The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-04-14
TO
ORGANIZE HERE.
Preliminary Meeting Held Yes
tcrday and Another Arranged
for May Stll.
\ JUDGE MATHEWsoN SPEAKS
Objects Of Organization
and Urges Formation OF Il
Chapter iii Virginia.

Virginia descendants of the signcrs
of the Declaration Of Independence
celebrated the birthday Of Thomas JEFF
ferson yesterday by preparing TO or
gnnize a state branch Of the national
order, a meeting for that purpose being
called for the evening of May sth. AT
the same hour that the exercises were
being held in the Jefferson Hotel par
lors. worthy tributes were being paid
to the great Virginia statesman at the
university which lie founded. Else
where IN the country there were pa
triotic ceremonies.
IInd Gratifying Attendance.
With an attendance in every way
gratifying, the conference here did not
perfect permanent organization, but
decided to defer action until May. Hon.
Albert McClelland Matlewson, Chief
Justice of the City Court OF New Haven,
president of the national society, was
the chief guest OF honor. He spoke
eloquently Of the life and character of
jefferson. and expressed the hope that
tie children of the descendants would
identify themselves with an association
which must help to advance the stand
ard of citizenship and revive the glo-
rIous principles which We're advocated
by q man whose life itself was an in
sr!ration.
Colonel George Wayne Anderson. who
presided. outlined briefly the plans.
Mr.. William Shields Mexican, of Wash
inston. treasurer of the national or
ganization and secretary of the Thomas
Jefferson Memorial Association, urged
tic formation of state division. chap
ter or council. saying that there Were
more than 200 persons in Virginia eligi-
bic to membership. Some of the local
representa- tives at the meeting sus-
gested that this number would be even
larger. the statement being made that
TIE State council could start with $50
OH the roll.
Judge nIntheuson May Return.
Judge Mathewson. who was present
at the meeting on Yorktown Day at
the jamestown Exposition, said that he
would endeavor to return here on May
Sth, although he expressed some doubt
on that score. because of important
court duties. Colonel Anderson. local
members. and the ladies particularly
will communicate with all the de-
sccndants and request them to attend.
III would afford me great pleasure
to be with you on that OCCASION said
Judge Mathewson. for it is here that
we gather the real Jeffersonian in
sMration. But if ! cannot come. I am
sure the movement will be in good
hands. and that the proper interest
will be created in the meantime. OF all
states, Virginia ought to lead We find
here not only the descendants of
Thomas Jefferson, but the descendants
of Carter BraXton, Benjamin Harrison.
Thomas Nelson, the Lees, and many
others.
"All that is necessary is the dssemi-
nation OF information. the publication
of plans, for those who have in their
veins the blood of these distinguished
ancestors are moved by patriotism and
pride. It is distinction that does not
come to ALL
Judge Mathcwson was particularly
pleased with Richmond. He thought
IT indeed appropriate to hold the or
sanization meetings in the Jefferson
Hotel, ramed for the author of tho
Declaration of Independence.
Although no definite plan was adopt-
cd there was a general discussion. Mr.
:. W. Harrison. the secretary. secured
the names of those who will probably
attend next month. Mr.. Mexican eX-
planned that 1t was necessary for the
various State divisions or councils TO
organize as early AS possible, so that
delegates may be elected to the gen
eral convention which will be- held on
July 4th. probably at Princeton. N. j..
With an9ther celebration at Indepcn-
Gcncc Hall, Philadelphia