Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-05-19
VETERANS PARADE
CLIMAX OF REUNION
Surviving Soldiers of Confeder-
acy March in Review Before
Thousands of Spectators.
VIRGINIA IN PLACE OF HONOR
Richmond Blues, Grays and Boy
Scouts Fife and Bugle Corps
Enthusiastically Cheered.

United Confederate Veterans became
history when the gray-unformed sur
vivors Of the Army OF the South passed
in review in their grand parade this
afternoon. It was the closing scene OF
one Of tho most successful gatherings
ever held by the organization, and was
witnessed by tens Of thousands Of cit
liens and visitors.
Warrington will entertain the South
erners next year. but there will he
fewer veterans there. According to
Adjutant-Gcncral Mickle, death ia re-
ducins the ranks at the rate OF IA per
cent 4 year. Those who can go. how
ever, anticipate marching down Penn
sylrania Avenue and being reviewed by
a Democratic President"
Following the parade in the after
noon a brigade OF Texas veterans. COM
manded by Colonel Vik Reinhardt. and
several companies of tho Alabama Ma
tfonal Guard. commanded by Major
Seals, fought sham battle at the fair
grounds
Tonight numerous special trains are
scattering the veterans and visitors to
their homes in all sections OF the South.
sTREETs A RIOT OF COLOR
DURING THE PARADE
ing the parade to-day. and the march
ing veterans showed remarkable en-
thuslasm and vigor. As each depart
ment commander and staff reached the
stand from which General Young and
his staff were reviewing the parade
they took up position at the right OF
the general staff. The naschers were
two hours and twenty minutes passing
the stand. and comparatively few old
soldiers were compelled to withdraw on
account OF fatigue.
The South Carolina men attracted
large share OF attention. their pal
metto flag being conspicuous. The lerg-
est delegations were from Virginia.
Georgia. Alabama and Tennessee. Four
automobiles filled with men in tho fan
tas;ic disguise OF the "ku Klux"
brought up the rear.
John 4. Wood, 1o1 years old. and
claiming TO be the most aged veteran
at the reunion, rode in car by him
self.
GREETED WITH CHEERS
ALL ALONG LINE OF MARCH
To show the public they we're far
from their last annual reunion gath
ering, hundreds Of the old soldiers In
view at the end Of their long march,
bringing wild cheering from the crowds.
Cheers and the old rebel yell y!p-yip
resounded from sidewalk to sidewalk
all along the line OF march
Battle-scarred flags were borne nv
many companies In the various com
mands. Negro body servants who had
served with their masters in the Civil
War marched again by their sides to-
day, and there were many women, too,
who marched along with their hus-
bands. veterans, manifestly proud OF
the opportunity.
The Eayety Of the grand reunion bal
was marred last night BY tho death OF
John a. Mackey, aged seventy-five. OF
birmingham, veteran He expired on
the ballroom floor just after telling n
party of young people that when he
died he would like 10 go amid a scene
OF such happiness" The body was re-
moved quickly. and compa ariveiy few
OF the dancers knew of the occurrence.
Birmingham's resolution TO care for
old veterans first has resulted in few
accidents and cases of illness Plenty
of cots were furnished in the down
town buildings and at the camp at the
fair grounds. At the latter place The
soldiers were placed in the buildings,
and more than $500 men were cared
for.
GEN. HARRISON ISSUES
FIRST OFFICIAL ORDER
General George p. Harrison. the new
commander OF the Confederate vet
Grams. issued his first official order to-
day in which he says:
I'm compliance with the wish or my
Confederate comrades, as expressed in
convention yesterday, the undersigned
hereby assumes command OF this as
ISOLATION Relying on the loyal sup
port OF his beloved associates and
trusting in the mercy and goodness of
God, he hopes to keep the prosperity
and usefulness of the order
"Comrade William T.. Micllle will
continue as Adjutant-GeneraI and the
chiefo f-stan with the rank Of major
general"
The retiring commander, General
Bennett II. Young. tonight sent the
following message to President Will
son:
ITO the President:
1.-The United Confederate Veterans in
annual convention by unanimous vote
wish to commend and indorse your
coHOucI III keepin6 our country SO Iar
in honorable peace. At the same time
they pledge you their cordial support
to maintain at all times the dignity
and honor Of your government"
ENTHUSIASTIC GREETING
FOR RICHMOND COMPANIES
tBy Staff Correspondent
BIRMINGHAM. ALA, May 1S.-With
more than 10000 people crowding the
streets almoat To. silffocatinn thia a fter