The Adair County news. [volume] (Columbia, Ky.) 1897-1987, 1911-06-07
AT THE MONUMENT.
The Largest and. Most Orderly
Gathering Ever Assembled in
fhe Green River Section.
FULLY 1000 PEOPLE PRESENT.

Inc program Tor memorial DAY at the
monument, near Green River Bridge,
was carried out to perfection. While
the occasion brought up the tenderest
memories, it was the most enjoyable
occasion ever witnessed by the many
who were in attendance. Early in the
morning people commenced to arrive,
and by the noon hour it was estimated
tn at fully four thousand persons were
on the grounds. There is not a doubt
but it was the most orderly assembly
that ever gathered In all this country
no drinking, hence perfect peace and
enjoyment reigned throughout the day.
To give our readers an idea of the
smoothness of the occasion, we quote
Neighbor Hatcher, of Glasgow, who
spent the day mingling with the boys
who wore the gray and those who dom
ned the blue. When he returned to
the Columbia Hotel he was met by a
News representative and was asked
how the day was spent. ''Let me
tell you, neighbor, there was never any
thing in Kentucky like it. 1t was like
hooking bird sitting on a swinging
limb from start to finish. No gather
ing of its kind has ever come under
my observation, and have been at
tending reunions for a good many
years"
Much credit is due Or. ]. H. Grady,
Mr.. j. w. Thompson and DR.. A. E
Waggener, who were the promoters.
The two former were active from the
time the day was fixed, going to and
from the grounds, perfecting
perfect arrangements. The latter,
being in delicate health, could not per-
form the same character of duties, but
everything done met his appreciation.
He regretted that his physical condi-
ton prevented him from attending.
The exercises were opened with a
song, America" followed with prayer
by Rev B. M. Currie At the close of
invocation Mr. w. M. Jackson, a prom.
inent attorney of Campbellsville, a son
of gallant Confederate soldier, de-
livered the opening address 1t was a
fine piece of rhetoric, delivered most
eloquently, all eyes being upon him
while ne recited most graphically many
incidents of the civil strife between the
North and the South. 1t is impossible
in this write up to give synopsis of
the speech, but it would be most ex-
eel ent reading were its entirety put in
print. Suffice it to. say that compli-
ments on the address continue to be
passed by residents of Columbia who
had the pleasure of hearing it.
At the close of the address Miss leila
Pelley, of this city, recited most beauti-
fully the "Bivouac of the Dead
Following the recitation the grave
where sleeps twenty-four Confederate
soldiers, who lost their lives in the
battle of Green River Bridge. was
decorated by beautiful flowers, the la
dies being in charge.
Dinner was then served, a magnif-
cent affair, and there was an abundance
for the thousands who gathered around
the spreads. There were about sixty
old soldiers, Confederate an Federal
present, and in the afternoon many
short and interesting talks were made
1t was especially pleasing to hear the
old soldiers, of both sides, recount
their war experience and to declare in
the most affectionate terms that the
bitterness of the past had been for
gotten; that peace reigned in reunites
country Capt. Offett, of Lebanon,
who was a gallant Federal soldier.
made a very enjoyablespeech,c onvinc-
ing the audience that every Confederate
soldier was now his friend and brother
Following this speech, Capt. E. H.
Tucker, another Federal soldier who
distinguished himself in battle, made an
excellent talk.
Miss Mabel Atkins, of Columbia,
whose talent as reader is well-known
to many, recited in very tender and
audible voice, the blue and the
Gray" the only impartial production
of the soldiers of the Civil war that has
ever come under our observation.
Ed z T. Williams then made a
splendid speech, enjoyed by all hearers
Dixie Wade, little six or seven year
old, surprised and pleased the audience
with her powers as an elocutionist
She was placed on table and reciteC
= most admirably ana faultlessly a hui
morous poem.
During the day all the names of the
old soldiers, Confederate and Federal
were recorded by Mr.. G. A. Kemp.
Benediction and prayer by Rev. B
M. Currie.
In leaving for their respective homes
all we're deeply impressed with wha
had occurred on Saturday, the Bird da!
of June, 1911, and we are Satisfied thai
ma nv years will come before the rec
olIec tion of the event will be blottet