davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
100000 MEN IN TEARS

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 Home, sweet, delectable home, summit of human felicity, there, the whizzing of angel wings and seraphic anthems are nearest heard.
 In 1863, after the bloody, decisive bat tie of Gettysburg, which ended the last hope of the Confectionery, and foreshad- owed the inevitable result of the war, General Lee dispirited, disheartened and dejected, retreated into Virginia and placed his shoeless, tattered defeated, legweary and hungry veterans, once more. in their old trenches on the soutside of the Rappahanoc, which they had left a few weeks before with fond hopes of vic- tory
 General Meade, at the same time, placed hAl victorious legions following, again in [ sir old works on the north side, 10 be-
 n again soon. the habtual deadly con- < lict.
 the delight of friend and foe, favorite national air, then band on the other side played one of their choice pieces
 When they had, until late in the night floated through courtesy alternately, their soul inspiring notes OCT the foAming waters of the river, and nature forcibly reminded them that adjournment was necessary. one band as good night blessing, struck up" the good, old fa- miliar song, Home Sweet Home"
 As the enchanting strains, like angel s waited songs from the sky crossed over the rapid stream and was echoed back and back by the rough hills skirting the river, silence to pensive stiffness reigned When they concluded the other band caught up the delighting reverberant sounds of the same song, and echoed them for while, and men sat upon the ground ill loving admiration, and as sweet memo ries of home in bygone days crowded to mental view and they thought of loved ones unprotected, grieved and unprovided for in their faraway, sad homes, they for got enmity and hostility and with brotherly love. 100000 brave and heroic men dipped together copious streams of tears across their cheeks and battered them at their feet upon the ground. f4s. M A. NJ. PRUDE.
 Pratt City, Slope No. 2, May F. 1916.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
RICHMOND MAN CONFEDERATE BABY w. F. Hopkins Joined the Army When He Was II
 Years Old.

w. F. Hopkins of Richmond, Va, who is attending the reunion, is known as the Baby of the Confederacy.' MT. Hop kins, so far as there is any record, was the youngest enlisted soldier of the Con- federacy and wears costly medal pre- sented to him by the Richmond Times Dispatch The medal was made from a piece of the Merrimac, set with blood stone to commemorate his career as a boy soldier He ran away and joined the army in 1S61 at the age of Il years, be- coming a member of the Thirty-second Virginia infantry. He carried a big, double barreled shotgun
 Although sent home a number of times, the youthful soldier ran away again un- til his mother finally gave her permis- sion for him to stay in the army. He saw active service until the war ended and was only 15 years old when Lee surrendered. He took part in the battles of Cold Harbor, Five Forks Salem's creek and many other engagements during the Civil war, showing conspicuous gallantry on the field.
 Private Hopkins was wounded Il times and captured five times, but was retaken under fire by his comrades. He has never ceased to suffer from wounds received during the war and states that he has been operated on 3S times. Private Hop kins is man of huge physique and en- joys good health except when his wounds trouble him. The fact that he was un- usually well developed for his size made him an acceptable soldier, as he was able to endure as many hardships as any man in his company. He weighed over 200 pounds when mustered out at the age of 15
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18

headquarters, and there registered their names. Having no room address, of course could not give same The son, arriving later from Jacksonville, Fla, went at once to headquarters, there finding his father and sisters names appearing with out address. After telling his story he interested the writer, and through the in defatigable and thorough system and un- usual kindness so graciously extended us at the headquarters of the U. c. ", we succeeded In locating the old gentleman n and sister at 8:30 last night The old gentleman was sick in bed caused from fatigue and real heart disappointment After sending number of wires trying to locate whether son had left or not, being old and feeble, he gave up and was put to bed.
 Had a few of the sons and daugh- ters of this historical cause been able to see this meeting, it alone would be enough for them to say with a loud voice. mo, never shall we give up the grand occasion of seeing these grand old and noble real men meet, as long as there is one of them left to tell the story Again I think the people of the southern sister states owe to the good and grand women and men of the proud city of Birmingham every word known to the human tongue in the way of praise for their untiring efforts to give this meeting what would make them happy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
FAMILY TOGETHER AGAIN
 AFTER 50 YEARS APART

l.. Wallis Brown of New Orleans, who is with the Louisiana contingent, writes the following touching story of the meet ing between a son and his father and sister at the reunion:
 "A good word for the city of Birming- ham. MT. G. w. Currethers and his daughter, Mrs. l.. B. Martin, of Shreve- port, La, meet son after 40 years sep aration The story goes thus: Young James Currethers of Jacksonville, Fla, whose mother died when he was six years old, was given to his grandparents on his mothers side to raise. The war came on when he was only a child and his father enlisted in the Fifteenth regi- ment of Louisiana and after going through the entire four years and receiv- his honorable discharge, he came to his old home, Shreveport, La., finding noth- ing of his son or his grandparents, they having moved to Florida. After trying in vain for years to locate them, he finally gave up thinking them dead and the boy as we'll.
 "A few years ago during the reunion at Florida they both learned of their whereabouts after corresponding, they agreed to meet at Birmingham at this reunion. The old gentleman, MT. Curreth- CTS and his daughter, Mrs. Martin, ar rived first, going at once to Louisiana
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
J. w. Harper Thinks Now Is Best Time to Have
 Mexican Clean Up."
WILSON WILL POLL
 SOLID TEXAS VOTE
Thinks Germany Seeks War With Us and That Wilson Is Safest Man to Direct National Affairs
 If War Comes.

"As Governor Ferguson said, we are go- ing to be forced to clean up Mexico be- fore this affair is settled, so why not now?" asked J. w. Harper of Houston, Tex, yesterday. 'The longer we delay the matter of restoring order in that country the longer it will take to clean it up, and the work should be started now.
 'In connection with the Mexican situa- tion, many people have got an idea that President Wilson will suffer at the hands of the voters of Texas because of his 'watchful waiting policy. I believe that the President will poll almost solid vote in Texas. Even the republicans are go- ing to vote for him, and I have heard many republicans say they would not vote for the best man their party could nominate against Mir. Wilson. Every democrat in Texas will vote for Presi- dent Wilson, for they believe that his administration has been the wisest we have ever had.
 "One thing is certain Theodore Roose- welt will never get any votes to speak of in Texas. The Texans believe that he is not the man for the White House, especially during the present strenuous times we are having in our foreign rela- tions
 'I believe that in time Germany will drag the United States into this Euro- pean war, but the President has kept us out of it thus far and has done good work. The Germans will never surren- der to the nations they now are fighting. but I believe they will get the United 
 to this country after some three months of fighting. They will do this as means to preserving their territorial integrity, for they know that the United States has no desire to acquire other lands, and that they will be among humanitarans when they are fighting this country. [ don't want to see such a war, but Presi- dent Wilson is the man who should be directing this countrys affairs should it ever cOmen
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
MONTGOMERY BLUES WILL BE IN PARADE Famous Alabama Company Arrive for Big Event of
 Reunion Today

The Montgomery True Blues. Company D, Second infantry, A. N G., are to again visit Birmingham. This splendid organization will be seen in the big pa rade today. They arrived last night and spent the night here in the local armory They will leave for home at TAO tonight.
 It has been a long time since the city of Birmingham has had this efficient company as it's guest, their last appear ance here being during the Second regi- ment encampment in 1913 It was during this encampment that the Blues were awarded the Weiss loving cup, which they range at Boyles. Many visitors were out at the camp grounds on the afternoon upon which the company was presented with the cup, and it was also upon this occasion that Sergeant Feat of this com pany was presented with the regimental medal for the highest score. The com pany also was called upon for an exhibi- ton drill, which they creditably carried out.
 The Blues have made remarkable prog ress since that time. They have been awarded several trophies for their work on the rifle range, as well as having been very highly complimented for the ability of the company drill. They are now com manded by one of the most efficient of ficers in the Alabama National Guard. Capt. A. J. Mcfarland, and since he has taken charge of the company it has made rapid strides in efficiency. It is one of the oldest military organizations in the country, having been in continuous exist ence since February P, 1886
 In the April issue of the National Guard Magazine a publication for the use of national guardsmen everywhere in the country, a very interesting article on this company was carried. It gave a brief history of the company and mentioned some of the many activities of the com pany.
 While the company has gained a repu- tation for it's efficiency in all branches of infantry work, it's activities are con fined to shooting more than any other subject. The company has some excellent shots in it's ranks, and practically every member of the company is a wearer of a medal of some qualification. Their shoot ing is done on the rifle range in Mont gomery on Sundays and they average about p men every Sunday on the range.
 The company will drill in the parade in their dress uniforms of blue and it is probable that they will be called upon to give an exhibition drill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
TENNESSEE PARADE
 ORDERS ARE ISSUED
Adjt. Gen. Sykes Gives Out Plans for Department
 Formation Tc'~-.

E. T. Sykes, adJutant general and chief of staff of the Army of Tennessee department last night gave out general orders No. IS in reference to the pa- rade today. The orders are as follows: Headquarters Army of Tennessee De-
 partment. United Confederate veter-
 ans, Birmingham, Ala, May IT. 19fo-
 General Orders No. IS.
 Il. The lieutenant general command ing directs the formation of this de- partment preparatory for the parade to- morrow, as follows, viz:
 Tennessee division will form on cor ner of Fourth avenue and Fifteenth street with its right resting on east east side of Fifteenth street.
 "Kentucky division will form on Fourth avenue and Fifteenth street with it's right resting on the west side of Fifteenth street.
 '.Mississippi division will form on corner of Fourth avenue and Sixteenth street with it's right resting on tast side of Seventeenth street.
 ''Louisiana division will form on cor ner of Fourth avenue and Sixteenth street with its right resting on west side of Sixteenth street.
 Georgia division will form on cor ner of Fourth avenue and Seventeenth street with it's right resting on east side of Seventeenth street.
 "Florida division will form on corr ner of Fourth avenue and Seventeenth street with its right resting on west side of Seventeenth streeet.
 Alabama division will form On cor ner of Fourth avenue, east side of Sew enteenth street in rear of the Georgia division.
 70 The several divisions will form at the respective places designated and be in readiness to take up the line of march promptly at II a. m.
 By order of
 "GEORGE F. HARRISON,
 'Lieutenant General Commanding. "E. T. SYKES, Adjutant General and
 Chief of Staff''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18

That the 5000 mark will be reached by today is the belief of George A. Blinn, Jr., member of the general committee MT Blinn stated that 7500 official badges had been given out at noon yesterday and that more veterans were coming i'll on all trains. Several hundred more are expected to arrive today to witness the parade and sham battle.
 Out of the number of veterans who have registered and received badges, something like 45OO are eating and sleeping at the fairgrounds. According to reports 5000 cots were occupied al the fairgrounds Tuesday night and the number largely increased last night
 This here camp life is great" said J. c. Renfroe of Tennessee regiment, who came all the way from Texas, where he now lives, to shake the paw" as he calls it, of his old comrades. 'I don't know when I have enjoyed nights rest better than the one I had last night
 Colnrade Renfroe said Vulcan, the great iron man that stands guard over the fairgrounds, was the best advertisement for a city he ever saw. Why, way out in Texas we know about Birmingham being a second Pittsburg, and l was told by a dozen persons to be sure and see that great iron giant in Birmingham"
 While the bands march the streets of Birmingham playing Dixie" and other popular pieces, they have nothing on the music out at the fairgrounds, according to the opinion of a number of vets" There is about dozen or so ''fiddles," and about the same number of banjos there. The beloved musical instruments did not come alone, you may be sure, and at one end of each bow there is fiddler worth while
 Little groups of vets may be seen here and there in the camp barracks, and by listening, the strains of the fiddle and banjos'' may be heard, accompanied by the shuffle of feet as some old vet eran gladdens the hearts of his com rades by doing the old wartime buck
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
HERE AND THERE
 AMONG VISITORS

Col. J. C. Jones, state pension comnlis- sioner of Austin, Tex, is registered at the Tutwiler. He has been kept busy an- swering questions about pension matters in Texas He stated that there are ap- proximately 19,O00 on the role in Texas, in cluding widows, and that s1 ,5O0,0O0 is avail able this year, which is paid quarterly. To the Editor of The Age-Herald.
 If there is an old veteran here who was present in Abbeville, s. C., in May, 1865, when Davis held his last council of war, I should be glad to have him call at my sons residence, 1116 Glen Iris ave- nue, shake hands and exchange a few words about that memorable occa- sion, etc J. NJ. WEEKLY, M. D.
 From Bainville s. c.
 Mrs. George Stratton of Macon, Ga., who the past winter has been the guest of her daughter, MT. D. H. Bohler, is now lending valuable assistance to Pelham chapter in entertaining the old Confed- crates during the reunion.
 Mrs. Stratton is a sister of the famous naval commander, Maj. Wilburn Briggs Hall, quite distinguished during the civil war, his vessel being fired upon at Fort Sumpter in entering Charleston harbor at the outbreak of the war. The return fire was the first gun fired by the Confectionery.
 MdJOr f1dll WAS cOIlfHiSSlOHeQ 10 lay the first lot of torpedoes, but his plans De- ing overheard and reported to the en- emy, the torpedoes were all removed by the enemy early next morning.
 Several years after the war, during a social gathering of ex-Confederate and union soldiers at the home of Major Hall, he related this torpedo incident when Gen. James Wilson, union officer, leaned back in his chair and laughingly said Hall, l was the very yankee seoundre who overheard your plans and picked up those torpedoes.'
 Wholesale grocery stores will be closed today during the hours of parade.
 The Birmingham postoffice will be closed today during the hours of the parade.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
DUNAWAY AT REUNION Arkansas Man Is Author of Biogras
 phy of Faous Governor.

l.. s. Dunaway of Little Rock is in Bir- mingham attending the reunion Mir. Dunaway is the author of the book on the life of the famous Arkansas governor and senator, Jeff Davis-not the Jeff Davis of the civil war, although it is said they were related. Mir. Dunaway has a splendid production of the life and sayings of the great Arkansas states man and says his publishers have had a heavy demand for the book
 In addition to being the author of the Jeff Davis book. MT Dunaway is con- nected with the Arkansas Gazette and is doing active newspaper work while in Bir- mingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18

tendency to name a progressive and will allow them to have something to say about the platform.
 SECRETARY SMELLS COMMENT
 .Either Senator Borah or Justice Hughes said Secretary She'll would be acceptable to us if it is impossible to name Roosevelt. We would also demand that we have something to say about the writing of the platform.
 "Of course. if the republicans insist on naming a man like Senator Sherman of Illinois or Senator Penrose of Pennsyl- vania, why we would place third ticket in the field. However I do not antici- pate anything but the nomination of Roosevelt next June and it will be a horse race between him and Wilson next November.
 'The issue of Preparedness for War is bound to win in the north and on the Pacific coast. There the people are awake to the dangers of foreign foe and our unpreparedness. Those folks up there know that with Roosevelt in the saddle steps would be taken and taken quick to insure this country against a sue cessful invasion and it's resultant havoc The south should think of the fate of poor, weak little Belgium-and then fol- low Irwin Cobbs advice and chase all the Mellin's' Food and Grapejuice states men to the bushes and revival camps. where they belong"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
Subscription Dance
 By Sons Tonight

As a climax to the social festivities of the reunion, Camp Henry D. Clay- ton Sons of Veterans, will give a sub- scription dance tonight in the open air Hippodrome annex, Third avenue and Seventeenth street.
 So great were the crowds at the balls given on Tuesday and Wednesday nights that hundreds were unable to gain ads mission, and it is for the benefit of the general public that tonight's dance 3as been arranged. Ladies will be admitted free. and handsome 'favors have be- 1 provided for the ladies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
OF VETERANS
 IN CAMP AT FAIRGROUNDS
Many Comrades of the eos Meet and Exchange War Rem iniscences- Veterans Make Merry With Bow and Fiddle and Old Time Marches Are Heard-Vulcan An
 Object of Much Interest

dance. They enjoy this kind of sport, and its just like it was when we were in camp during the war-that is. when we were not teasing the Yankees with our bullets"
 Music and dancing is well and good in it's place, but there is a time for music and dancing and a time for preaching and praying. This is the way the Con- federate grays think. They play the violin and dance as the spirit moves, but when the call to prayer is made, they make the finest kind of an audience. There are several veteran preachers as we'll as soldiers among them and three or four religious services are held each day.
 crowd of old soldiers were standing in a group gazing skyward at the mas sive head, shoulders and arms of Vulcan, the iron man, when a thin-voiced little old man, dressed in dingy uniform, yelled across the crowd: "Hey, John, look at that giant. Wouldn't that mon ster have scared the 'divil outen them Tanks that night when they attacked our camp, if he'd been standing there guarding us as he now is Gee-whill- kins, but bet they'd been some running done"
 The old soldiers are all anxious for the sham battle at the fairgrounds tomorrow. Many or them say the sham battle is W hat draws them to the reunions They still have fighting blood left and they like to hear the roar of musketry as well as they ever did. The grandstands will be especially reserved for the veterans. The slogan is "seat the veterans first" ana the Boy Scouts will be called upon to see to seating the old men,
 No serious cases have been reported from the Red Cross station at the fair grounds. Although many of the veter- ans have been brought in for temporary rest and treatment, but few have had serious troubles. The relief station is on the job both day and night. and are taking care that no one goes in need of treatment and medicine. The cool weather Is said to be excellent for the health of the old men, there being less cause for fatigue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18

Nashville, Tenn, May 17.-A Sewanee Tenn. special says when the central com mittee charged with raising S3O0.000 to lquidate the debt of the University of the South had received reports yesterday aft ernoon from all the Episcopal dioceses in the south, the sum of $1S6000 was the aggregate A reasonable expectation of S60.0O0 more to be reported soon was an nounced leaving s54Oo0 to be raised before June l. The committee met yesterday at SeWanee
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
Veteran Loses His Pocketbook

J. s. James veteran of Jesup, Ga, reported to headquarters last night that he had lost his pocketbook, containing s25 and his railroad ticket home. It was lost on fairgrounds car. The finder is asked to return the pocketbook and contents to A. C. Jenkins at headquarters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
Tennessee Division

The Tennessee division is ordered to meet at corner of Fourth avenue and Eff teenth street, with right next on Fourth avenue, at 9:30 a. m. Thursday.
 By order John P. Hickman command ant
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
MASONIC NOTICE

There will be a regular cOmmunica. ton of Birmingham Temple lodge No 636, A. F. and A. M., Thursday nigh, at o'clock, Masonic temple, Sixth ave. nue and Nineteenth street. All visiting brethren are invited.
 s. B. I<LIPPELT, w. M. R. M. RANKIN, Sec'y.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
At PhotoplaY Houses

Strand- Idols" with Katherine Kael- red.
 Colonial-"Warrens of Virginia" with Miss Blanche Sweet.
 Rialto-"K "Kreutzer Sonata" with Theda Bara. Trianon-"Civilization Child" with Annie Lehr.
 Princess-"The Jester," with John Junior.
 odeon Two-"The Ku Klux Klan'' with all-star cast.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
Nntiee ta Snnnsars

Ali sponsors, maids and chaperons must meet the sponsor committee al 9.N this morning on mezzanine floor at Tutwler to be assigned automobiles for parade.
 SPONSOR COMMITTEE.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
TODAY'S EVENTS

Cumberland Presbyterian general as- sembly begins 12:15 North Twenty-seventh street at Il a. m
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
At the Theatres

At the Theatres Jefferson-"The Birth of a Nation, with Henry B. Walthall. Matinee at 2:3( p m. Evening at S:15.
 Lyric--Vaudeville. Matinee at 2:30 p m. Evening at 730 and g.
 Hippodrome-Roller skating. Matinee at 2:30 p. m. Evening at 8.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18

Reunion Events 10:O0 a. m.-Parade of veterans. 800 p. m.-Sham battle at fairgrounds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
$1S6,OOO for Sewanee

The Birmingham postoffice will be closed today during the hours of the parade.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18
SECRETARY SMELLS COMMENT

tendency to name a progressive and will allow them to have something to say oho,,t tba ,,latfOrr,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-18

Wholesale grocery stores will be closed today during the hours of parade.