
| great crowd has been the most serious
| problem present, but il is believed it has
| been solved. The housing and feeding of
| the visitors will be accomplished chiefly by
the citizens. generally, throwing open their
houses to the visitors, ali residences being
for the time turned into public hostelries.
It is confidently stated that the majority
of visitors will find bed and board at rea-
sonable rates in private families. The over
flow will be provided for at public dormito
ries, to be provided by the committee. the
various school buildings. Subic halls and
warehouses having been secured for the
purpose. These are now being fitted up for
use.
The Confederate Hotels for INDECENT
veterans unable to pay board will be estab
lished on the water front, near the principal
streets of the city but sufficiently remote
to be private. Commissary arrangements
iio't peSI hIolut anu Tue NtltiallS Will De
eXceilentIy cared for
Convention Hall.
The auditorium in which the convention
will hold its sessions is rapidly approaching
completion. 1t is a very large and hand
some building. The exterior is finished, ex-
cept the roof, which is now being laid, and
the interior work has been started. The
| building will accommodate about 1909 peo-
pie. 1t will be formally dedicated the even
| ing of May D. the day before the reunion
opens, a program OF special sery ices having
been arranged for the occasion. The audi
torium will be used for Il big reception to
| the sponsors and for a confederate song
service on different evenings during the
union, and possibly series of war tab
leauX will be given there.
The reunion will be opened formally May
| 10. The veterans will be formed in line of
parade at the corner of Broad and Meet
ing streets, in front of the historic St.
Mtchael's Church, and will march in process
| sion to the auditorium, in departmental
| formation.
The procession will be reviewed by Cen
eral Gordan as it passes Marion Square.
| Gen. c. l. Walker, commanding the South
Carolina division, L. e. V, has been APP
| pointed by General Gordon, chief marshal
| of the parade.
The convention will be called to order by
General Walker. He will introduce first
+. b. Gary, speaker of the South Carolina
house of Representatives, who will read the
resolutions passed a the last session of the
general assembly, inviting the veterans to
Charleston in the name of the state. Gen
eral Walker will then present the governor
to welcome the veterans on behalf of the
state. 1t is feared that Governor Enerbe
because of his i'll health, will not he able
to attend and discharge this duty. in that
case Lieut. Gov. NJ. Is. McSweeney will
/ probably act In his stead. Mayor j. Alger
Smyth will extend the citys welcome, and
General Walker will speak for the veterans.
The convention will then be turned over to
General Gordon.