The semi-weekly messenger., 1901-05-14
HOTEL RATES NOT RAISED
For the Confederate Reunion-Old Vet
erans TO be Taken Care OF Free, If
they Present Proper References-Ev-
cry one Must Pay His Fare to Menu
phiS.

Memphis, Tenn, May 9.-Probably
the most absorbing question with thou
sands OF old soldiers who are expecting
to come to the reunion is the matter
of railroad fare, what it will cost to
eat and sleep, and whether every old
veteran will be accommodated free or
not, during the three days of the reu-
MON. For the many thousands of on
lockers. who are coming to the grand
gathering, the question of hotel rates
presents itself. Visions of soring rates
for sleeping are disturbing the eyes of
hundreds of prospective visitors accord
ing to the baskets of letters that are
being daily received by the local COM
mitteees on that matter.
Briefly, the hotels will not raise their
prices. This is the report of the hotel
keepers themselves. But more people
will lodge in one room than is the usual
case. Each person will be charged the
regular rate even if he Or she sleeps on
a cot, together with three or four other
acquaintanceS in the same room. In
this manner the impression has been
circulated broadcast that the hotels
will charge S12 and SIG per day for
rooms. The prices will remain un-
chang for individuals who, however,
must expect to be put in a room with
several other occupants.
During the reunion, a limited num-
ber of confederate veterans properly
identified will be lodged and fed free.
Where the visiting veteran cannot af
ford to pay for his lodging or board, it
will be provided for him. In no in
stance will railroad fare be advanced.
If a veteran desires to visit Memphis,
he must provide the means of coming
here and returning. If, after his ar
rival, he presents good and sufficient
evidence that he is unable to pay for
board and lodging, it will be given him
free.
The committee takes it for granted
that there will be no difficulty in a vet
eran of good standing securing the
necessary certificate of Identification.
1t can be readily had for the asking,
and when it is presented here, the COM
mittee will accept it and will provide
the necessary hospitality without fur
ther delay. The committee also desires
to be assured that the veteran really
cannot pay his own way. The commit
tee simply desires to guard against i'm
position and will do all that it can to
prevent hardship and delay.
In a recent interview given out by
the secretary, Mr.. Parker, of the gen.
eral executive committee, that gentle
man said: I'VE are not making ar
rangements to furnish free quarters
and board for any sponsors or maids of
honor except those officially named by
department and division headquarters
GAG in alp. But we are doing all we
can to entertain, in a social way, all
others, appointed by brigades, compa-
MES, or veteran camps, and to this end,
all our best young men are actively at
work.
We are not making arrangements to
furnish free lodging and meals to any
camps or companies, except those or
ganized as military companies in uni
form and under arms. Any confederate
veteran, in good standing with his
camp or in his community, properly
identified, and unable to pay his way,
will be furnished with badge, lodgs
ing and meals without cost to himself.
Board and lodging can be had here
at from $1.50 to $500 per day, and
should be procured or engaged as early
as practicable through our information
committee of which ]. S. Davant is
chairman, who, with his assistant, Mr..
r. F. Sloan, will promptly answer any
letters or inquiries on the subject.