Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-08
DANIEL LAUOS TAFT
Presidents Smile Guarantee
Of His Great Heart, He Says.
FISHERS HILL REUNION
Confederate Veterans Pledged to
Better Understanding.
NEW ENGLAND ORATORS HEARD
Ten Thousand People Ride In
a-Horseback, in Vehicles and by
Train to Annual Event.
Special Dispatch to The star.

accidents to mar the occasion, the seven
teenth annual Confederate reunion was
held today at Fishers Hill, Shenandoah
county, with an enormous crowd in at
tendance.
Special trains were run from washing
ton, Manassas, Harrisv,lburg and other
places on the Southern railway. Other
specials were operated by the Baltimore
and Ohio from all points between Harpers
Ferry, Winchester, Staunton and Lexing-
ton.
Hundreds Of people rode horseback and
drove in in every variety Of vehicle for
miles around. About 10000 people were
on the grounds by noon.
Daniel Lauds Taft.
Good order prevailed during the day.
United States Senator John w. Daniel
Of Virginia, who has attended nearly every
reunion, was given a great ovation as he
alighted from the train. In his address
Maj. Daniel conveyed a personal message
from President Taft, who assured the
Confederate veterans Of Shenandoah val
ley that he had been anxious to attend
the reunion, but had been prevented from
coming on account Of Mrs. Taft being
sick.
saying the President was q great and
good man.
II wish you could have seen him here
today" he said, with his kindly, happy
not have good. big heart. I believe he
loves all his fellow Americans Of every
section"
Senator Daniel complimented Mrs. Mon
tague. wife Of former Gov. A. ]. Mon
tague, for her noble work to establish
homes for needy Confederate women. He
spoke In q vein of optimism for the future
Of the reunited states.
City Solicitor r. Gray Williams. son Of
the late Col. John J. Williams Of Win
chester. defined the duties Of sons of
Confederate veterans and pledged their
aid to hasten the complete reunion Of the
sections. Several known veterans from
New England made short addresses and
History Of Fishers Hill Reunion.
The Fishers Hill reunion was inaugu-
rated in the summer OF 1892 by a simple
neighborhood picnic. held by the people
Of Strasburg and vicinity. and also un-
der the auspices Of the Confederate Vet
Grams and tho Daughters Of the Con-
federacy. It has continued to grow In
size and Importance. until it has now
reached such proportions s,, that the he South
ing the grounds, Is taxed to its ut
most capacity to furnish trains to haul
the immense crowds Of people who at
tend.
The camp grounds at Fishers Hill are
not as inviting as one would naturally
suppose, but for an abundant supply of
the very best water. flowing from nu-
merous springs. AZ clear as crystal and
as cold as ice. cannot be surpassed any
where.
In case of rain there Is ample shelter
for between 6.OOO and 1900 people. about
half the crowd which usually attends.
On several occasions the people have
that 1t makes no difference. The next
year the crowd Is greater than ever be-
fore.
Gather From Everywhere.
These annual gatherings on the ground
made historic during the days Of the
civil war are social in their character.
The participants are not alone the vet
Grams who fought under Lee and Jack.
son, their children or grandchildren, but
everybody goes.
Many from various sections of
the country begin to gather in the vi
cinity Of Strasburg a week ahead to be
on hand for this interesting occasion.
This refers more particularly to former
residents Of this part of the country who
have emigrated, but always come back
to the great gathering of their fathers.
where they are certain to meet old
friends and acQuaintances.
Hundreds of people living in the noun
tain Businesses of West Virginia drive
thirty to fifty miles, while from all Sec
lions OF the state they come by the
trainloads. The District OF Columbia
ginians. Then many Union soldiers who
fought and bled in the valley Of Vir-
ginia more than fOrty-five years ago at
tend this great gathering, and are al
y1y1v Of aiolx
Orators Who Have Been Heard.
Many distinguished statesmen and ora
tors have addressed the Fishers Hill re-
union crowds, among whom are Gov.
Swanson of Virginia; former Cows ].
Hoge Tyler and Andrew Jackson Mon
tague of Virginia; United States Senator
John w. Daniel, the late Gov. Lanham OF
Texas Gen. Bennett H. Young Of Louis
Vile, KY; the lamented Gen. Fitzhugh
Lee. who declared that 1t was the first
time in all his life that he had been
called upon to address people by the acre.
A mess hall is attached to the grounds,
In which the old soldiers are provided
with good, substantial lunch free. This
usually consists Of the very best roast
beef. lamb. hard-boiled eggs. corn on the
ham, watermelons by the wagonload. can
taloupes. lemonade, fresh apple cider and
coffee.
A music stand is erected in the center
of the grounds. The best band 0btainable
in Washington or elsewhere is procured.
and a continuous concert is going on all
the time.
This year the Naval Gun Factory Band,
under the direction Of Prof. w. o. Little.
furnished music. The band gave a con-
cert last night In Academy Hall at Stras-
burg. enjoyed by a large gathering.
President Could Not Come.
President Taft was invited to attend
the reunion this year. and accepted. A
day or two ago he had to withdraw his
acceptance on account of the tariff con-
ference and the indisposition OF Mrs. Taft |
at Beverly, Mass.
The passenger traffic oficiak OF the |
Southern railway declared yesterday that |
had Mr.. Taft attended the reunion they |
would have hauled NO less than 4O.O0U |
people to the reunion. His inability to |
be present was q great disappointment to |
the people OF the valley.
It had been planned to have the Presi- |
dents reception committee to consist OF |
men of both political par |
ties. q strong bodyguard OF forty or fifty |
sturdy and stalwart sons OF Confederate |
veterans. who would have been constantly |
about his person. 1t was intended to give |
the President q few hours of real, genu- |
inc pleasure and recreation.
The Fishers Hill reunion Is always got |
ten up under the auspices Of Slower Camp. |
No. 20. Confederate Veterans. OF Stras- |
Ae.