The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-03-10

endeavor to uphold the principles OF
humanity than In any other war UP
to that time. 1t was tremendous
task TO cndeavor to hold a half mil
hon strong men in captivity without
any previous prepare ton and in fire.
qucnt instances without resources for
feeding or housing them. That this
attempt was made. however. Is proved
by the fact that thore were over $50
military prisons" in operation during
the Civil War. Both governments wer.
iorc3d to meet the overwhelming din
cultics according to their resources
They utilized everything that came
within their rcach-a bandoncd ware
houses, former jails. tobacco houses.
instruction cainps. spaces devoted TO
State fairs. or the open fields. Dis
ease and hunger frequently secured the
upper hand. human nature was tested
TO the uttermost; and at times indl-
rlduals became brutai--but through 10
all 1t Is found that both governments
were struggling TO bear tho burdens.
SIEht-ScefnS Trip To Famous Prisons.
1t IS interesting on this semi
tennlal 10 visit these old prison
grounds. which, in man. inKtanc.s still
stand as shrincs for thousands of old
soldiers who are now making Pilgrim
ages 10 the scenes OF their captivity.
North was located at Point Loollo
Md. II was n great city ftcnts whicn
held as many as 10000 prisoners at
one tina. It arose Ike gle to hold
tho soldiers who were being marched
daily into it's strange streets which led
through long avenues OF white canvas.
This h!stiric ground stands vlvidly to-
day in the memories OF hund,- dis OF
gray haired warriors throughout the
10 -
Its gates.
The largest prison In area in the
South was at Andersonvile. Ga. This.
TOO. Is ono OF thu best known OF the
prisons of the Civil War because I
witnessed the greatest difficulties. 1t
was an overflow prison erected toward
the end OF the war to InEet an over
whelmtng emergency. The original
plan for Andcrsonville was designed
with much engineering skill. It was
stockadc enclosing seventeen acres,
built in a warm climate. which it was
believed would meet the emergency for
the short time that tine war was OK
pecrad 30 last.
Never before in the history OF war
fare has there hccn such q test of a
PRISONS capacity. During the nrst
month IL held 800, which allowed 100
square feet 10 reach man. AS the bur
uSNS Oh war increased the number soon
became 10000; then 5000. and finally
e2ocO mon were crowded into its en-
closure.
Largest Prison on American Soil.
The S.oclsRdc wac enlarged until It
included twenty-scven acres but the
Hood OF prisoners grew In even great
or proportion until in August. 1854,
there were 32,ss9 prisoners at Andcr-
sonviie and the Confederate govern
nent was taxed beyond its power to
maintain It's burden of war. The to-
tai number Of prisoners AT Anderson
Vile during the way reached ie.iS5, of
which 1880 died.
To-day this historic ground. which
tostihes even moro cnphaticaily than
any battlefield to tho ravages of war
Is visited BY tens OF thousands OF tour
lists. Monuments have been erected by
cation ceremonies are attended by
prominent Southerners. uniting in
brotherhood over his altar or sacrifice.
Most Famous Prison In the North.
The most famous prison in tho North
was the "Old Capitol' At Washington
which stood IN the shadow OF the ma
tional capitol. It was first built TO
house tho national Congress after the
British had destroyed the capitol in
the War Of 1912. Later II b,camc a
boa riding house and was finally aban-
doncd. Wncn the war began a shoe
maker and his family were the only
occupants.
SIX months after Fort Sumter IT was