The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-10-28
GRAND CAMP HAD
NO Invitation
Confederate Vets Close
Successful Session
in Norfolk. n
----
TOO MANY
FOLLOWERS
No Local Camp Wished to En-
tcrtain Veterans, Choirs and
Sponsors-The Expense
Is Too Great and
Titles Too
Many.

Confederate interest apd enthusiasm
seems rather to be on the increase
than on the wane II one may judge
from tho enthusiasm manifested at the
recent session OF the Grand sCamp OF
Virginia In Norfolk. The conspicuous
features were the reunion of old friends
IRON all parts of the State. the cheer
ing of fayorite speakers and favor
ite songs. and the enthusiastic clos
ing meeting In the Auditorium at the
Jamestown Exposition. when the blue
and the gray united to make the day
a conspicuous success. Wednesday. the
opening day OF the Grand Camp. was
principally igiven to spcech-making,
and the business OF the body was
transacted on Thursday.
Incrense Of Pension.
Resolutions looking to an increase Of
pensions. and removal Of cufhberous
and vexatious conditions which are
said to prevent many worthy but igno-
rant old men from receiving State aid,
were passed. Lee Camps memorial,
deprecating the use OF military titles
and uniforms for female singers con.
nected with Confederate camps. met
with decisive defeat. and the Con-
Tolerate choirs paraded with trium-
phant banners wearing uniforms and
titles galore.
Confederate Veterans Day at the ex-
position was one OF the most success
fui and notable days there. both in
attendance and enthusiasm. marked as
it was by a notable Confederate and
military parade. and by several nota-
bic speeches.
No Invitation.
1t is significant OF the session of
the Grand Camp Just closed that for
the first time In the twenty years,
history of that body there Was before
II no invitation In regard to tho next
place OF meeting. When in the order
OF business the grand commander an
nounced that the time had come for
liking the next place of meeting there
was a significant silence. Some one
saved an awkward situation by NOV
ing that this be referred to the com
mnnder and quartermaster to make
arrangements for meeting place and
issue general order.
inquiry from representative men
from different parts of the State de-
veloped the fact that under present
conditions there are very few camps
In the State financially able to UNDER
take so complicated matter as the
entertainment OF the Grand Camp.
Too Many Followers.
Not only must the camp and neigh
borhood undertake to look out for the
comfort and entertainment OF dele
gates. and visiting veterans, labor
of love In most communities but Under
the present system vast army OF
.hangers.on and camp followers have
also to be provided for.
The Sons OF Veterans have to have
their convention. diyerting that much
OF the support and attention from the
main camp.
Sponsors and maids of honor must
be provided for, chaperoned, enter
tanned and given every. attention. And.
now comes this new organization of
Confederate Choirs, with their female
acknowledgements and their military
coats, also demanding attentions during
the session of the, grand camp. It is
the proverbial last straw, and some
camps which have repeatedly invited
the Grand Camp to hold Its annual
session With them have hesitated in,
renewing the invitation.
Grand Commander Munford has not
taken any steps as yet looking to the
selection Of the next meeting place.