The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-08

ready thin gray line which is more pro- nounced at every reunion and the un- fortunate railroad accident yesterday in Mississippi when several of the old comrades from Texas were killed.
 This sadness was more acceptuated among the spectators than among the hardened veterans.
 The convention was called to order by Gen. John W. Maddox of Rome, Ga. This was followed by prayer by Chap lain Gen. R. Lin Cave.
 Picked Choir Sings
 Several Confederate songs were sung by a picked choir and as these old time airs were heard by the veterans their eyes filed with tears as recollections of the past came to their minds.
 Col. Walter A. Harris of Macon, Miss Grace Lumpkin, sponsor for Macon, and Mayor John T. Moore welcomed the vet erans and visitors.
 Roland Ellis delivered the addess of wei come to the Sons of Veterans. Response was made by Lieut. Gen. c. Irwin Walker, commander-in-chief.C Committees appoint ments followed and the convention ad- journed until o'clock tonight.
 Camp John B. Gordon is filled with vet erans who are well provided for Every tent is fioored, the streets are paved with cinders and special preparations for the COfnfIlSSdTy nave DtcI lDduc
 Owing to the enormous crowds here no automobiles or horse vehicles are allowed in the camp. Certain of the principal streets of the city are roped off for the exclusive use of pedestrians.
 The attendance of Sons of Veterans is the largest ever known at reunion. Tribute to Gordon
 In beginning his address General Wal Ter said a tribute to General George w. Gordon, who died soon after his elec- ton as commander-in-chief of the Con federate veterans at the last reunion, and of whom the speaker said:
 "A wise Providence has, since we last met. gathered to Himself. My comrades, Gordon loved you, he treasured over the sacred memories of a hallowed past; he was proud of the glories which cluster around this federation. May the memory of his life and work incite us to higher effort for the good of the United Con- federate veterans he so truly loved and faithfully served
 Asking the question, What is it that brings to this meeting the boys from the distant corners of our -far-spreading land? The speaker said:
 ''Principles for which we fought were buried under the shattered ruins of the Confederacy. So their maintenance cannot be the reason for this great gathering Our beloved Confederate banner is but a cherished memory, but, Oh how deeply cherished. We can never hope to unfurl it. We can gain noth- ing of material benefit by these re- unions. Then what powerful impulse Of our nature draws us here? It is surely some deep, vivid, imperishable senti- mcnt. Is it not a proof of how much these old boys loved that Confederacy which
 Rose so whlte and fair
 And fell so pure of crimes and of how they must have impressed that devotion upon their descendants. This strong sentiment is partly the hap piness we anticipate and partly the good we hope to accomplish. It is a happiness to meet our dear old com rades and brothers who stood by us. facing death and who served their be- loved country with unexampled devo- tion. unexcelled courage and grievous sufferings. Confederate comradship is the strongest bond between man and man., It is a great happiness to dwell lovingly upon the pathetic and the amusing incidents of our war experi ences. It is a happiness to meet these fair daughters was gathered around us and honor us and our cause"
 Scandal Threatened
 Interest in the fight for the 1912 re- union was intensified by the published report charging that Secretary E. IT. dyman of the Macon Chamber of Com merce has offered to sell the reunion to Jacksonville, Fla, for $500. Secre- tary Hyman is quoted as admitting that he is in the employ of the San Antonio delegation and that he was confident of winning the reunion for that city.
 Members of the Florida city delega- tion are loud in their declarations that San Antonio is using unfair means to set the coveted prize. On the other hand. the Texas delegation contends that the alleged expose Is trick. on