The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-04-30
THRONG HONORS
JACKSON'S WIDOW
Great Audience In City Audi
!. torium Gives Her an
Ovation.
MONUMENT PLANS APPROVED
Memorial to Jackson Virginia's
Greatest Unpaid Debt, Says
Governor Stuart.

through the big building, greeted the
Jackson, widow OF "Stonewalr' Jack
son, AZ she stepped upon tho platform
at the city Auditorium last night, when
5000 loyal aons and daughters OF the
South assembled to do homage to tho
memory OF the illustrious Confeder-
ate chicftain. Tho rebel yell" rose
time and time again when the deeds
Of tho great Southern leader we're ex-
tolled by the speakers. and through
II all, tho honor guest eat with bowed
head and tear r-dimned eyes, but with
a glow OF pride at the bursts Of cnthu-
sihsm which greeted her husbands 9
name.
The occasion Was gigantic mass
meeting, which was called as a prcliin-
irary to "Stoncwall" jackson Monu-
ment Day, which, by proclamation OF
Governor Stuart, will be celebrated
tomorrow BY the sale OF tiny Con
city-the erstwh!le Capital Of the Con-
fcdcracy-which was nobly defended
by the man IL is now proposed to hon
or in stone and bronze. The money
contributed will 20 TO erert an eques-
trian monument which VIII show flu
titt bilt gIdlltuus CI IslNH
inond and OF Virginia.
Biues and Iiowftzers Attend.
The huge cNranse Of the auditorium
was hidden beneath a warmth OF col
or. Confederate flags and bunting. in
tcrmingled with flowers. and with n
background formed by 500 high school
children. made Il setting worthy of
such cause. TO add 10 the wealth OF
color were four companies OF the
Richmond Light Infantry Blues and
the Blues Band, clad III their hand
some full-dress uniforms Of blue and
white. anG large detachment Of the
Richmond Howitzors, dressed in Con-
fcderate gray, set off with artillery
red. Surrounding the militiamen were
the local remnant Of those who fol-
lowed Lee and Jackson.
An elaborate program had beer ar
ranged IL addition 10 the array OF
noted speakers. music Was rendered by
the John Marshall High school chorus.
aided 10y. its orchestra, the Second Hap-
list Church quartet and hy the Blues
Band.
Judge George L. Christian was the
@rcslding officer In his opening re
marks. lie stated the objects Of the
meeting. and told OF the plans for
the erection of the monument.
Cannot Add to Jnckson's Fame.
I'VE cannot add tC Stonewall Jack :
sons fame" he said, but We can show
the world ihat Nirginiaus are sensible
Of tha sacrifices he made for our State
and city by this token of our appre-
citation"
Speaking Of the $4,000 contributions
made by the last General Assemble
10 the monument fund, and what the
city of iichmond would do, the speak
CT said:
1T is not money from the public
treasury We want. II Is the voluntary
gifts OF the people which will make
this monument lasting memorial"
Tie BODY OF the auditorium was
taxed to its capacity before the eNcr-
cises opened. The Richmond How
i;2crs were the first To arrive. and ;.s
they marched down the centre aisle
10 the seats reserved for them, the
audience arose as one, and cheers and
hanuclapping filled the building A
Few minutes later the appearance of
the Rlucs caused a similar dcmonstra
zion
The exercises opened with The Bon
ME Bluo Flag" sung by the High
schooi chorus. and as the stirring re-
frain OF the wartime melody ceased
the Blues Band swung into a rollicking
min,ary march. which embraced a
medley OF Southern airs. When the
audience was seated. Rev. Landon r.
Mason. p. d., offered prayer.
Governor Stuart Speaks.
Governor Henry c. Stuart was the
hfst speaker. He called attention to
Inc FAILURE OF Virginia to settle the
greatest unpaid debt against the
commonwealth" and said that II is
beyond the power OF the people OF this
State 10 meet the obligation owed 70
the memory of "Stonewalr" jackson
IT Is impossible To measure up to
the heighth of our obligations" the
Governor said, but we can still give
the highest evidence Of our sense OF
gratitude. II Is not necessary for me
TO give any reason why we should
rally to this cause; and | firmly be-
lieve that Nirginians will gladly re-
spond TO the call. and we will erect n
memorial which shall stand through
all time"
Mrs. Jackson. Introduced.
Following the Governors address
Mrs jackson. clad in deep black and
leaning on the arm OF her grand
daughter Mrs. Randolph Preston, was
introduced by Mrs. Norman V. Ram
doiph. The shout which greeted
Jacksons widow shook tho roof OF the
big auditorium. and mingled above the
cheers or the present generation was
the famous rebel yell" from tho old
but still lusty throats of the veterans
Unable to overcome her emotion at the
demonstration, Mrs. Jackson resumed
her seat without speaking On behalf
OF Richmond Chapter. Daughters OF
the ConfederacY, she was presented
CONTINUED on Second Page3