The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-08-30
COMMITTEE VOTES THAT UNITED
STATES SHALL BE REPRESENTED
IN LEAGUE LIKE GREAT BRITAIN
Want Loved Ones
Returned to Them
Relatives Of Dead Heroes
Gather in Mass Meeting to
Petition President 10 Act.

Resolutions requesting President
Wilson and congress to make good
the country's promise Oy returning TO
the United Statee the bodies Of their
loved ones who now rest In the ceme-
tories and baeehelds Of France
were adopted last night ct meeting
II, the auditorium OF the chamber OF
commerce. by parents and other rela-
tives of those who died or fell on
the field Of honor. during the war
with the Central Powers. This reso-
luton. which was drafted by a COM
E,ittee Of which Col. George Wayne
Anderson was chairman, was unani-
nousiy adopted by something like one
hundred Richmonders who lost sons
or other near relsttves IN the war,
In addition to reminding the presi-
dent and congress Of the fact that
they have kept the faith and It II
now mp to them to make good the
promises OF q few months ago, the
resolution recommends that all
parents and relatives Of those who
died abroad meet In the near future
ard adopt similar resolutions.
Col. George Wayne Anderson, who
offered the resolutions. made a very
Interesting talk, presenting the sides
OF the parents. OF the American gov
crnment and Of the French He said
that he thought II was entirely up to
Isrents ~ to whether or not their
loved ones should be exhumed ana
laid to rest in their own country. He
1aid that ~ for himself he wanted
Ills son brought back to Richmond.
He pointed out the fact that II will
be . tremendous task for the govern
r1ent to undertake In bringing the
77.000 bodies back to the United
States. He declared that 1t would be
one full Of confusion and dangers
with the possibility Of some terrible
mistakes being made. He said that
the constant passing on the trains OF
the American dead would also serve
~ create . state OF unrest in France
aAd II was Tor that reason. Mr. An
cefson asserted. that the French pso-
rio ara opposed tn thu removal Of tbs
bodies to thta. eountEy. ssE
He sAld thaf II the paxefits ~ the
dead wanted theIf sons returned hers
10 NaS up to congress TO make good
the promise, and that the people
must get ut the very doors Of con-
Eress to get this body to perform
the duty.
Major Sol Cutchins presided over
the meeting. The resolutions, which
were drafted by a committee COM
rt.sed Of Col. Anderson, E. w Hoen.
H. l. Matthews and Mrs w. H.
Nercers are N follows:
The undersigned citizens OF Rich
mond. Virginia. In melting assembled
speaking for themselves alone. after
due consideration and proper de-
liberation adopt THE following resolu-
,tions.
I've have confidently relted
upon our country.s promise that the
bodies OF our dead, who gave their
lives In the great war, would be un-
naista kab1y identified and safely re-
trrncd to their native land.
1--WE have heard and consider
ed the reasons. both practical and
sentimental. that have been urged
against the return Of these bodies TO
America, by General Pershing and
BY others. ana We are mot unmindfui
OF the mourning ana tbs grief Of
France. for we also bear the heavy
cross But upon full consideration
eesire that our dead be returned TO
us that they may sleep amid the ashes
of their fathers, and give solace 10
our declining years through the vtst-
tation and care II their graves.
''3-Our c0untry's promise did not
contain or fAirlSr imply 4 delay Of
three years In such return. and to
prolon9 our present state will but
increase our sorrows and result. W.
fear, IN Z 1nal FAILURE to realise our
TceGireg.
I'VE have kept the faith 10 the
uttermost. and We now respectfully
memortAli1e the president ana the
congress Of our country to keep the
faith with uS. and to bring about the
return Of our sacred dead 70 the land
they loved during the coming winter
1T the lAtest.
.S-In view ot tho uncertainty Of
our present state We recommend to
al parSnts and relatives Of those Who
died abroad. who think and feel - We
do. whether resident In viy3inia or In
other statea. that they hold metinEu
End adopt reaoluttons expressing their
wishes and n1emoriaiixinx the prest-
dent ana congress upon the subject"
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