The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-06-14

Continued from First Page.
forms made in the histories, in which
the South is now much more fairly
treated by authors than formerly. This
has been accomplished, the report says,
only by the persistent efforts on the
part of the people of the South.
This committee also will report on
the battle flag matter, which has agi-
tated the veterans for several years.
The committee is of the opinion that
the. battle flag is square with cross
lines from corner to corner. The con-
tention of many has been that the flag
was oblong instead of square.
The report of the committee on treat
ment of prisoners during the war, also
made by the historical committee. will
be presented. 1t shows that in all
instances humane treatment was given
federal prisoners. A large amount of
data on this subject has been collected,
and it is probable that the committee
will continue it's Investigations another
year, when final report will be made.
Wheeler Writes "a Letter.
Gen. Stephen D. Lee, commander-in-
chief of the veterans, to-day received a
letter from Gen. Joseph Wheeler, who
is now at Sandy Hook N. j., express
ing his regret at not being able to at
tend the Nashville reunion. Gen.
Wheeler said he had hoped to lend his
voice in an effort to urge special eXer-
ton by the veterans in hunting up war
rosters and records to be printed as
permanent archives. The General says
further:
THE record of the Confederate SOL
der for superb chivalry is without a
parallel, and in years to come future
generations will value beyond price this
evidence that an ancestor was one of
the knightly heroes who fought in che
great battles of 1851 and 1866.
After years of effort the law was
enacted which secured the printing and
preservation of these records. and the
work can only be completed by the CO.
operation and efforts of Confederates
who must search for and learn these
precious documents.
There Is another matter, my dear
General. which is very near my heart.
Many of our comrades are disabled by
wounds, or infirmities caused by explo-
sions and no longer able to procure the
comforts. and in many cases, the neces-
sites of life and during the next two
or three years the wants of these old
soldiers will be greater than they have
been in former years, and from that
time it will be constantly on the de-
crease. wish. therefore, to urge every
veteran to use his influence with the
law-making powers of his state to se-
cure sufficient appropriation for this sa-
cred purpose. The beneficiaries of such
legislation will soon pass to the great
beyond, and our opportunities TO add
to their comfort will then be gone
Lee VIII Succeed Gordon.
The convention will be called to or
der at noon tomorrow In the taber-
- Nf
phis, as department commander, and
after several welcoming speeches the
acting Communicated chief. Lieut.. Gen.
Stephen D. Lee, will deliver his adj
dress.
On Wednesday there will be another
business session, and on Thursday the
veterans will have their parade.
1t seems to be the general impress
sion that Gen. Lee will be elected unan-
jrnously to succeed Gen. John B. Cor
don. Gen. Lee is in no sense a can
didate, but his popularity with the rank
and file of the veterans is unbound
ed, and his election seems foregone
conclusion.
For the first time since their organ
ization the Sons of Veterans will meet
with the veterans tomorrow. The
sons will have all the privileges of
the floor, and a voice in the proceed
ings. The veterans hope by this close
relation to perpetuate their organiza-
ton, and put the sons in a position
to acquire the proper spirit. The sons
will hold their regular convention dur
ing the day.
For the Next Reunion.
The friends of Louisville, Baltimore
and New Orleans are already in the
field for the next reunion. The move
ment for a permanent meeting place
has its friends as well as opponents
and il is not thought that the matter
will crystalize into action at this years
reunion. Any way, Nashville is after
1t and will tomorrow ask the vete-
rams to hold their annual meetings
here. Texas wants New Orleans to
have the reunion every other year,
and the veterans, headed by Gen. w.
S. Cabell, commander of the Trans
Mississippi Department, who arrived
tonight, will press motion to this
effect on the floor of the convention
tomorrow. Texas favors New Or
leans, but does not. wish that city Sc
lected for a permanent meeting place
to the exclusion of all others.
Mrs. John b. Gordon of Atlanta and
Mrs. w. j. Behan, president Of the
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