Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-02-24
The Richmond Celebration.

udu UtOu RIuuunbJ i'p up WV" 80
gers, and every train had brought its add,
ton to the throng. Prominent among the
visitors were the military organizations, the
most Of which came accompanied by fine
bands Of music. The cadets of the Virginia
Military Institute (the West Point oil the
South we're especially noticed; they were
about one hundred and fifty strong, and were
under the efhcent command Of Colonel +. ii.
Smith. The Baltimore City Guards came
with the Norfolk companies and looked fine
ly in their winter uniform. The Washington
Light infantry Captain Davis, with the
Mount Vernon Guards, Of Alexandria, were
quartered at Reds Verandah. The Alexan-
dris RIhemen are at the Central Hotel. The
Washington Ylgers, Captain Schwartzman,
which paraded seventy strong. were received
by the Virginia Rifles, Captain Lybrook, on
their arrival, and escorted to Schad's Hall.
The Baltimore and Washington companies
were attended by delegations of honorary
members.
Tue hotels were crowded to OVERT wing,
and uubounded hospitality was dispens-
ed by the citizens. In the City Hall
large bowls of apple-toddy were kept, well
supplied, and their contents, with crackers
and cheese, were free to the public. Rations
were provided for the military visitors, and
there we're abundant supplies Of reIresnnent
al the armnries and at the engine houses. In
short all that was wanting was yood ueather,
and this WAS unfortunately denied. 1t had
been hoped that the storm had finished on
Saturday, but tue hopes o. the weather-Sise
were If frustrated, and the morning-gun ushered
in a snowy clustering dav.
The PREPARATIoNS.-Thc streets were FILL
ed at an early hour with military aud ma
sonic bodies, muunted MARSHALL, Dragons,
and carriages tor invited guests. Before tue
procession Was formed, a splendid flag
was presentei to the Richmond Commando
ry Of Knighrs Templars by Mrs. Gill. The
Richmond Knights Tcmplars appeared noun
ted, with l~arce-, and splendid regalis.
TIE Procession The procession started
punctually. at ten o'clock, in accordance
with the programme and arrangements OF
Major General Tsliaierro, chief marshal,
who also commanded the military escort.-
The infantry, artillery, and ritlemeu were
divided into two brlgades, commanded by
Colvuels August aud Walton, and Il squaO-
ron Of Dragons, commanded by Colonel
Davis. The brigad~s were subdlvld'd into
battalions, the first one being the Lexington
cadets. The second battalion wps composed
of the Richmond volunteers and the State
Pu5lic Guard, Captain Dlmmock. The third
was the Washington, Alexandra and Peters
burg volunteers, commanded by Major Peter
Bacon.
After the military came the invited
guests, in carriages the Knights Templars
Of Richmond, Washington, and Frederieks-
burg; the grand and subordinate lodges OF
Free Masons: delegations of the Ulcers and
soldiers Of the war OF 1917; the Fire de.
partment and a variety OF other organize
TONS. The procession was an imposing one
and had the sun only CLEANED from sabres
and bayonets and g"listeued upon the rich re-
gala, the effect would have been magnificent.
The line Of march was from 2lst street, up
Main to 81, along ID to Broad. down Broad
to l0ch, and thence to the Capitol Square.
The CEREMONY On entering the square,
where the monument doomed up IN majestic
proportions, the equestrian statue shrouded
from public gaze, the different bodies took
their assigned positions. Soon, in response
to a trumpet blast, the signal gun announced
the commencement Of the ceremonies.
Governor Wise, on behalf of Virginia, wei
coined the invited guests and the vast assem-
blage cuDgregated to witness the inaugura-
ton of the statue of Washington. That
magic name" said he, like none under hea-
ven, can draw the American people IN uni
son together. Before it, feuds and factions
stand abashed, civil disCord is hustled, and
schisms aud sections are subdued into 81.
lcnce. 1t typiics the o,der, liberty, iaw,
strength, and beauty of the national Union;
and to-day We gather the national affections,
and bind them AZ American fasces around
hi. statue" Mr.. Wise closed with a touch
ing compliment to the ulptor, Mr.. Craw-
ford.
The Masonic exercises were highly inter.
esting, aud in accordance with the rites OF
that ancient order, NJ. W. Brother Robert
G.. Scott delivering an impressive address.
John K. Thong son. esq., the gifted editor
of the Southern Literary Messenger, read the
iuItiatory poem, which is a most able and
finished production. After a spirited intro
ductipp. reviewing the character OF WASH
ipgton, be gave vivid history Of the statue,
with a tribute to the deceased sculptor. and
a glowing description OF his masterpiece be-
fore them. In conclusion, he al jurcd all
present to renew their vows Of patriotism, and
expressed a hope that when the statue should
have mouldered into ruin, and the State
which gave it birth shall be waste and desc
late
uOur honored Commonw, aith shall still receive
The purest worship grateful love can give
Her praise according millions shall proclaim
And earth's remotest age shall bless VIRGINIA
name!'
The Grafton. by Senator Hunter, then fol.
lowed. There were probably fifteen thousand
person. present, and the appearance ut this
vast audience was imposing and picturesque
the effect being heightened by the tiag,,
banners, and uniforms.
James Barron Hope, esq. then delivered
the concluding ode, which was II patriotic
and highly-fnisbed composition. AT Its
close, the statue was unveiled, ard saIuted
by the military and the cheers OF the assem-
blage, the artillery pealing forth a national
salute.
The troops then wheeled into column, and
paid q ma rching salute to the statue OF the
first President aud The first Lieut.. General