The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-28

veterans Offer Patriotic Services in
Cause OF Their Country.
Convention Hall is Scene of Cheerin,
as "Star Spangled Banner" is plov.
ed--Stirring Address Made bv Gov
Manning and Others.

Chester. April 24.-For the thir1
time in the past fifth of a. century
Chester was host to the annual re-
union of the South Carolina division.
United Confederate Veterans, which
convened her today in two day Sc
sion. The weather today was ideal
from every standpoint, the warm air
being slightly tempered by a gentle
spring breeze. The attendance is O
representative one from all over South
Carolina. Chester more than any
city in the commonwealth is able to
notice tho rapidly thinning Of the
ranks of the o.d soldiers. While the
majority of the heroes of the eos are
apparently weak in body the fire Of
enthusiasm for their cause is still
burning as brilliantly and strongly as
ever. A delightful feature of this re
union is the spirit of Americanism
which is more conspicuous than ever
before, the veterans appearing willing
to do their share in endeavoring to
down Prussianism, and standing as
one man behind President Wilson.
Gen. c. Irvine Walker of Summer
VILE. honorary commander in chief,
United Confederate Veterans. brought
forth much applause when he read
the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the South Carolina
division, United Confederate Veterans
cordially indorse the action of Cen
| B. II. league, major general COM
manding South Carolina division.
United Confederate Veterans, their
commander. in offering the patriotic
| services Of the veterans to the coun-
try in this hour Of peril"
The resolution was unanimously
adopted. Following the vote the band
struck up 1.-The Star Spangled Ban.
ner." and the great audience made the
large auditorium of the city hall
fairly shake with ringing applause
and cheers.
The morning programme opened al
$3.50 o'clock with Southern airs rem
dered by one Of this States best
known bands The concert continued
while the audience was assembling
The exercises proper started at 10
O'Clock.
At $50 this morning the comman-
| ders Of brigaes and camps reported
at headquarters for orders.
The reunion was called to order by
Capt. w. H. Edwards. commander OF
the Walker-Gaston camp, United
Confederate Veterans
Doxology was sung with vim by
the large number Of voices present
The invocation was delivered by
Lieut.. Col. F o. s. Curtis of Hender.
sonvilIe.
Mayor z. v. Davidson welcome ed
the veterans and delegates to the city
going "the latchstring on the outside
phrase one better by saying tha.
Chester's doors were off their hinge;
and the doorway wide open to the
old soldiers.
Gov. Manning. owing to official
business, was unable to be present a,
the morning session to welcome the
veterans in behalf of the common
wealth Of South Carolina. He arriv-
ed this afternoon, however.
Capt. w. II. Edwards welcomed the
veterans in behalf of the veterans of
this city and Chester county. He s. d
that the reunions were not held fron,
year to year to keep alive the spirit Of
sectionalism, as some people seem 70
think, but to keep fertile the memory
of the brave deeds Of the boys of the
eos.
Col. Arthur L. CASTOR welcomed the
veterans in behalf of the Sons of Vet
Grams in Chester and Chester county.
His speech was an eloquent and pa
triotic one.
At this juncture Of the programme
Capt. Edwards delivered the gavel TO
Maj. Gen. B. II. league Of Aiken.
commanding the South Carolina d.
vision. United Confederate Veterans.
He engaged in heart to heart talk
with the "boys," and was frequently
applauded.
Col J. H. Wharton Of Laurens re-
sponded to the address of welcome on
behalf Of the South Carolina division.
He said that as long as there were
two veterans alive there would be
minimum prices"