The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-04-01

and says: All" He gaZes long on the
natural but formidable weapon and seems
TO wish ne could test It's SertnSh on some
body just at that time.
And these old soldiers are exceedingly
proud OF the part they played in the
drama that nearly forty years ago start
led the world. Theirs is but passive
submission to the amalsamation OF fac
tons and their constant expression is that
they would go through it al again and
willingly. OF course. they are not in
open rebellion and they Vote the national
rriclset, but their patriotism to another
than the Lost Couse is gather of
watcry nature.
THEY WELCOME EVERYONE.
To taste the pleasure of a hearty vel
come and TO be sure that you ~
well received one has but to so to the
Soldiers. Home and announce himself a
stranger, who wishes 10 be shown over
the place. Immediately the services OF
a score are at mis- disposal and thence on
he has but to look and listen.
Your seif-constituted guide conducts you
first over the neatiy-swept grounds, walks
by YOUR side down the gravel path all the
time giving you little bits OF Information
which he thinks may prove interesting.
The lives of She inmates and his own,
vhe battles they have fought and the
consequences to themselves, all came
beneath his vision and unfolded
10 the willing listener. He tells you that.
as a rule, the soldiers are satisfied with
their existence and that when dissatis-
faction does manifest itself II Is ignored
SO co,r1p etely and contrasted so painfully
that the instiEa1or is forced into silence.
He Elances around the grounds with
pride. for has he not the prethest home
in the country, and one that he would
hesitate TO leave for Ii better lot?
lie carefully avoids the tender shoots
that are lust making their appearance
in the ground. promising future pleas
ure TO the tired inmate. and he cannot
refrain from crumpiing and throwing
aside the piece of paper that lies In his
way.
Progressing fartehr. YOU reach the home
quarters, and, passing IN. are SHOWN
around the several apartments, all the
while receiving answers TO Your questions
Though the life of one of these inmates
is pretty much routine. they pursue
the even tenor Of their way without
rnonotcny. They never tire of walking
around the adjacent ncighborhood, or
making excursions II the city.
THEIR OCCUPATION.
They ayisc usually about ESQ o'clock
) IN the morning and as they room by
twos, II one owersleens himself or does
not get up when called he is dishcd by
1s,e others They eat breakfast at 7:&o
dinner ut and supper at ESQ. The inter
vsls arc employed ms they see fit. often
in insensously designing articles TO be
sold when they visit town.
They make excursions 90 the woods,
Gu, several smooth hickory st cks. and
after that. for several days, are busiiF
engaged il. carving, vanishing. and gene
rally beautifyins the stick, which finally
As sold for a walking-cane. This work
As usually donc in the morning. and there
are many experts.
I'm the afternoon the Vets" do little
moro than walk around. or sit down for
a quiet chat. Many of them visit the
lake, and for hours watch the work OF
cleaning out the reservoir. that is now
IN operation. On summer days they love
20 sit in the shade on the Boulevard. and
watch the horses ;rot, the bicycles fs by,
an6 the children play.
Then at the Home they have their
games, with which they can employ ,he:r
time q, night. Though they usually
travel to tho land o. nod with the setting
sun, there are few enIerpr!sfnE ones
~ are heard far into the night disput-
- 5ysr . game S1 sayeu-upE or fighting