The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-04-23
The REUNION HAS BEGUN
An Unofficial Opening Forced by
Stress of Numbers.
FORTY FIVE THOUSAND VISITORS
The Convention Of United Conf, derate Veteran.
Will BE- Called to Order by MsjIr Gen.
eral K. N. Van SAINT al Ten
O'clock This Morning.
O'clock This Morning.
By the Associated Press.)

By the Associated Press)
Dallas, Texas, April 21.--The twelfth
annual reunion of the United Confeder-
ate Veterans began early today and has
gained strength and enthusiasm as the
day passed, though it was not officially
recognized as the twelfth annual reunion
which begins tomorrow morning.
Tonight it is estimated that there are
IS COO visitors in the city. Sons of vet
Grams, sponsors, maids of honor, sons.
wives and daughters make up the total
n entioDed. The unofficial opening came
about through stress of numbers Dele
gaton after delegation of veterans
marched from the depot to the fair
grounds, which have been converted
into a magnificent camp, only to be met
with the announcement that the grounds
were not to be opened until tomorrow
A small army of workmen was still
busy pitching tents and clearing the
grounds.
Col. Slaughter, president of the Texas
Reunion Association announced that
the veterans had been ordered to report
April % and not before.
Later in the day. however, it was
found necessary to admit the veterans
The greatest good nature prevailed
everywhere. The veterans freely ad-
mitted that the state of unpreparedDess
was to be expected under the circCrn-
stances and the local committee aban-
doned the authorized program. By early
Afternoon the fair grounds had become
n tented city sufficient to accommodate
$4,000 men, and tonight the veterans
were once again affiliated, enjoying all
camp necessities.
So nearly incessant was the arrival oil
the delegations during the day that the
different railway officials found it neces-
sary to clear the yards of all freight
cars.
The entire city has been decorated in
homer of the old soldiers. Not a build
ing in the down town district is without
its bunting or flags. Electric lights and
portraits of the Southern generals ap-
pear everywhere. The decorations have
been so perfected that. the bunting on
individual structures mas blended into
a Harmonious sea of fluttering color.
The streets are a network of crowding
hut good natured humanity. All have
secured accommodations and 1T is be-
lieved that the crowd which is expected
tomorrow will be eqrally cared for.
huge shed at the cantonment has
been erected, where $1,000 people will be
served with meals tomorrow. 1t was
fcCnd impossible to finish the work of
preparation by today and the visitors
were forced to purchase their meals at
restaurants.
The convention of the United Confed-
crate Veterans will be called to order in
the auditorium at &c o'clock tomorrow
UuesGay) rorning by Maj. Cen. X M.
VanSandt commanding the Texas di-
vision of the association. The division
is the largest one in the country.
The convention of veterans will begin
Wednesday 1t is said the Daughters of
the Confederacy, although members are
present in large force, will hold no for
NAL sessions. combining themselves
chiefly to entertaining the Veterans and
Sons of Veterans at receptions and
ether functions. Many attended the
opening of the auditorium, Paderewski
being the attraction with benefit for
the reunion fund.
Gen. Norman, adjutant general of
the United Confederate Veterans. today
received G telegram from Gen. FtZhugh
Lee, who is at San Antonio stating that
he would not be able to attend the re-
union owing to the fact that his son
has been ordered to leave within three
days for a distant post.
Tomorrows sessions will be taken up
almost entirely with ceremonies well
coming the veterans to the city. Among
the speakers named on the program are
Governor Saycrs, Mayor Cabell, "Pri-