The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1906-04-25


teenth annual reunion of the United
Confederate Veterans opened here this
morning under the most auspicious con-
ditions. The fact that, owing to an
oversight, the dates selected for the re-
union conflict with the date selected for
the observance of Memorial day in the
southern states, may have caused some
Confederate veterans to remain away
from the reunion, but their dropping
out has caused no noticeable diminution
OF the crowds which have come to this
city for the reunion The city is crowd
ed with visitors from all parts of the
United States, particularly, of course,
the southern states. Ali public build
ings and many business houses and pri-
| vate residences are Handsomely Tdee0fat-
ed and Confederate flags are seen side
by side with the Stars and Stripes.
Every train which arrived in this city
since early this morning brought its
contingent of veterans and other visi-
tors and the hotels, particularly in the
vicinity OF the large new auditorium, on
Royal and st. Louis streets, resembled
bee hives. The veterans and their ladies
were received upon their arrival by spec
! ial committees appointed for that pur-
lpose and escorted to their respective
headquarters, where they registered and
were assigned to their respective quar-
ters. #e@
Many of the veterans, not accompan-
led by ladies, put up at the St. Louis
hotel, where 5000 cots had been set UP
Ito afford sleeping accommodations to as
many impecunious veterans. Nothing
will be charged to them for the accom-
Imodations at that house. The division
headquarters are located at the St.
Charles hotel. z@.l
The auditorium, where the opening
session of the reunion was held. was
completed just in time. It is a large and
fairly substantial building, well equipped
with accommodations for the purposes
| of the reunion and its rich and tasteful
decorations present an attractive pic
lture. The building is gaily decorated
with confederate battle flags and the
same square flags were also used in the
interior. Everything has been well ar
ranged for the comfort of the veterans,
Near the hall are the old sugar sheds,
some of which have been thoroughly
REPAIRED and fitted up as mess halls,
where the veterans will be served with
rations during the reunion.
The opening meeting of the reunion
was called to order by Gen. Stephen ID.
Lee, commander of the United Confed-
lerate Veterans. Every available space
| in the large hall was occupied by vet
| Ierans and the gallery was filled with
lthsir ladies and other visitors. Wei
coming addresses were delivered BY
Governor Blanchard, Mayor Behrman
Iand E. b. Kruftschnitt. chairman of the
general executive committee, who form
| ally rendered the large auditorium to
Gen Stephen D. Lee. DIR. Thomas NJ
Owen, cofamander-in-c chief of the Unit
led Sons of Confederate Veterans, also
delivered an address, at the conclusion
lof which the business session began. A
| great deal Of routine business was tran.
lsacted, before fie reunion took a recess
T. This evening an entertainment for tfie
veterans will be given at the auditor
ium This will open with a drill by the
school cadets of the city, followed by Z
concert Of vocal and instrumental music
Icontributed BY local talent A feature
Iof the entertainment viii be the song.
lof the various southern states. sung b,
girls dressed in the Confederate coIors
Miss Mollie c. Blanchard. representing
Dixie. will occupy tlle centre Ths
Southern Cross drill will also be given
Tomorrow forenoon the business ses
sion of the reunion will be continued
THE great feafffre of Thursday will bs
1.-THE great bali at The auditorium in th,
Ieyening. II will begin at o'clock will
1.-THE grand march, led by Gen StepheI
I'D. Lee and his staff In full uniform
All the old fashioned dances which car
Ibe given BY the veterans will follow
/ At 10 o'clock thsrc will be a cotilliou
lied BY Commander Owen, of the Son.
1of Veterans From that time on rolins
Idances VIII Be dancssk
/ Friday will be the closing day Of tI1,