The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-20
THE CENTRE OF STAGE
FOR OLD VETERANS AT NASH
 WILLIE REUNION.
The Sponsors and Their Attendants Will Not Be Allowed to Crowd the Old Guard from Place of
 Honor at Next Reunion.

Nashville, Tenn, special.
 If the sentiment of the general commit tsa having in charge the forthcoming Confederate reunion in Nashville in June prevails. this will be one gathering where the veterans will occupy the front of the stage. In the reunions of the
 past few years the sponsors and their attendants. male and female. have over shadowed the old men. Society has been the predomihating feature, and the old
 soldiers and their friends have become a trifie weary. When the reunion was held in Nashville in 1891 the sponsors and their companions almost crowded out the veterans, so much so, indeed, that many of the latter returned to their homes af- ter the first day.
 The organization has also decided to curtail the number of sponsors and maids of honor, and this action has had a salu- tary effect. Nashville did not want the
 reunion this year because of the expense
 and because other projects demanding
 money were pressing. The city has al- ready subscribed $I1,O0O toward the re- production of the Hermitage building at st. Louis. Many thousands of dollars have also been subscribed for other pro- jects and in consequence, 1t was feared, and justly, that 1t would be difficult to raise the necessary entertainment fund. When the committee to decide on time
 and place met at Louisville last winter. | 1t was soon ascertadned that there was danger that the reunion would have to be abandoned No city seemed to desire 1t.
 s. A.. Cunningham. editor of the Con federate, Veteran, in the face of opposi- tion from Tennessee Confederates, was present at the meeting and seeing the
 danger, at once suggested Nashville and
 after some discussion. 1t was selected. The Chamber of Commerce., the Retail
 Merchants Association and prominent citizens of Nashville at once took up the matter. Committees were named and the announcement was sent abroad that | Nashville would again welcome the vet erans and foot, all the bills of those who are really entitled to attend. Charles F.. Frizzell. hustling young insurance
 man. was made chairman of strong general committee. and backed by an army of soliciting. entertainment and other committees. has been working ac- lively to raise the reunion fund to I5,000
 and the necessary provisions to care for
 and feed the soldiers. The work has so | far progressed that there Is absolutely no doubt now that all the money necessary will be subscribed and that contributions
 to the commissary department will be
 ample pr. w. J. McMurray, who was
 chairman of the 1897 reunion. will again
 look after the provisions. He has sent
 sub-commdtteemen to all the surrounding
 towns and promises of meat, flour. meal. etc. have been freely given by those
 who are amply able to contribute. One of the solicitors came in this week and submitted fiattering report, and again went back to the country.
 l The railroads have already guaranteed
 low rates from all points and will also contribute hberaIly to the reunion fund. Ofrers of board and lodging for the veter- l ans are pouring in from all classes of citizens and 1t is certain now there will be no lack of, quarters, no matter how many of the veterans attend.
 The program of exercises during tho reunion is yet in formative state, but | enough has been done to insure two fea- lures of note. These will be the always ! inspiring march of the veterans carrying their battle-torn flags, and the splendid sham battle at Centennial or Cumberland
 Park. participated in by troops of the
 veterans or national guard
 Preparations have also been made for | th, entertainment of the Confederate Southern Memorial Association, which, l among other things, will hold Jefferson Davis memorial meeting at Christ Church. This is an organization com posed of the various monument assocta- tions of the Southern States and cities. About 100 delegates will attend the re- union
 The Mexican war veterans will also he invited and placed on the same footing with the Confederate veterans.
 Of course the Sons of Confederate Vet erans' organization will bring large number of young men.
 The Tabernacle will be used for tho
 sessions of the Confederate veterans. It
 will easily seat 5000 to 10000 persons. A large chorus composed of members of the church choirs of the city. under the direction of Prof. Allen. of Christ Church.
 will sing during the sessions of the vet | erans. ~