The Washington times., 1917-06-05
NEARRIOT MARKS
VETS" CONVENTION
Thousands of Gray Soldiers
Barred From Convention.
GREET PRESIDENT HEARTILY
South Pledges Fullest Support to
Nation in War.
GREET PRESIDENT HEARTILY
CONTINUED from First ragel

tion in part by dragging in wooden
chairs through the second story win
dows. The chairs were commander
ed wherever they could be found.
The fatigue OF many OF the stand
ing veterans. who scrambled for the
chairs, was apparent. and prostra-
tons were feared. One aged couple
the second floor OF the building. but
moved on after telling the police
they were unhurt
No Damper on Spirits.
Despite the physical discomforts
OF many Of the veterans there was no
damper upon the spirit OF the day.
Inside the crowded building the Ma
rtne Band played Dixie" and brought
every old man and woman 10 their
feet Hats and gray caps were
thrown into the air and the cheers
were heard on the street, making all
the more anxious those who were I'M
able to enter. other Southern airs
were played by the band and each
brought its response Of rebel yells"
and handclapping.
The addresses Of welcome by Com
missioner Brownlow and Col Robert
n. Harper, chairman OF the citizens
committee. were generously cheered
and formally launched the reunion
Other addresses, songs and the read
ing of poems. contributed to a pro-
gram OF twenty-three numbers-all
typical of the South and its memories
and the Significance of the first Con-
federate reunion held North OF the
Potomac.
Out in the street n little tragedy
was enacted throughout the long
wait Many OF the old fellows simply
could not understand why they were
denied admission to a Confederate
reunion. At times they were a bit
resentful as some young pAce offi
GER, acting under strict and necessary
orders. gently pushed back the
throngs about the doOrways.
Il am sorry, you simply cannot
come in; the building is closed said
the police officers.
But. look, I'm a veteran" would
reply the man in gray. Here's my
badge and here's my ticket and here's
my uniform and medal for brav-
cry"
Indignant when Barred.
Once more the policeman was
forced to insist that the crowd stand
back The eyes OF one OF two war
riors of the sixties showed fire as
these orders were given. but the look
OF indignation and DISAPPOINTMENT
was soon followed by one Of resig-
nation.
Veterans on the outside, as well as
those inside the building. awaited the
coming Of the President with no et
fort to conceal their anticipation.
II was a rare sight-as one sat on
the stage-to look over the auditor
ium at the thousands OF silvered
heads of the veterans and their wives.
Except for one of the younger gen.
GRAFTON here and there each head was
white or whitening, and many OF
them nodded in unison as the Marin"
Band played cherished war m' lodies
Pledge Wilson support.
"WiIl YOU support me on this sig
rihcsnt day." President Wilson asked
in his address.
ave. ave, we will" came back the
chorus Of voices in every corner ana
through the center OF the big audi
forum.
The President dwelt upon the sig
nificance of registration day and
likened its responsibilities to the DAY
when the Confederates felt their call
to the coIors more than fifty years
ago. Today. he said. young men were
AiAtAl AaAAAFo a. -
of their faith in democracy and their
duty and purpose to serve in the
grand war for humanity"
The President said this country
would spend all Of its wealth and
blood IL necessary in vindication of
the fact that il had not been &C
quired selfshly. but in the interest of
mankind All should be thankful for
the privilege Of self-sacrihce. he added.
President Wilson referred to a re
united country, saying that while the
plans of Providence could not be told
IN the civil war IL had unfolded today
for the best. eve see now the pur-
pose which we are met to serve he
said
The veterans. who gave the Presi-
dent a great ovation. were officially
welcomed by the Chief Executive, who
said he esteemed il a very great
pleasure and real privilege ito extend
TO you a cordial greeting on behalf Of
the Government OF the United States
South VIII Do share.
Pledging the loyalty Of the South in
the war with Germany. Gen. George p.
Harrison. commander-in-chief Of the
United Confederate Veterans. was re-
sponsibIe for a great demonstration at
the Arcade Auditorium meeting when
he said:
Il appeal TO true Americans every
where-from Portland. Ne. to Portland.
Ore, and from Canada on the north TO
the Gulf Of Mexico on the south-to
stand by our President in this war.
Those who wore the gray fifty years
ago will be just as loyal as those who
wore the blue. Our sons are register
ing today for this greatest war. Let US
encourage them and stand by them. !
whether they are from 'Yankeeland' !
OF Dixie"
The Rev DeerinE J. Roberts gave
the invocation. His voice hardly |
penetrated TO those packed in the |
farther balconies. but the veterans
with bowed heads frequently inter- |
rupted him with reverend amens.
Mrs. Maud Howell Smith recited |
''The Flags Welcome" an especially |
composed poem Of welcome. At its !
conclusion the band played THE Star |
Spsngled Banner" During the play |
ing OF the National Anthem the Con- |
federstes took their hats OF and |
wildly applauded.
Love ReIEBsI Hatred Dead.
Col. Robert " Harper. the first |
speaker, said that II the only object |
Of the reunion was to impress upon |
the people Of the United States that /
love reigned and hatred lives no more |
st was enough. He said that he ex-
tended a welcome TO the Confederate |
Veterans on the part OF Washington |