Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 31.djvu/181

 New Market Day at V. M. I. 173

fFrom the Richmond, Va., Times-Dispatch, June 24, 1903.]

NEW MARKET DAY AT V. M. I. Honor to Men of Imperishable Glory.

OLD CADETS NUMEROUS.

Dr. J. N. Upshur Delivers a Splendid Address Survivors to be Deco- rated with Crosses of Honor John S. Wise Speaks.

LEXINGTON, VA., June 23, 1903.

"New Market!" Every yell given at the Virginia Military In- stitute has ended with that word, and every feature of the exercises has impressed upon the beholder that this commencement is designed to honor the men who gave to the institute imperishable glory in the charge they made on that memorable day in '64.

Seventy survivors of the historic charge are here, and to-day they have been the recipients of honors such as are bestowed upon few men in the course of their lives. From sixteen States the old cadets have come, and every one has been delighted to honor the gallant boys of '64.

Lexington is overflowing with visitors. The two hotels are turn- ing away intending guests. Every boarding-house is filled, and the barracks are accommodating about as many visitors as possible.

The features of the ceremonies to-day were the speech of Dr. J. N. Upshur, of Richmond, a New Market survivor, in Jackson Hall this morning; the unveiling of the New Market battle monument immediately afterwards; the great meeting of the alumni this after- noon, and their decision to decorate with crosses of honor the survi- vors of the battle of New Market; the sham battle and the alumni banquet and the cadet hop to-night.

THREE THOUSAND STRONG.

Three thousand people from various sections of the State were here to-day to hear the addresses. A third of them were old cadets or of the families of men who got their training at the Institute.

It was after n o'clock when Captain J. R. Anderson, Jr., called to order the audience which was packed into Jackson Hall. The