The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-07-21
ONCE BITTER FOES
JOIN IN REUNION
Jubilee Marks Semi Centennial
Anniversary of Bloody Battle
of Bull Run-President Taft
and Governor Mann Will
Deliver Addresses to Blue
and Gray Veterans.
Especial to Tho Times-plspatch. ]


Manassas, Va, July 20.-The blood
Piled with those who with bitter hatred
and feverish anxiety awaited the break
Of dawn nifty years ago to-day. to COM
mence the FIRST battle OF the War Be-
tween the States. But instead of min
sled curses and prayers: instead OF the
nervous tread Of sentries: the fevered
restlessness of toreboding. the rival
camps of blue AID gray. house men
bowed with years, whose only thought
is that of peace and brotherhood, and
whose time is spent In greeting brother
soldiers, recalling incidents of days
gone by and preparing for the. rigors
of the crowning day of the Manassas
National Jubilee. to be held tomorrow
on the semi-cen,ennial anniversary OF
the bloody battle of Bull Run.
Elaborate preparations have been
made for this unique gathering. The
President of the USited states and the
Governor Of Virginia Will be present
20 deliver addresses, with commanders
in chief of the Grand Army OF the Re-
public, and the United Confederate
Veterans. and distinguished soldiers
and statesmen from every part of the
United States. The town is decked in
streets swarm with visitors bent on
witnessing the most unique ceremony
in the history OF bellum reunions.
Martial Spirit I'm Evidence.
Everywhere the martial spirit IS in
evidence. lettering veterans ,hronS
sidewalks, brilliant with the uniforms
OF officers and privates of the present
day. The old Henry farmhouse. with
It's shot-riddled walls is gay with
bunting, and hundreds Of visitors, both
old and young. keep the caretaker busy
with their questions. while old soldiers.
the light OF youth for moment glow
ing in their wr!nkled faces. tell tales
OF daring deeds performed on Henry
Hill.
It is here that the most impress sivc
sight of the day will he witnessed. The
time shattered remnants of the Fed
cral and Confederate ranks at IL
o'clock tomorrow will issue forth from
camps pitched in the same positions
occupied by the opposing armies nifty
years ago. and slowly tread the blood
stained. bullet plowed turf till they and
their charge" meet with mutual hand
clasps and we'll wishes. instead of the
singing bullets and wild curses that
greeted their charges hfty years ago.
After this ceremonial the veterans
will partake of a love feast, com
Tnemorative Of their reunion, and will
be further RECALLED with an especially
prepared series of motion pictures,
showing stirring battle scenes and
peaceful pictures of later days
At P. NJ. the veterans will return
TO this city and at o'clock forty
eight young women. representing the
States of the Union. will clasp hands
and Sing the Manassas national jubilee
anthem. especially written for the oc-
casion.
At o'clock the veterans will be adj
dressed by President Taft and the
Governor OF Virginia, and at 6 o'clock
Manassas and surrounding county
towns Will open their houses to
visitors and veterans alike in the
largest public reception ever held in
the State.
The people of Manassas and COM
munfty are IN high state OF excite
ment and anticipation awaiting the
coming of the Chief Executive of the
United States and of the State of vir-
gInia.
Manassas Is Impatient.
seldom has this historic town been
honored with visit by the President
OF the nation. and it is but natural
that the people should await his COM
ing with some degree of Impotence
Indeed. II cannot be recalled that but
one President has visited Manassas
since the War Between the States. and
then but few of the people had an
opportunity of seeing the nations
chief. Ex-President Theodore Roose-
Welt, during his first administration.
came for turkey hunt to the fine es
tate near here. then owned by the la te
Congressman j. F. RiXey.
II President Taft will be satisfied
with an ovation from those who gath
er TO see him, he will experience the
highest degree of satisfaction at the
cordial greeting and enthusiasm with
which the people will receive him here
tomorrow.
Manassas is alive tonight with sur
viving veterans of the Union and Con-
federate armies. The men who were
pitted against each other in mortal
combat on the plains, of Bull Run a
haif-ceutnry ago are tonight ming
ling with snch other in the best of
good fellowship. and are eagerly
awaiting the coming of the exercises
tomorrow.
Governor Mann is expected to arrive
at Manassas tomorrow morning on
the 1915 train from Luray. He will
be introduced to the people gathered
on the courthouse lawn by Congress
man Carlin. and he in turn will intro
duce president Taft. The President
will be accompanied on his trip from
Washington by Congressman Carlin
and Senator Martin.
Anniversary Momentous.
With the single exception of Gettys-
burg. there is probably no war ami.
versary SO momentous; for the first
battle of Bull Run. according to the
generals who fought in 1t, not only
initiated the country into war. but
its effects. mistakes and lessons were
felt clear through to Appoma.tox
About $4,000 men were engaged on
(Continued on Third paga1