Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-06-20

Whether entertainment of stranger
soldiers in private homes is wise is n
subject of Immediate interest in Ricn-
mond. 1t is being discussed freely in
tho rewt papers of several cities near
environments auc camps. Perhaps the
best answer could be given by Rich
mond men who have visited and trav-
e!cd w!dcly In the South and been In
intimate contact VITA the people. In
the most SequeStcrcl lIamlets and farm.
houses, az wei! as in more populc us
places they havo found old and agin.,
men who reused TO sudden interest at
the name Of "Richmond." and asked
eagerly OF some family here. perhaps
name long familiar here or one long
extinct or not generally known. These
men arc Confederate veterans who
were here In the old war days With
little encouragement they tell how
tue families of whom they ask were
kind TO them while they were soldiers
ana strangers and needed kindness.
Sometimes 1t was merely timely
meal. sometimes nights lodging,
sometimes few nights and days OF
caro- through an illness or recovery
from wounds. Frequently II happened
and less frequently now, yet happenH
that poor and illterate men have not
heard in the intervening more than half
century from their casual bencfactors
But they remembered. and those yet
living yet remember. the little episodes
of gracious and generous kindness
and hospitality, living bright and shin
ing amid the crowded "reminiscences of
dark and deadly days. Some search
now in Texas. Florida. the Carolinas,
Georgia and Alabama would discover
men, living much in the past. and es-
pccially in the most strenuous expert
ence OF their lives. as those growing
old love TO do. finding IL all returning
In he, al nd viyiI IN
all the members OF the households here
in which they were briefly guests some
time between 81 and 90. from the chill
dren OF then, dead or Old now. TO the
parents and grandparents, long ago
forgotten In their own homes.
Human nature and the hearts of
men do not change. Aside from the
direct results. il Is worth some pains,
some possible small annoyanccs. even
the endurance OF some little social
shocks. to place such pleasant mem
cries in hearts wherein they Will live
always and perhaps ripen to fruits OF
far extending benevolence OF thought
and act. Those who live least remen-
Der longest. Those whose contacts
with and observations OF life are few
and limited cherish dearly whatever
unusual opportunities for enjoyment
are given them. Richmond iifty-ive
years ago was n much smaller city
the lines OF caste were more rigid than
they have been since. or Will be Ye,
the people OF all stations delighted to
open their homes to all the soldiers
VINO came, regardless OF rank or So
cial grade. The results in gratitude
and faithful appreciation. continuing
TO now. were more than ample recon-
Eense. That ls the Richmond tradi-
ton and record. 1t was written in
the recollcctions of brave and sturdy
men TO keep alive in them TO the ends
Of their days love and admiration for
city and people
The army Is now. as Il was then.
composed Of men from all walks and
| positions Of life. Taking them as they
come, there must be occasional incon-
sruities. There should be no embar.
easements. With the use of that fine
puaiity called tact. OF which common
sense is the father and kindly feel
Ing the mother. there need never be
any marr!nS OF the Intercourse he
tween hosts and guests. In this coun-
Try the toughest tough from the hard
est CITY slum or the widest rural dis
trict may be trusted not to abuse hos
pltallty and to respect evidently sim