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mistaken generosity, and no political art nor sophistry shall place him in this false position.
A generation has passed away since Confederate soldiers gave up the fight for separate independence as a nation, but death alone can take away their personal independence as brave and true men.
No prouder position has been held by any people on earth than the soldiers of the South have enjoyed since the surrender at Appomattox.
For three and thirty years they have held their way, not only unassisted by the United States government, but in spite of it, and now, towards the close of their earthly career, they look back upon their record, in war as well as in peace, as a precious heritage, not only to their children, but to all generations of those who love true liberty.
They cannot be induced by the power of money nor the patronage of goverment to become participants in the crowning iniquity of the war, the pension list of the United States.
We thank God that the sons of Confederate veterans, by the most conspicuous gallantry in the war with Spain of 1898, have proved that they are worthy descendants of the men who, in 1861, fought for Confederate independence; but the Confederate veteran will be content to remain forever the possessor of an independent spirit, convinced that a Federal pension is worse than Confederate poverty.
Therefore, be it
Resolved, by Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans, of Norfolk, Va.:
First.
That the care of the graves of Confederate soldiers is a sacred duty which has been assumed by the men and women of the South, and while we appreciate and gratefully acknowledge the individual sympathy of all parts of our common country in doing honor to the Confederate dead, it is not our desire to accept any governmental aid for Confederate cemeteries.
Second.
That we are opposed to any legislation or movement looking towards the admission of Confederate soldiers into the United States National Soldiers' Homes.
Third.
That we here record our unanimous opposition against the bill now pending in Congress seeking to place Confederate veterans on the pension rolls of the United States; and to the end that such legislation may be defeated, we resolve that a copy of these
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Richmond, VA. 1898.
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