The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-09-30
RAIN DOES NOT
EFFECT VETERANS
Gave Impromptu Program at
Reunion Yesterday.
MANY INTERESTING TALKS
Program to Be Followed Today
If Weather Permits.

Although rain fell at intervals nearly
all day yesterday and the day was an
deter the old soldiers gathered in South
Riverside park for the reunion from en-
joying themselves and turning the day
iato one OF pleasure. The inclemency of
the weather did not permit the manage
ment to carry out yesterdays program
so the old veterans and their wives gath
cred In the large auditorium tent in the
afternoon, with Captain Burgess on the
platform.
After making a short speech. in which
he welcomed the old soldiers and their
wives to the camp grounds. he gave the
marshal of the occasion instructions to
bring such persons as he named 10 the
platform for speeches and the marshal
did as he was bid The program was
impromptu and none of the people in the
tent knew who would be called upon
next for a talk; but the meeting was
a very enjoyable one. The talks. for the
greater part, were "reminiscences of the
war and little personal adventures, many
of which had a humorous side, but
every man who was called upon made a
talk of some kind. Comrade John Fisher
made a short speech and was followed
by Captain John Shields and Colonel
Blund. Captain Shields gave the Confed-
crate side of the issue, as did also Col
onel Bean, who followed him. Prof Car
son was called upon for a speech, and,
while he had made no preparation, he made
very Interesting talk. Among many
other interesting things he said: mo
idea, however great, ever became of any
consequence unless championed by some
one who was willing to sacrifice all for
that idea" In this connection he referred
to the veterans of the civil war as being
the champions of the idea of Lincoln,
who said that the states should be one
grand union. Mrs. Riley of the w. r. c.
camp a FL Dorado also made an excel
lent address along the same line.
The life of the home-like meeting was
the drum corps After each talk the
corps of flies and drums played some
thrilling war time march. inspiring the
old soldiers with some of the enthusiasm
they had experienced while fighting for
flag and country.
Congressman Murdoch and Fred DU-
mont Smith, both Of whom were to de-
liver addresses yesterday afternoon, were
present, but their appearance on the plat
form was postponed until later in the
week Judge Madison of Dodge City,
who was to be the speaker of the day
yesterday. failed TO arrive in the city;
but letter was received from him stat
ing that he would be here today.
The program which was TO have been.
given last night by the Ladies' Aid and
Sons of Veterans has been postponed
until Saturday night. This program con-
sists of music. speeches and recitations
and is said to be one of the best TO be
given during the week.
Today program will be given under
the auspices of the Ladies of the G. A. r.
and will be carried out as planned if the
weather permits
The management of the reunion has
been disappointed by the rainy weather,
but are hoping for more favorable
the park is very pleasing. despite the
damp weather. The large auditorium
tent has been erected to the extreme
west part of the park. East of it and
on either side are two headquarters tents,
while still east of them are the small
living tents, fifty in number They are
arranged in two long rows, facing the
center. Before many of them yesterday
afternoon camp fires were burning and
last night the old soldiers gathered
around these fires. got out their pipes
and told of hard-fought battles. personal
adventures and humorous "reminiscences
OF the war little rain does not pre-
vent these veterans Of many battles from
enjoying themselves at one of their re-
Ininn.