The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-10-30
THE VETERANS MEET
The Old Heroes of the Gray
in Annual Session,
A Full Re port by the Secretary With Items u
Interest 10 the Veteran ASSES
alton.

In the Hall of the House of Repre-
sentatives the Confederate Veterans AS
sociaticn of North Carolina held its an
nual meeting. Gen. Julian S. Carr, the
president of the association, was una
voidable detained from attendance upon
the meeting and Col. w p Wood, of RAN
dolph, was called to the chair. MIR. A. b.
Stronach acted as secretary and read a
report prepared by Capt. c. B. benson,
the secretary of the Association, who was
detained because of sickness. Capt. Den
sons report was full and complete and
was listened to with marked attention.
II was addressed to Gen. Julian S. Carr,
president. 1t began by congratulating
the association upon the fact that the
present year mad witnessed the compile
ttion of some of the objects that as vet
Grams and North Carolnians the associa-
ton had deeply at heart for past years.
For eight years" says Capt. benson,
this association has been anxious to wit
ness the successful termination of the
labors involved in the preparation for
history of the regimental records of this
State in the War Between the States.
which Comrade Walter Clark was re-
of this body, and which the General AS
sembly was asked to publish by its me-
mortal and through its COMMITTEES.
Since our last meeting the final vol
umes have been issued from the press
and the proud language of Ovid might
we'll be repeated by the Commonwealth,
for whom this immortal history of dar-
ing achievement and patient self-sacrifce
shall remain the grandest monument of
all the memorials she has contributed 10
the glory of honor and virtue.
and in February last another earnest
ly desired object was attained in the op
ening of the new and principal dormitory
of the North Carolina Soldiers Home.
This was done with appropriate ceremony
by His Excellency. the Governor, whose
patriotic words reflected the sentiment of
all true Carolinians. and the inspiring
addresses of President Carr Secetay B.
F. Dixon and others gave additional in
terest to one of the most gratifying oc-
casions since the war.
I'm this connection the generous and
tactful consideration with which the sew
eral chapters of the Daughters of the
Corfederacy furnished and adorned the
various rooms deserves the sincere
thanks of every veteran.
1T should be added that in no year
since its establishment has the interest
of the people been more fully manifest.
in the various efforts to visit, please and
entertain the invalid soldiers who are
in their final camp at that spot.
1T is now q subject OF pride and sat
isfaction to visit the Home and witness
the improvements made the excellent
condition of the grounds, and especially
the happy and contented condition OF the
inmates, Notwithstanding the suffering
incident to age, wounds, and diseases.
Another source of congratulation is
the distribution this year of the largest
amount ever paid by our fellow citizens
Cor the relief of Confederates pension
cd hv this State
after several attempts by this body
our committee was finally successful in
securing an amount nearly double that
which was formerly appropriated and
what was equally important, secured the
passage Of a pension law, which more
nearly than had been the case heretofore
provided equitably for it's assignment and
distribution"
After touching on other important mat
ters Capt. benson closed his report with
the following touching sentences:
This is my last official report From
the period, nine years ago, when you hon
ored me with the succession in this po-
siton to the beloved VIM. c. Stronach
you have generous repeated your CON
tidence with each recurring year
But with impaired health and other
responsibilities to he cared for, I feel
it necessary to resign this post than
which none could be more deeply appre-
ciated within my knowledge.
Il tender grateful thanks to the pres
ident for his valued aid and counsel, and
to all the members for their encourage
ment and support. May he who shall
take up this pen in behalf of the vetcr-
an and his interests so advance this
cause that the future of your gallant as
ISOLATION shall be brighter than all its
annals of the past"
The following officers were then elect
ed: Julian S. Carr, President; w P
Wood, of Randolph and DR.. Ramsey, of
Northampton, Vice Presidents: A. b.
Stronach, of Raleigh, Secretary.
Mr.. Stronach in abiding to the faith
full services of the retiring secretary,
Captain benson, said:
Mr.. President and Comrades:
Il would that I had the gift of speech
to pay a proper tribute to the worth and
work of our retiring secretary. I have
been intimately associated with Capt.
benson in some of his wok and whether
it was labor of love or official duty, the
work was done with all his might.
1T can be well said of his work on this
earth, as I reverently believe it will be
said of him by the Master in Heaven,
Well done good and faithful servant -
He then moved that committee be ap-
pointed to draw up suitable resolutions
expressive of the associations apprecia-
tion of Capt Denson's services, and the
following committe was appointed: Capt.
A. 3. Stronach, Major B. e. Dixon and
Capt NJ. o. Sheriff..
On motion the meeting adjourned.