The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
|OLD HEROES REFUSE
TO INDORSE THE BILL
OF CAPTAIN HOBSON
Think It Would Be Improper
to Ask Federal Pen
sion
DISCUSS POLITICAL
ASPECT OF MEASURE
Some Openly Stated It Looked Like a
Bid for Vote of Confederate Vet
erans-Believe Bill Would
Injure Democrats


Camp Hardee, Confederate Veterans.
one of the largest and most influential
camps in the southern states, unanimous
ly voted to disapprove the proposed bill
to be introduced in Congress by Capt. R.
p. Hobson, seeking federal pensions for
the confederate veterans.
In dignifed and courteous resolution
they assert that they would feel 1t highly
improper for confederate veterans to
make such request of the federal gov
ernment, and they deem that such a re-
quest would tarnish the honor of the con-
federate soldier. The proposed bill was
looked on by much disfavor by many of
the confederate veterans, and many of
them were outspoken in regard to it.
They feel that having weathered the
storm for over 50 years. it would be
reflection on them to ask for aid at this
late day.
Political Significance Discussed
Another feature that was discussed by
the veterans was the political signifi-
canoe of the measure, some of them OPEN
confederate veterans vote and doubted
itS pdsSaSe even liau II Deen lnuOfSed.
Others stated that ntheir opinion it
would be most improper to submit such
a bill to a democratic administration, es-
pecially the first one in 20 years, fur
ther asserting that it would prove a
powerful campaign argument to bring
about the defeat of the democratic party
At the meeting of Camp Hardee yester-
day the veterans had nothing but kind
words for Captain Hobson. but would
have none of his proposed bill.
The resolution follows:
Whereas The Hon r. p. Hobson,
member of Congress from the Sixth Ala
bsma district, has introduced a bill in
Congress entitled. "A bill to equalize the
pensions of confederate and union vet
erans;" and
Whereas. He has communicated with
Camp Hardee, U. C. ", requesting an
expression of opinion from the member
ship of this camp in regard to said bill
a copy of ssame accompanying said re-
quest; therefore, be 1t
Disapprove of Bill
Resolved. That while as a camp we
highly appreciate the motive influencing
our distinguished congressman in his ef-
fort to serve confederate veterans and
thank him for the interest manifested in
their behalf, yet we cannot approve his
bill as we feel that 1t would be nightly
improper for confederate veterans to make
any such request of the federal govern
ment and that in so doing we would
tarnish the fame and honor that have
characterized the name of the confeder-
ate soldier, and that have shone so re-
splendently throughout the vicissitudes
.,rip 1aS ho1
Resolved, second. That at any time
ir the future our countrymen should of
their own volition deem the cause for
which we contended, that real cornerstone
Of our republican form of government and
the principle unon which is based the
powers of all just government-the con-
sent of the governed, local self govern
ment, or the right of the state to control
its own affairs-of equal value and i'm
portance In our system of government as
the cause for which our opponents con-
tended, viz: an indissoluble union,
strong central government-and should
give in substantial form such recognition,
we would willingly accept the same. feel
ing assured that Americans. our country
men. have come to realization Of the
fact that while the union soldier in our
great struggle saved the union, the con-
federate soldier saved the constitution,
and that the result Is an indssoluble union
OF indestructible states.
Resolved, third, That copy of these
resolutions be spread on the minutes OF
the camp a copy mailed to Hon. r. p.
Hobson and that the adjutant furnish
&C pies, together with Captain Hobson's
bill and his letter to The Confederate
Veteran and the city papers for publ
cation Respectfully submitted,
.'W P. STRATTON,
Chairman.
wv. j. MILNER,
-. F. MLAUGHLlN,
IN. A. GRAHAM,
wv. e. YANCEY,
COMMITTEE