The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-06
GALLANT OLD HEROES STEP
 LIVELY ID STRAINS OF DIXIE
One of the Unique Features of the Parade Was the Presence of Old Time Negroes in Line-Not
 a Hitch in Programme.
,trH steps measured to the time of

" ytTH steps measured to the time or MI martial airs more than two thou W sand veterans of the lost cause marched through the streets of Birming- ham yesterday, their tired limbs and aching frames urged on to final effort by the cheers from a vast throng of the patriotic sons and daughters of a defeated vet proud people. And thus the reunion ended.
 Walled in by an enthusiastic yelling humanity, these honored sres of a low ing posterity tramped along the hard paved streets displaying that same in- trepid spirit which distinguished their daring on the field of strife. The lame and the halt and the almost blind fell in line behind the Bonnie Blue Flag, and though many faltered in the tedious walk not a rebel fell.
 The sight of the inflrm, and oft times crippled, warriors they came down the street at a measured tread some on crutches and hundreds using heavy canes for support, was indeed inspiring. The effect on the crowd was electrical As some whitehaired veteran. weakened by exertion, would be seen to waver only to TeCONtI anu Adll bdth lntO hAiS 1 SAtoNS of approval and admiration would rise from the crowd while the color bearer would wave his stars and bars aloft. Catching up the enthusiasm the veterans would swing their big slouch hats around their heads and the shouts would turn into a roar which could be heard many blocks away.
 A Pathetic Feature.
 Probably the most unique feature of the great parade was the appearance of three old negroes who proudly marched in the line carrying kitchen utensils and the implements of war which most strongly appealtd to tbeir imaginative fancy. Thex Mere tlealed with that peculiar affection which no one north of the Mason and Dixon line can understand. One old ne- gro, bent and twisted with the hardships of a long life his snowy white beard in marked contrast with his black face, was supported by the arm of a strong white veteran who it was afterwads learned was the old darkey's young master during the war This old man had followed the fortunes of his owner throughout the soul trying period, and as the end of his days was near, had come to celebrate with the men he had always known to be his friends.
 Another negro carried several chickens and a skillet slung over his back, and walked along as conscious of his position as if he had been grand marshal. Still another carried an old army musket and marched with dignifed step, smiling at the crowd as he passed along.
 Formed at Capitol Park.
 The procession formed at Capitol park and when the participants had gathered even the commanders were surprised at the large number of men ready to follow the flag It is said that the parade of yesterday was composed of the largest bo1y of Confederate veterans from Ala hama ever assembled since the war Though the time was fixed at 10 o'clock for the march to begin it was 10:20 when the word was given to start. Headed by Memolrs band the veterans came down Sixth avenue and turned into Nineteenth street at the First Methodist church. Banked on the walls, lawn and steps of the church were hundreds of gaily at tired school children, forming the pret- tiest picture on the entire line of march As General Harrison and his staff turned the corner a cheer went up from the young throats, and not until the last veteran had passed before them did their voices begin to tire
 Band Plays Dixie.
 Before the rear guard, composed of the Sons Of Veterans, Sldle anu CUT leee cadets, had left the park the band was approaching Second avenue six blocks away. At the intersection of Sec ond avenue and Nineteenth street was dense throng of surging humanity reaching far into the street Feeling the inspiration of the moment the band struck I'D the familiar strains of Dixie In moment all was pandemonium. Hats, canes flags and various kinds of mis-
 at,- xty1ai Ia fha veterans burst forth with the rebel yell, carrying the crowd by storm. Division af- ter division gradually picked up the yell, and by slow degrees it spread to Capitol mark where the rear guard was still standing By that time the great chorus of voices reached a continuous roar. and birmingham was honored with spec tacle never to be forgotten.
 The procession moved slowly towards First avenue. all traffic being suspended until the line had passed. Turning up First avenue the veterans were greeted hv another cheering crowd and thence out twentieth street to Sixth avenue was continuous ovation. Haltng at Sixth avenue General Harrison after reviewing the line ordered his comrades to fall out and the official reunion was ended
 A Grand Finale.
 Great disorder followed the breaking up of the parade ana Neihoh pa'iu which went down Twentieth street play ing "Dixie," Maryland. My Maryland' and When Johnny Comes Marching Home" was followed by an immense of naonle. Veterans and spectators following inc music to First avenue and Twentieth street, and after giving round of cheers the greatest gathering of veterans ever held in the state of Alabama passed in to history
 finder the direction of Marshal B. M. Washburn, with Frank P. or Brien. A. E. Caffee, James Allen as aides tho process sion moved off in the following order:
 Order of March.
 Memoli's band.
 General Harrison and staff. on horse- back.