The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-10

don. Possessing every trait of character that appeafs to the confidence and esteem of his fellows, General Gordon has not only maintained the enviable position in the hearts of his people, but has as time passed on increased his friends and made more secure his position in the hearts of the public.
 After his brilliant campaign during the civil war, at which time he demonstrated his nobleness of character, as well as his courageous manhood, he struck the key note to his future conduct, by advising his overpowN ed soldiers to return home, obey the laws of the Union, and aid in upbuilding those very things which they had all but succeeded in destroying. Re- turning to his stricken home, under these conditions, General Gordon began the greatest work of his life. in aiding to stanch the flow of blood and erecting on their former site the homes of the South. His Course in Peace.
 Laying aside his sword, with an ever abiding faith in the future of right and Justice, General Gordon sought to win the hearts of his people not by violence, of course, but by the earnest pleading Of his eloquent voice. No man was ever more cordially received, or more earnestly giv- en the support of his people, than John. B. Gordon.
 Magnetic, eloquent with his martial bearing he found no difficulty in holding his audiences, or in converting them to his plan of thought. Everywhere, during those troublesome times of reconstruction. General Gordon was hailed as one of the greatest men of his day. He yielded an influence for good that cannot be exag- gerated nor overestimated in after years Though he was one of the most energetic and enthusiastic supporters of the South- ern cause, after the surrender he became one of the most zealous of the builders of the New South. His counsel was sought on all occasions, and was always found to be good. His judgment was unerring. his energy without limit.
 Nowhere in the Union, his own native State not excepted, is Gordon loved dearer than in South Carolina. As a compli- ment to him for his magnificent work in the Palmetto State, a splendid silver ser vice was given him. The very mention | of Gordon's name in South Carolina is the occasion for unlimited applause and im- mediately awakens a hearty response.
 Chief of the Confederates. General Gordon has always occupied a Iconspicuous position in the organized ranks of the United Confederate Veterans. At the several reunions, since he has be- come commander-in-chief. he has been the most picturesque character of the Con- federate cause At the reunion in Charles ton some years ago, General Gordon was detained from the convention hall by an acident to his train, and all efforts to call the body to order had proved futile. SeIf-appointed chairmen loudly rapped for order. but the enthusiastic shouting and cheering of the veterans could not be still ed. When General Gordon arrived. the hubbub in the convention hall could be
 easily heard for a block. Discouraged, the temporary chairman had vacated the chair, convinced that none but Gordon
 could control the convention and secure order.
 As Gordon entered the stage. a terrific shout which shook the very walls or the
 building and resounded to the roof, greet ed ''ths man of the 12th of May For
 nearly five minutes thls shout of welcome continued. But when Gordon lifted his hand, the very stiffness of death pre- vailed. No matter to what degree the
 enthusiasm of the veterans was aroused. a silent gesture from their beloved com
 mander brought instant order. No mat ter whether they understood the motion
 or not. if General Gordon told them it was
 a wise resolution to adopt there was new
 CT a dissenting voice. Though controll- ing this great convention of enthusiastic
 and patriotic men when adjournment was
 taken. Gordon found himself utterly help
 less to resist the embraces and caresses
 of his devoted soldiers. On frequent occa-
 sions he was bodily lifted to the shoulders
 of his fellows and enthusiastically borne
 to his hotel.
 Grief at Soldiers Home.
 At Memphis and New Orleans. and in
 Atlanta, siihilar scenes were enacted, ir