Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1903-05-26

hour for opening the convention on Tues
day arrived the platform was crowded
with women and men whose names are
known throughout the South. General
Gordon's entrance into the hall was
marked by an ovation, and cheer after
cheer rang through the building as he
walked down the aisle. leaning on the
arm of Adjutant- General Mickle. No
sooner was he seated than Miss Tarleton,
of Waco. Texas. approached and bending
down, kissed the General. He spranq to
his feet to acknowledge the honor with
repeated bows.
Gen. ]. B. Levert, commander of the
Louisiana division of veterans. called the
assembly to order and introduced the
chaplain-general, Rev. J. William Jones.
who delivered an eloquent invocation.
Then in succession came speeches of well
come to the veterans from Hon. Paul
Capdevicile, Mayor of New Orleans
Logs Charbounet. who spoke for the
local organization of the Sons OF Veter-
ans; Mrs William J. Behan, representing
the Confederate Southern Memorial AS
soclation, and Gov. w. w. Heard, who
spoke for the people of Louisiana.
Veterans" said the Governor, 1.-THE
outcome Of the struggle that you carried
on four long years. against the most
powerful forces and ornaments that the
world has yet seen, in no manner or
sense can obscure the glory and fame that
you won tor Dixie's land. 1t is not
extravagant to say that the GOO, 900 Con-
federates confronted coalition of Amer
lea, Europe and Africa"
As General Gordon rose to reply he
was enthusiastically cheered. His adj
dress was as follows:
10 my thought it is most fitting that
this proud and patriotic organization
should meet ia this historic city, which
gave il birth. The meeting of such men
as you welcome today, whose past deeds
will remain forever an inspiration to
American valor and to future sacrifices
for constitutional freedom, is an auspic1
Gus event in the country's history when
ever and wherever it may occur; but how
peculiarly inspiring is this reunion in
Louisiana, on this one hundredth ami
versary of her new birth into government
tai alliance with American States.
T" A Roman eye would have discovered
in meeting of such men at such time an
omen of good to the cause of liberty, and
American eyes should see in it nothing
but good to the whole Republic. 1t must
of necessity be benefcent and only bene-
| hcent.
I'VE will not indulge on this centen-
nial-this political millenial morning
nor at other times, in any bitterness. We
feel none. We pity those who do. We
have long since drawn the curtain of OBJ
hvion over the regretful and unseemly|
things of the past. and we cherish as
Americans the valor and noble deeds of
both armies and of all sections. We are
satisfied with our record, and the power
that would attempt to make US blush for
it would be both stupid and blind. We
are heirs, joint heirs. with the Republics
children in the inheritance of freedom
left by our sires. We are proud Of all the
past. Moreover, we are now facing a
future pregnant with tremendous posi-
bilities. but we face it with strength of
hope and assurance born of an unswerv-
ing purpose to discharge our every duty
to all races and to the whole country
We are growing old, but we still
stand firmly on the narrow strip of land
which separates US from a boundless
ocean. And as we go hence we will
calmly drop our nantes on the should
ers of our sons, who will worthily wear
them, and in no crisis of the Republic,
whether in forum or field, will they be
found wanting"
AT the conclusion of General Gordon S
address he led to the front OF the platform
Mrs. Stonewall" Jackson, and said:
" 1t was my fortune, and / will never
cease to thank God it was my fortune. to
follow, to know we'll and to love Stone
wall Jackson. He is not here but his
better halt of him is here in the person of
his widow. Comrades, / present to you
Mrs. 'Stonewall' Jackson"
Wild cheers rang through the hall.
" And here's a yonng Jackson. p
called out the General. leading forward
Miss Julia Jackson Christian, grand
daughter of the famous soldier. AS he
kissed her and the cheers were redoubled.
Judge John H. Rhegan. of Texas, the
sole surviving member of the Davis Cabi- |
not, then spoke and an adjournment was
taken until the afternoon
Rev. G. w. Finley, of Virginia, preach
ed the memorial sermon on Wednesday.
Gen. John B. Gordon was reelected
commander-in-ch iet.
The selection of the place for holding
the next reunion was lett to the executive
committee. 1t will be Louisville, Nash
vile or ST. Louis.
The report of the battle abbey commit
tee was offered by Gen. Clement A.
Evaus, who announced that the cash in
hand and in immediate prospect amounts
to S2o4,47I. Of this sum $Io4, All is cash
IN bank, $40. 900 is the remaining portion
of the Charles Broadway Rouss gift
$50, 900 has been given by the city of
Richmond, and $40, 900 by individual
residents of that city. The committee.
therefore, recommended that as 5000. 900
the minimum amount desired tor the
erection of the abbey, had been secured.
he time had arrived for beginning the
work. The report was adopted.
Judge Christian, of the Davis Monu
nent Committee. announced that all the .
money required to build the memorial ,
was not yet in hand. The committee IA