The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-30
GEN. BLACK IS IGNORED Montgomery Welcomes Distinguished Visitor. COMMANDER OF THE G. A. R. Cordial Greeting from C0nfed- crate Soldiers and Citizens. Viewed Historic Capitol and Called on Governor Cunningham-To
 be Rendered Public
 Reception Tonight.

Gen John Charles Black of Chicago Commander-ir-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. is in Montgom- cry. the guest of the citizens of Ala bama's Capital City.
 Thirty-nine years ago yesterday. the distinguished soldier and citizen came Into Montgomery at the head of the 18th Army Corps of the United States Army. He came as an Invader to. oc- eupy the Capital of the State of Ala bama. The visit of Atilla. the Hun, to Rome could not have been more dis tasteful to the citizens of the Eternal City than was the visit of the 18th Army Corps to the citizens of Mont gomery. Yesterday, however, the man who was one of the blue-ooated riders to occupy the old Capitol, was welcom- ed to Montgomery with open arms, The city was declared his during his stay here and those who have longed for reunited country and have labor ed faithfully to attain that end, saw their work in part completed. Hundreds of grizzled old heroes, wearing the Southern Cross of Honor shook hands with the distinguished Unionist and hundreds of Montgom- erians welcomed him as Q man who had done much for his country in times of peace
 General Black. accompanied by Mrs. Black. Col. Charles H. Mcconnell of Chicago, his chief of staff; Mrs. Mo- Connell Gen. L. G. Estes of Washing ton. D. C.. and Judge c. W. Buckley of Montgomery. reached Montgomery yes- terday morning at II o'clock from De- catur, where they had attended the en- campment of the Department of Ala bama of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic
 He was at once driven to the Ex- change Hotel, where his apartments had been secured and where he rested until after lunch.
 During the afternoon, accompanied by his party and Judge Buckley. his warm personal friend, on whose so- licitaation he visited Montgomery, Gen. eraI Black were driven through the city.
 Up the beautiful avenue he was driv- en to the old State House. which, on April 2s, 1885. at the head of regi- ment of Union soldiers, he coupled in the name of the United States of America. An hour was spent in the historic structure. General Black viewed with interest the star marking the spot where President Davis stood. while taking the oath of office as the Chief Executive of the ill-starred Re- public He visited the room where the first Congress of the Confederacy con- vened. He viewed with interest the Jeff Davis room. Later he paid his re- spects to Lieutenant-G Governor Russell M. Cunningham. Ft
 At the Capitol. he was greeted by a number of old Confederates and a pleas ant half hour was spent in their com pany recounting deeds of valor on .IA A.. oF he etr Ooia
 General Black reached his room at o'clock in the evening and a distIn- guished party of ex-Confederates there called on him. In this party was Gen. William c. Oates, Commander John B. Fuller of Camp Lomax. United Confederate Veterans: Capt. Paul Sam guinetti, Judge Thomas c. Jones, and others.
 The head of the great veteran organ ization is a picturesque character. The soldier bristles out all over him. Erect as a Life Guardsman, with a piercing eye, we'll modulated voice. and com mistake the soldier. He is genial and approachable and at the same time is dignified
 'I am suffering with fatigue from my journeyP said General Black, and I cannot talk to you as long as I should like to. But I would like you to say for me-" declared the Commander-in Chief with earnestness. that no com pliment chat could be framed would be too high for the reception which has been accorded me in this city and fin the whole section. and cannot praise either too extravagantly."
 When was last in Montgomery" he added, "the town was hard stricken by the adversities of war. death like quiet pervaded the entire commit nifty. Business had been suspended. The change Is wonderful"
 General Black will remain in Mont gomery until Sunday, when he leaves for Mobile. Tonight in the rooms of the Commercial and Industrial Asso- citation, he will be rendered a reception under the auspices of the Association, the veterans of both armies. and the Sons of Veterans.
 Gen. George P. Harrison of opelika,