Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-05-16
Birmingham ThrOnged
For Veterans Reunion


BIRMINGHAM, Ala, May i5.-This
city was thrOnged with Confederate
veterans and visitors here 10 partici-
pate in the twenty-sixth annual Con-
federate reunion which begins tomor-
row. The vanguard of the old soldiers
ana visitors began TO arrive yesterday
and incoming regular and special trains
today brought thousands of others.
General Bennett H. Young. of Louis
VILE. Ky commander-in-chief of the
United Confederate Veterans, and his
chief of STAFF, General W. E. Mickle, of
New Orleans, are here, together with
T-lost OF the departmental commanders.
SPONSORS. maids and matrons of honor.
Birmingham was prepared today to
care for the largest number of visitors
in its history. Every effort has been
made to provide for the comfort of the
CID soldiers In addition to the thou
sands OF tents spread out over the
big fair grounds. hundreds of private
homes have been thrown open to them.
Numerous social functions will be
given in honor of the veterans and
visitors. The concluding feature of
the three days encampment will be a
tig ball
Already spirited contest is on among
various cities to capture next years
reunion Memphis. Atlanta and Wash
ington. D. c., are in the race. A move
ment already is on TO name Montgom-
cry, the cradle of the Confederacy,"
as the city in which the last Of the
reunions shall be held, whether next
year or later. Citizens of that city
arc behind the movement which is an
outgrowth Of the suggestion that the
present reunion may be the last TO be
held.
REUNION OPENS TUESDAY.
The sessions of the reunion will be
held in the Bijou theater commencing
at 10 a. m Tuesday. Richard W. Mas
sew. chairman OF the local entertain
ment committee, will call the gathering
TO order and Rev. J. w Bachman, chap
lain general of the veterans. delivering
the invocation. General John q. Smith.
commander Of the Fourth Alabama brig
ade, representing the Birmingham vet
Grams. will deliver the opening address.
President George B. Ward, city corr
missioner, will respond for the city: X.
". Bush. president for the Bingham
chamber Of commerce; J. Asa Rountree.
In behalf of the Sons Of Confederate
Veterans: Mrs Chappeu Cory. in be-
half Of the United Daughters OF the
Confederacy: Hon. Charles Henderson.
governor. in behalf Of the state of Ala
hama. and General George p. Harrison.
commander Of the army OF the Tonnes
see. in behalf of the Confederate veter-
ans
Rober. y Brown. chairman OF the
-rr.er.,I local committee. viii he intro
suced and he I'm return will turn the
convention over TO General Bennett n.
YOUNG. commander-in-chief OF the
T-uited Confederate Veterans. who will
dsliver the response to the addresses of
welcome. Committees will then he APP
pointed. Patriotic music will he rem
Fered during the opening session
In the afternoon the feature will be
an address by Hon. John T. GOolrick on
"t,onfederat= Soldier. and a play by r.
- Rogers.
reunion and handshaking will be
held i'm the principal park of the city.
during which the southern airs will be
,Iayed by the bands. and score OF
consolidated bands will play together
In the evening the sunuaT GRAFTON
vsiI be delivered by Irwin s Cobb. au-
thor and newspaper man. and the Of
lcial sponscr and maids will be pre-
eented-