Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-01-20
CONFEDERATE VETERANS.

each and every one who has participated
in them; but that OF last night, it is be
lieved, will be Justly regarded as among
the most enjoyable OF all, and the pleas
ant experiences at the reunion and ban
quet of 1905 will not be forgotten. The
committee having the affair in charge
left nothing undone that could IN any
way have added 70 the pleasures OF the
evening, and it was the unanimous YER
dict of all that they had reached their
ne plus ultra.
The Ladies' Auxiliary had been as
busy as bees for several days past 10 ar
ranging Confederate Veterans han Tor
the occasion, and the fruits OF their in-
genuitv and industry were apparent.
The members of this organization we're
the caterers. aud the tasteful manner IN
which the tables had been arranged, the
unexcelled culinary skill displayed, and
the close attention bestowed on each and
every member of the camp and their
guests we're among the many pleasant
features. They made I'll feel at home,
and the inviting menu served, as 1t was
by Alexandria's fair daughters, ami.
mated and cheered the old and young
alike.
Tn members and their guests began to
assemble shortly before 8 O'Clock, and
about half an hour later repaired to the
double dining rooms on the first floor
where the tables had been spread in the
most inviting manner.
Commander e. Fl. O'Brien raped
the company to order, and after bless
ing had been invoked by Comrade X.
Kemper, a discussion Of the feast
followed. The following was the menu.
Lynn Haven Bay oysters, fried do,
celery, olives, mixed pickles, picked
bee,s, sailed almonds, roast turkey,
cranberry sauce, baked ham, smoked
tongue, chicken and lobster salads,
sliced tomatoes, crackers, cream cheese,
ice cream in Confederate cOlors, assorted
cakes, oranges, malaga grapes, cigars,
coffee and punch.
| About an hour was spent in the en-
oyment of the collation., made more en-
oyable by the addition of pleasant con-
versation, and later 10y vocal and in
strumenta music by the ladies.
Commander O'Brien finally raped
the company to order and announced
that Adjutant R. NJ. Latham would read
General Lees Farewell Address. This
immortal production was read IN
clear, distinct and impressive manner.
Hon. Scott Field, of Texas, was then
called Oh to respond TO the sentiment,
"Our Great Commander, Robert z. Lee
Mr.. Field arose and in brief speech
painted most vivid picture of the great
Virginian, The speakers references
we're apt, and his illustrations THRILLING
and at times pathetic. 1t was, how
ever, the old, old story OF one of the
pr attest men ever born, but clothed in
beautiful language and with tinges
of originality. He was earnestly APP
plauded.
"Tbe Confederate Soldier" having
been announced, Hon. John Mcpherson
Pinckney, of Texas, arose. When the
applause had ceased the speaker paid a
| lust compliment to the Confederate
soldier. There was, be said. no age
limit Tor a carer OF the gray-the boy
in his teens and the man in the last de-
cade of the three score and ten wore the
gray and followed Robert +. Lee. Mr..
Pinckney said many thing which sent
thrills through the souls Ofthe company,
especially those who had served in the
Confederate army Pm proud | was
there" was one of his EXPLANATIONS in
describing a. scene through which
he passed while Confederate soldier,
''nor would have the recollections OF
nv experience efaced for all the wealth
of the world" This met response IN
the hearts Of all present who had been
soldiers, as Notwithstanding the dangers
and privations, there is solid salts
fation in realizing al was there" In
closing Mr. Pinckney spoke Of the sous
of Confederates, the part they were play
ing in this day, their heroism in the
Spanish war, as well as the services OF
Generals Fitzhugb Lee and Joseph
Wheeler, and referred to the fact that
the first blood shed in the conflict with
Spain was that of Bagley. ofNorth Caro-.
lima. The speaker said he loved old
Virginia and her sons and daughters
more than those of any other part OF the
country and when the last trump
shall have sounded he would look to see
the happy band led by a giay-headed
man, wearing a black SLOUGH hat and
attired in Confederate gray uni
form. He took his seat amid vOciferou
applause.
Hon. Mecenas E. Benton. of Mis-
souri,. was the next speaker. III
{ attended the previous reunion aut
, had made number OF friends anC
, acquaintance on that occasion. ID
is an easy, entertaining and patheti
speaker, and last night was at his lest
He was called upon to respond to 9Th
Women of heSouth," and was perfect
at home with his subject. His sneecl
abounded in humor, happy illustration
and at times vein of pathos thrilled hi
hearers. Among other things he sal
\ he reioiced in the New South, but enter
!. tanned many tender recollections of tn
Old South. If the new generatio
would show forth the Spartan courage
the old, all would be well. He admor
ished the young ladies of the South
stand aloof from movements whic
brought females on the stump, or move
~ them to don mans apparel. While Ii
!. speakers theme was "The Women
q the South" he branched of OCCASIONAL
on the Confederate soldier and int