The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-05-17
BY Associated Press.

Little Rock, Ark, May 16.--When
General James F. Smith, commander
of the Arkansas division of the United
Confederate Veterans, called to order
today's session of the twenty first an
nual reunion this, the capital of Ar
kansas, had a crowd that was esti-
mated by officials of the organization
to be the largest ever known at a re-
union. With the various addresses of
welcome to which General George w.
Gordon COMMUNICATIVE chief of the
veterans, responded, and the announce
ment Of committee assignments, the
initial session of the reunion ended.
The United Sons Of Confederate Vet
erons at their session today completed
formal organization when the creden-
tals committee made it's report. Re-
ports Of officers and committees, the
presentation of historical papers and
the naming of committees to extend
formal greetings to the veterans or
ganization completed the second ses-
sion Of the Sons meeting. Following
the election of officers and introduction
Of resolutions. 1t is expected that the
Sons organization will complete its
business and adjourn late today.
SOUTHERN SONGS SUNG.
The first session of the veterans was
Of a formal nature, but 1t was en-
liyened by the rendition of southern
songs by the Confederate choirs, the
members of which came from all parts
Of the south. In some of these the
aged soldiers joined fervently.
These songs followed the invocation
BY the chaplain general, DR.. Linn Cave.
Next came the addresses of welcome
by William NJ. Kaxanaugh, chairman
Of the executive committee of the re-
union; Prof Jenus Jordan, for the Ar
kansas veterans; Mayor Charles F.
Taylor. Of Little Rock; Henry S. Hart
zog, for the Sons Of Veterans. and Gov
ernor G. w. Donaghey, for the state.
The children of the Little Rock
schools then sang for the veterans in
chorus and General Gordon responded
10 the addresses of welcome.
Because Camp Shaver, located in one
Of the parks, became filled last night
earlier than had been expected, it was
found necessary to secure additional
quarters for the old soldiers and the
uncement was made today to the
veterans that several of the school
buildings which had been intended to
serve as general lodging places would
be withdrawn for the purpose of de-
voting them to the exclusive use of
the veterans.
Following General Gordon's response
to the various addresses of welcome,
General Smith presented him with the
official gavel and he formally took
charge Of the convention as comman-
derin-chief
Gen. Gordon announced that a tele-
gram of greeting had been received
from President Taft. The telegram
was ordered read to the convention.
Il is the first to be sent to a Confed
crate reunion by a Republican presi-
dent. A motion prevailed appointing
Gen. Gordon as chairman to name a
committee of FIVE to formulate and
send to the president a telegram giving
him vote Of thanks for his message
10 the convention.
The addresses of welcome generally
followed historical lines but Governor
Donaghey referred especially to the
duties Of the individual states to Sc
cure and keep in their archives forever
tne records Of the private soldiers of
the COnfederacy.
GOV. poNAGHEY SPEAKS.
Governor George w. Donaghey, in
welcoming the Confederate veterans
On On behalf Of Arkansas today, said:
veterans Of the Confederacy:
More than half a century after the
peglnning of the war between the
states thousands upon thousands of
psopie nave come here from all parts
VI the south to honor the Confederate
soldiers. Hundreds of thousand who
.aahot be here, join us in paying
LS.oute TO our affection. Those not
IN .gEe IN person are here in spirit, and
81 81 oFeF the sunny South the hearts of
.i. Jz people are turned today to this
NY where are now gathered together
nv; ~ soldiers Of the Confederacy than
III, ~u ever again be assembled in this
'g-1Q- GU are worthy of the honor.
III behalf of the DPonIe of this great
S,e'7. Ts- bid you welcome to Arkansas.
are delighted to honor you, not
-! LOT the bravery you exhibited on
n1hdred battlefelds, but for the no
n :, SEiendld courage you manifested
1e hour of disaster and defeat
shaA not undertake to discuss the
\. .9us ~. causes that led you to organ
a., "r Confederate government. Your
mas been stated with unanswer-
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