Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-11-06
MEMBER OF SMITH CAMP
DENIES PUBLISHED STORY
MACON, g,

MACON, Ga, November 1.
To the Editor of The Journal:
Permit me to correct through your coli
umns a gross misstatement OF facts in re-
gard to the resignation of officers of r.
A Smith camp Confederate veterans
which appeared in The Journal of Octo-
Der 81. The special dispatch from Macon
to The Journal says: cit is now settled
fact that the r. A. Smith camp of Con-
federate veterans has divided AT the last
three meetings Of the camp all OF the ON
GERS resigned except the commander Of the
camp, it being rumored at the time that
the designations were being offered with
the end in view of organizing a new
camp"
The first assertion Of The Journals Ma
con representative is so grossly incorrect
so far from the actual truth, it is hardly
worth mentioning. So far from being
divided the camp is in a better condition
and more enthusiastic and with a member
ship of more than 200-greater than 1t ever
was since its organization. The enthusi-
asm of its membership was evidenced by
the large number it carried to the recent
state reunion in Columbus. AS this unre-
liable correspondent says, truthfully, AT
the recent reunion in Columbus, 1t had
more men in the line of march than any
other three camps that were represented
The second misstatement of this cores
pondent that AT the last three meetings
of the camp all of the officers resigned ex-
cept the commander of the camp, IS
equally as incorrect as his statement that
the camp had divided. The truth is, that
two of the officers, viz; the quartermaster
and commissary, were the only officers
who resigned and as the camp is not in
actual service ana have 10 rations to is
sue; or store to take care of, their vacan-
cies have not been filled by the com
mander. The camp is fully equipped with
all the officers necessary for its conduct
and the commander, adjutant and treasu-
rer with their assistant committees will
continue earnestly to discharge their du-
ties as they have always done IN the
past. And il will be the aim OF all or the
members of r. A. Smith camp fearlessiy,
earnestly and periodically to exemplifv in
the peaceful walks of life the noble ex-
ample Of Col r. A. Smith, for whom 1t
is named, who gave his life to his coun-
try. The facts are that Adjutant Bon
ner rendered his resignation because OF
feeble health and Comrade Wilcox, who
was doing his work as matter OF accom-
mediation, declined to continue the work.
Comrade Poe was promptly appointed ad-
jutant, on the acceptance of Comrade
Bonner's resignation and is now doing
duty as such regularly, faithfully and
correctly.
True. some of the comrades of our camp
chow many, are unknown), have seen mt
TO take steps for the organization of a new
camp. This is their right and none can
or will undertake to deprive them of it.
It may be that the parties getting up the
new camp intend to include in its men,
bership all sons and daughters of veterans
who viii join. Some Of us do not see just
how this can be done, as there are now
three orders existing which viii be in
terested and represented in the combina-
ton, but that is none of our business
This we know, R. A Smith Camp. No.
49, United Confederate Veterans. was
never more tremendously united in devo-
ton to the principles and purposes of the
organization than now. R. A. Smith Camp.
No. 4S4, United Confederate Veterans. has
never had a more gallant or devoted COM
mander than ii has now, in the person OF
Capt. Alb. +. Jones, a more efficient adju-
tant than w. A Poe, or a more faithful,
jealous treasurer than Captain McKervey.
True, we have no chaplain because our
Comrade ]. b. X. Smith is taking his way
out from among US to another region, but
we have plenty of praying men in our
ranks and while we part with those going
into the new camp with kindly feelings,
r. A. Smith Camp, No. 4S4, United Con-
federate Veterans, with Alb. +. Jones, w.
A. Poe and Comrade McKervey to direct
its machinery and guard its interests win
go on its way, serenely doing its duty to
the end, giving all the aid, encourag cement
and good cheer/possible to the new camp
and all its members, male and female.
]. B. K. SMITH.
The above is endorsed by commander,
adjutant and camp