The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-05
Hundreds Gather at Brilliant
 Hotel Hi|Iman Reception
SPONSORS FROM THE CAMPS
In the Beautifully Decorated Hotel Dauqhters of the Confederacy Give a Notable Reception, Which
 Was a Great Success.

The extensive plans of the Birning- ham Daughters of the Confederaey for the entertainment of the veterans were | fully in keeping with the hospitality that has been extended them on all sides | The Daughters part in the reunion or these heroes has been to dispel the un- dercurrent of sadness pervading these annual gatherings, to arrange the brighter features of these reunions to blend smiles with tears, to make the oc- casion memorable by martial music, the brilliancy of decoration, the gathering Of hundreds of patriotic women whose hands clasp with cordial greeting those of the battle-scared heroes of the sixties. The social features of the reunion make it the most brilliant in the history of the Alabama division In compliment to the veterans. their sponsors and maids of honors a reception and ball were given last night at the Hillman by the daugh- ters, the occasion being pronounced the m lst ...lliant event in Alabama's social " i'd in many years. In point of pie turesq1eness is could not have been , equalled in the world. There were so many clements that combined to produce picture that stood out like bas-relief, so much so that it made .he scene vivid one. The palm garden was a mass of color, the ball room beyond hung with the colors of the Confederacy. About the | arcade in the palm garden were deep draperies of white and red bunting, en- tirely concealing the white railing run [ ming the entire length of the arcade. Against a background afi ,ue with color were the words welcome" Upon the walls hung the beloved flags of the Con- federacy. Red and white bunting, the broad stripes alternating formed frieze throughout the palm garden and the white pillars were draped with the Con federate colors.
 The ball room was equally as superbly decorated, the walls a mass of color and the pillars entrimmed with red and white. In addition to the palm garden and the ball room the entire parlor suite were used for the reception. The daughters were assisted in receiving by number of Birmingham's most prom inent women, and society was brilliantly represented. From the opening until the close of the reception the scene was one
  lures came from the martial music, the ensigns of war the grey of a soldiers uniform. The hero of the troubled sixties was again the central figure, and whether chatting with a group of his comrades or gallantly escortlng one of the sponsors his was the figure in whose direction a battery of bright eyes were turned.
 The presence of more than a hundred sponsors added to the social interest of the occasion, many of the most beautiful women in the state being present. There were as handsome jewels. laces and pretty gowns were ever worn upon similar occasion, and in contrast to the diaphan- ous gowns of the women was the glitter of gold on the uniformed officers of the Confectionery.
 Dance Last Night.
 At the Hilman hotel last night the following programme was carried out
 Music by band.
 Prayer-Rev. M. H. Wells, chaplain of Camp Hardee
 Address of Welcome-Mrs J. A. Roun- tree.
 Response-General George P. Harrison.
 Music, "The Chimes-Ladies' quartette, Mrs. Solon Jacobs, Mrs. Jack Adams, Miss Lena Jackson. Mrs. Laura J. Davis.
 Music-"The Bonnie Blue Flag" Miss Aurelia Sewell.
 Music-Arranged by Miss Belle Mccoy.
 Recitation-Mrs. Bettie Clark Purnell.
 Music-"Lorena," Miss M M. Harrison
 Music-Arranged by Miss Belle Mccoy.
 Music-By the band, and Dixie" by all the Veterans.
 The speech of Mrs. J. A. Rountree, which was as follows, was warmly re- ceived:
 Dear veterans, it Is with pride and pleasure that l stand this evening and in the name of Pelham chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, express to you the welcome that is felt in the heart of each one of our women.
 We have looked forward to your coming. we have worked and planned for your comfort and enjoyment. and we have awaited with impatience the opportunity to grasp your hands look into your eyes, and make you feel our welcome.
 We honor the memory of those brave comrades who await you in the Great Beyond. and to you who still are with us we offer admiration. loyalty and love. for you who wore the gray are the heroes of our country.
 Your work Is finished and has been well done. while with us our task has only just begun. You made the records. We will keep them alive. We are weak in numbers, but we are strong in determi- nation, and we will accomplish what we have undertaken
 To you veterans, the reunion each year IS meeting of old comrades. a talk os olo tunes. To We Daughters 1t is more. It is d strengthening of our bonds; it brings to our children a closer realization or the cause for which you fought. and SUITS in their young hearts the same feel Ing or patriotism and courage that caused ! you, forty-two years ago. to don the gray Ana therefore is our welcome very true and very strong.
 Ioday our mayor gave to you the keys l 10 our city and Birmingham Is yours. | put we women. daughters of you men | who fought and bled, must welcome you | empty handed. for we have no keys to l offer. Our only keys are those of our hearts and homes. and we cannot offer