The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-16
MEMORIALS AT NATIONAL PARK General Stephen D. Lee
 in Montgomery. WANTS MARKERS AT VICKSBURG May Be Called on to Address the
 Legislature. Commander of Confederate Veterans to Urse Solons to Pass Law for
 Alabama to Take Part
 in Care of Graves.
WANTS MARKERS AT V1CKSBURG

General Stephen D. Lee, commander | in-chief of the United Confederate Vet erans, reached Montgomery last night from his home at Columbus, Miss, to renew his request on the Alabama Legislature for an appropriation for memorials at the Vicksburg National Park to the Alabama soldiers who fell in the Vlcksburg campaign.
 The U. c. V. commander addressed the Legislature at It's winter session, urging an appropriation for the Vicks- burg Park. and bills were introduced in both the House and the Senate, but thus far no final action has been ta- ken on the measures.
 General Lee comes to Montgomery representing the Commissioners of the Vicksburg Park, of which he Is the only Confederate member, the other two Commissioners being William T. Rigby of Iowa and James c. Everest of Illinois. The general is in excel lent health and was in a happy mood when he arrived here last night after a six hours trip.
 "Alabama had nineteen regiments and batteries engaged in the Vicksburg campaign" said General Lee, "and I personally had charge of several Ala bama commands. It is the purpose to have monuments and markers erected in the Vicksburg Park to honor the soldiers who fell in this campaign.
 The United States government has appropriated $775,000 for the park and thirteen States have appropriated s772,- 600 for erecting memorials. Of the thirteen States. Mississippi is the only Southern State so far that has appro- priated funds for this purpose"
 The States which have made appro- priations are: Mississippi. Illinois, Iowa MQEca r Ia pcb Pennsylvania. Minnesota, Ohio. Michi- gan. Wisconsin, Indiana, New York and Rhode Island.
 Eleven State memorials, 159 monu- ments and about 24S markers have been appropriated by the Legislatures of these States" continued General Lee. twelve more State memorials and more than 15o additional monuments and markers by States can reasonably be expected.
 Alabama must have prominent part in this great and enduring work The valor, the unsel1sh devotion to duty and the exalted patriotism dis played by her soldiers throughout those operations. are a priceless leg acy to their children. to the State and to the nation. beautiful site, bound ed by Alabama Circle and Confederate Avenue, has been reserved for the State memorial In the park.
 We will appeal to the Alabama Leg islature to make an appropriation com- mensurate with the services of Ala bama soldiers and with the wealth and resources of the State"
 General Lee was undecided last night as to the precise nature his plans would take. He expects to work much with the committees having the appro- priation bills. in hand. It is likely that he will be called on again to address the solons.
 General Lee said that he came here again after an exchange of correspond ence between himself and Governor Conner In which the latter suggested that it might be of avail to meet the Legislature again.
 The Commander of the Veterans re- ferred enthusiastically to the Richmond reunion which he pronounced probably the greatest gathering the veterans have ever had. He regarded it as a noble tribute to the valor of the men who fought under the Stars and Bars.