Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
To GIVE VETS
FIRST CALL
ON JOBS
ATLANTA CAMP 15e MAKING AN
EFFORT TO HAVE LEGISLA-
TON PASSED THAT WILL AID
THE OLD SOLDIERS.

recent action OF Atlanta Camp OF
Confederate Veterans has been charac-
terized by the r A. Smith camp. OF Ma
con. as unreasonable and absurd. a COM
nent which has brought forth a reply
from Judge W. L Calhoun.
The Atlanta camp some time ago pre-
pared a circular letter. which was sent
10 various camps throughout the state.
suggesting the prOpriety OF inducing the
state legislature 20 pass a bill giving
special preference 70 confederate soldiers
and sailors in the appointments for posi-
tons and making failure TO give such
preference a misdemeanor-
The circular letter reads as follows:
Dear Comrades-with the greetings OF
comradeship we herewith present a copy
OF q bill which we propose to introduce
in the next legislature.
"As veterans OF the confederate cause
1--WE prefer not 10 say the lost cause), we
feel interested in our comrades. who are
being ignored as IaIey grow older. At
the last meeting Of Atlanta Camp No. l5s.
T. c. V. a resolution was offered by
Counrade Harry Krouse and adopted by
the camp. 10 the effect OF having an act
passed. IL possible. 10 have special prefer
ence given 10 confederate soldiers and
sailors In the appointmet to positions.
The United States congress has passed
such law for federal soldiers and sailors
Northern states have such laws for their
veterans. Why should we not ask similar
rights in the southern states? We suggest
that you interview your representatives
and request them 20 favor the passage
OF such a bill in the legislature. We also
request favorable consideration by your
camp. Please notify US Of your action.
sincerely yours.
HARRY KROUSE.
"W. L. CALHOUN.
ROBERT l. RODGERS.
Committee
A special dispatch from Macon to The
Journal gives this account Of the recep-
ton there Of the local camps sugges-
ton:
The Macon Meeting.
MACON. Sept. eO.-At a monthly meet
ing OF the r. A. Smith camp OF the Uni
ted Confederate Veterans last night at
the county court house. a small sensation
was created BY the reading Of a special
communication from the Atlanta camp TO
the rest OF the camps Of Georgia.
ITO the circular letter sent by the At
Ianta camp was appended a copy OF the
proposed bin. which was in effect that in
al appointments or employments OF a
person or persons for any position or ser
vice in any pubic department OF state.
the honorably discharged soldiers or sail
ors Of the confederate states should be
given preference over other applicants,
III
should be a misdemeanor.
Discussion began at once. Mr.. w. A.
Poe sprang TO his feet and moved that
the paper be sent back TO Atlanta with
the message that the camp there formu-
late its views more definitely. Others said
that the bin was unreasonable and alb
surd that IL should be made crime not
20 give employment 70 a confederate sol
der The committee will report at the
next meeting OF the camp.
Colonel Calhoun Talks.
On being Informed late yesterday af-
ternoou CT the reception given the cir
cuIar letter BY the Macon camp. Colonel
w. L. Calhoun. one OF the signers OF the
letter, explained that he mad drawn the
proposed bill at the instance OF Mr.. Har-
~ Krouse-
He seemed TO think the reception OF the
bin By the Macon camp was largely on
account OF a misconception.
Il drew the bill" he said. at the sug-
reStfon OF Mr.. Krouse. II does not seem
10 me that IL viii amount TO a great deal
even II we get Il passed. The purpose OF
the bill Is not at all 20 make IL a crime
not 20 give a confederate soldier or sailor
employment but its idea Is 10 bring their
claims 70 honorably employment before
the public No man has a right TO ex-
pec1 employment who is not capable, and
AZ a confederate soldier or sailor who
wants a position Is not deemed capable
10 hold that position. there is an end
OF IL
But what we want to bring out is this
that there are many capable and proud
confederate veterans who would FAR
rather work 20 support themselves than
40 become objects OF charity OF any kind.
/ understand that Ohio and several other
states have passed such laws In regard
20 the veteran federal soldiers and sailors
and that these laws work well do
not believe this proposed bill even at
tempts 10 make IL a crime not 70 give our
veterans employment. but 1t brings their
lust claims before the people. and II viii
probably be the means OF giving many OF
them honorable employment, which they
are perfectly competent TO perform.