Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-04-27
INCIDENT IS CLIMAX OF
FIRST DAY OF REUNION
Braves of the Gray Uniform Pass In
Review OF Frightened Girl With Un-
covered Heads and Kiss Her Hand
Mrs. Edwards Choir Again Cap
lures Great Audience.
cBy Associated Prcus)


slender black clad. frightened girl
stood on raised platform today and
while six thousand Confederate veter-
ans choered and while the bands play
ed Dixie, score or more gray beard
ed Confederate general officers pass
ed in review before her and with un-
covered heads. kissed her hand. The
young girl was Miss Lucy White
Hayes, grand daughter of the only
president of the Confederacy. The In
cident was the climax of the first
days session of the United Confed-
crate Veterans.
The big tent. which is said to seat
comfortably six thousand people, was
backed. When the new daughter
of the Confederacy was being pre-
scented 10 the convention the old vet
Grams went mad.
She Seems Overcome.
The band was playing Dixie-three
Il them were--Lut the combination
could not drown out the cheers. The
veterans surged forward, but the
ropes stopped them. Then one by
one, the stately general officers on
the stage. moved In review before
the frightened. trembling girl and
each kissed her hand as he passed.
Miss Hayes seemed overcome with
emotion as she passed back 10 her
seat. on the arm of her maid OF honor.
Miss Ella Mitchell. Miss Hayes is
the sponsor for the Southern Con-
federacy" In the reunion and takes
rank over all other sponsors and
maids.
The afternoon session Of the re-
union was brief The Confederate
choir sang, and Judge l.. b. McFar-
land. of Memphis. delivered the ora
ton of the day
Tonight the credentials and reso-
luton committees are in session and
their reports will be made tomorrow.
First Ovation.
The arrival OF General Clement A.
Evans was the signal for the first
ovation. When Mrs. Edwards signal
ed her choir to rise and face the au-
dience. there was roar that cut
classed even the greeting to the COM
handing general.
Dixie was the call from all over
the huge tent. band from Little
Rock answered the call and another
ear-split;ing din followed. Escorted
by score e Confederate generals
in full uniform. herself wearing a
major generals insignia, Mrs. Ed
wards took the stage. Surrounded by
her choir. the orchestra struck into
the war hymn of the South.
Mrs. Edwards clear soprano voice
filled the tent At its conclusion
there was another demonstration.
Miss Vera Williams. enc of Mobiles
prottiest young women. recited an
original poem. and Governor Conner,
iof Aisbsms. was introduced
After welcoming the veterans. he
took occasion 10 criticise Attorney
General wickersham for iustituting
proceedings against the leader OF the
bull cotton pool.
Election OF oHcers.
! The Sons invited the Confederates
TO their session today. The principal
events we're the election Of officers
and The listening TO the address Of
\. W bingham. Of louisville. Ky on
Justice TO the South
Then followed the eiecti.n Of Of
hcers. all Of the old officers were re-
elected and Chief Car
cnce J. owens. 81 Abbcvillc. Ia. b.
unanimous vote The sons decided
10 make permanent headquarters At
Memphis and voted one thousand dol
lars fer propaganda work.
Tonight IS devoted 20 merry max
inc
There are camp fires Al the tented
city and concerts in me squ8rcs down
/ Nfsusr