The Washington herald., 1917-03-11
''VETS' TO STORM CITY
FOR ANNUAL REUNION
Confederates VIII Be Received With
Open Arms by People Of Capital.
Nv JOHN TEMPLE GRAVES.

During the week of June the fourth
thirty thousand Confederate SOLDIER
will march in triumph through thu
streets of washington-from the Cap
itol to the White House.
And along the entire length of Penn
syIvania avenue it will be THE South
In the Saddle, and riding gloriously.
Fifty-six years ago this confident
announcement would have created
national panic. Today 1t is a welcome
proclamation of patriotism and peace.
Camped at last in their country's
Capital and lighting their bivouac
hres between the Washington Monu-
ment and the portico Of the Presi-
dents home, these battered and de-
crepit veterans of lost cause-sol-
diers of Jackson and johnson and Lee
will have conquered at last the hearts
of Washington, and achieved In peace
what they failed to accomplish at the
point of their bayonets in war.
First Meeting Here.
Never before have the Confederate
Veterans held a reunion In their coun-
try's capital. They have met for 81
years in every southern city. holding
their last reunion but one in Rich
mond-the capital of the Old Confed-
eracy-amid the glad hands and the
reminiscent tears Of that great OLD
Virginia breed that made them well
come there.
They cross the Potomac in June
for the first time-the 9th Reunion
of the United Confederate Veterans,
and the s2nd Reunion of the Sons OF
yeteran-and come to hold their
greatest and perhaps their last assem-
bIy-in washington-the Capital OF
their country now and forever.
The Grand Army Of the Republic has
held its reunion in Washington time after
time. With flags flying and brass bands
blaring and cannon booming, they have
swept the historic Avenue with fervent
and tender cheers. But the ''Tatterde-
MELONS Of Lee'-now good American citi-
zens-who for years looked grimly from
the Virginia hills upon the stately dome
of our House upon the hill, have never
before linked these faded Stars and Bars
in loving fellowship with the Star
spangIed Banner in its official home.
VIII Revive Memories.
What a glorious reunion 1t will be for
these "old Confedsr' How rich in mem
ory-how inspiring in suggestion. All the
way that brings them to Washington will
feed their souls with the fatness OF
martial recollections. They will travel
under or near to Marye Heights at Fred
ericksburg. They may recall on historic
ground the fiery siege OF Richmond. and
catch the chastity thunder of that tragic
crater that blew men skyward at
Petersburg They may pass Manassas,
ard Bull Run and run near to tragic
Appomattox.
They may see the peaceful soil where
once was fought the mighty Battle OF
the Wilderness" They may see where
Jeb Stuart, the South's brave cavalier OF
cavalry, fought at Culpeper and found
his fatal bullet at Yellow Tavern. They
may see where fell Pelham the great
Cannoneer." They may mark the spot
where Stonewall Jackson. passed over
the river to rest under the shade Of the
trees
They will almost be IN touch with that
crowning and fateful field of Gettysburg
where Pickett wrote himself immortal in
the worlds most dauntless charge against
the unbreakable ranks of Hancock on
that windswept hill.