The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-09-28
CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES


 a < $ < $ ss < The freuuent requests that come to me from Chapters of our Division TOT permit to deliver the Southern Cross of Honor to the veterans in their localities upon some special occasion, probably a Veterans county reunion. or camp rai- ly, makes me realize the necessity oi some amendment or revision of the rules governing the bestowal of the Cross Of Honor, by which we will have more ire Quent occasions for presenting the vet erans with this treasured token. It IS we'll to have the Cross hedged about with rigid rules and regulations, and a con servative, firm and wise office", who as custodian will faithfully discharge her duty. for all this so-called red tapeism, which is so much complained of. protects and makes more valuable to the Veteran the much coveted Cross Of Honor.
 The chief object of the Daughters of the Confederacy was to bestow upon the Veterans who yet survive this token of love and appreciation of their valor and herois.n in the four years of conflict. Then let us see to it that formal rules do not defeat our paramount purpose, and deprive the Veterans of this tribute to their valor
 As Chapter President, my experience is with the personal appeals of the vet erans, some of whom are feeble and in firm. and when they present their appli- cations probably in that long interval or time from June 3d to January 18th, It IS hard for them to understand the delay; it is more difficult still for the iofncer to meet their anxious look and sad dis appointment when told that it cannot De IL 1,ko ell kvar aA locks, feeble steps and Guivering voice reminds you that before another date, this hero may be numbered with the faithful comrades gone before. As Di- vision President, similar experiences come to me often from presidents of the varl- ous Chapters Experience teaches that there are fewer applicants for the Cross of Honor in the severe winter season prior to the annual presentation on Lee birthday in January; we have more TOT Memorial Day in April; then comes the busy season upon the farms and home interests to detract the attention from other horo which makes the number of applicants fewer for the next date, June Sd. Then there are no more occasions for the presentation until January, ana 1t is for filling in this long interval that we would plead,-it is time when the farmers are at lelSure, ' NSleTdHS IeuHio'iS are being held in the counties and State reunions later, and all things are con ducive to the cherished desire of the <. b. c. that 'The presentation shall be ac- companied with such ceremonies as will give proper dignity to the occasion
 Then why not empower the Division Presidents to select date suitable to her State and let the bestowal of the Crosses go on more rapidly? The three days are not enough and they are unequally dis tributed through the year.
 You no doubt recall, or you will please refer to the invitation Gin these columns August 2ith), of Mrs. Annie Alexander Gamer, il, Corresponding Secretary of Gen. George Burgwin Anderson Chapter, North Carolina Division, to join with them in the effort to repeal the present ruie and in favor of each President hav- ing discretionary powers in setting days for the bestowal of the crosses in her Division. Let every Chapter throughout this State consider the subject at their next meeting and instruct their repre- sentations for the coming convention of the U. D. c. in New Orleans.
 State President.
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