The Savannah morning news., 1901-05-10
THE CAROLINA VETERANS.
COLUMBIA Is KEEPING OPEN HOUSE
FOR $500.

Miss Lumpkin's Thrilling and E1o-
quent Welcome 10 the Georgia
Veterans the Feature of the Open
ing Day-The Veterans Got Down
to Work Yesterday and Disposed
of Considerable Business The
Lovely Sponsors and the Sons of
Veterans Enjoyed n ball at the
Capitol Last Night.
Columbia, S. c., May 9.-When Column
bia undertook to entertain the Confeder-
ate Veterans of South Carolina it was
thought about 1000 could be persuaded to
come here. Five years ago the first
meeting of veterans was held here. Then
there were twenty camps represented by
about IS old soldiers. There has been
great change since then. Instead of the
1000, $500 have come. And they are all
welcome and welcomed
1t is with particular pride that the citi-
zens of this town open their doors 40 the
men who wore the gray A few years
ago, however willing their hearts, they
could not have furnished this entertain
ment. The city that wes fire-swept by
Sherman's army had not sufficiently re-
covered from the blow to offer suitable
hospitality. Now 1t is different and the
people rejoice in their ability to do honor
to the men who fought and lost.
The veterans got down to business this
morning, although many talked of last
nights meeting, and the captivating adj
dress of the charming Georgia girl, Miss
Lumpkin. There were several pleasing
incidents in connection with Miss Lump
kins welcoming speech to men from her
native state. At one point, when pathos
born of the theme, blended with the elo-
quence of the natural orator, had hushed
the great audience, and only silent tears
showed emotion, one old white-headed fell
low arose and said in voice full OF
pleading earnestness and trembling with
emotion, Tell me who she is
Again, when reaching the climax of
peroration an old fellow shouted; For
Gods sake, don't stop"
When Miss Lumpkin took her seat, Gen.
Gordon rushed over to shake her hand,
and Gen. Hampton handed her a bunch
of roses.
The question of urging the Leg
islature to establish home for
disabled soldiers was the most i'm
fact that there are quite a number of SOL
diers in county poorhouses was brought
out. The matter was referred to com
mittee that will report tomorrow.
A Tribute to Gen. Hampton.
This afternoon at $50 the Veterans and
Sons of Veterans adjourned and marched
nearly a mile to Gen. Hamptons house.
Here number of speeches were made,
and then Gen. Hampton was introduced.
He spoke in a very feeling manner of the
men who wore the gray and the cause
for which they fought. He appreciated
more than all the love of the old soldiers.
That love has more than repaid him for
all that he may have done for South Caro-
lima. A laurel wreath was presented the
old chieftain, and then Mrs Clarke War
on his breast, in behalf of Camp
federacy. the Southern Cross of Honor.
A beautiful young lady next presented a
coral cross and afterwards asked for and
received a kiss. Afterwards hundreds of
old soldiers came up introduced them
selves and shook Gen. Hampton's hand
The Sons of Veterans held business
| meeting to-day. But with a city full of
girls 1t was hard for the younger set to
give much time to work. The sponsors
| and maids of honor were taken on troll
| ley ride this afternoon, and tonight the
| reunion bail. in the hall of the House of
| Representatives, is IN progress. 1t is a
very brilliant affair, the handsomest wo-
men from all parts of South Carolina be-
ing present.