The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-05-31
HON, 5. s. FISHERS SPEECH
Exercises al the Unknown Soldiers Tomb.
SWEET SONGS OF the ORPHANS.
Decoration of the Graves.
Scenes and Incidents,

Scenes ana lncldenS.
From our Extras Of Saturday.
When MAccabeus, the valiant commander
Of the Jewish army, had triumphed over the
enemies OF his country, while rejoicing that
victory had crowned the valor OF his soldiers,
he could not forget those who had been slain
in battle. We read that he made a gathering
Of silver, which he sent up to jerusalem, the
City OF Peace, as tribute that sacrifice might
be offered for the thousands who had persisted
in defence OF the nations honor.
To-day we honor the memory OF those whose
mortal remains are buried in the cemetery at
Arlington-the soldiers who died for the
Union. To-day we renew the reverent and
patriotic custom Of adorning the graves of our
army OF martyrs with the beautiful symbols
Of mortality. Why should not the day be made
= national holiday We have national day
OF celebration OF the war OF Independence
what day have we to typify and perpetuate In
memory the war OF preservation Surely one
In the yeM-one day Of Its own-should be de.
voted to this purpose. Our fathers honored
the day when TIC HpiHg signed declaration OF
independence with the peni let US rather
honor aome day set apart TO the memory Of
The dead, whose names are written In their
blood. And for such purpose we must con-
secrate the anniversary OF no single victory
Of no single surrender of the enemy-now
enemy no longer, but part OF ourselves. And
what tribute can we pay more beautiful than
the gifts Of naturei
The fairest flowers are not too lovely for the
resting places Of the brave, the rarest are not
too costly to decorate their tombs; yet as the
spirit Ia all, and that which the giver gives
from himself Is more precious than his offer.
ing, so some sisters handful OF violets, some
mothers simple nosegay for her darling lad
gathered wild flowers, sprent not more with
the dews ofheaven thanwith the tearsfrom eyes
that never cease to weep afresh at the memory
OF the past, will be an offering more touching
than the most gorgeous array OF flowers dressed
by the hortic ulturists hand. The flowers we
bring, as they spring In living fragrance and
beauty from the dead soil of nature, will serve,
too, to remind these weeping ones that "dod
is not the God Of the dead, but Of the livingI'
that, as we gather around the graves OF our
departed heroes, they, too, may join with Us
In the revival OF these sacred recolleetions
which have united US forever.
Respect for the resting place OF the dead IL
as ancient and IS universal as the human
race. II Is legitimate in Its principle and
makes part Of the laws OF humanity. 1t ex.
tends to everything which recalls the virtues
of those who have deserved we'll Of their kind
by the exhibition OF deeds OF the loftiest pa.
triotismi and among the noblest instincts
which do honor TO the hearts OF a grateful
people, we may place in the hrst rank the need
which we naturally feel OF offering this no age
of respect and veneratlon TO our patriot dead
the nations heroes.
The day designated this year by the Com
mander.in Chief OF the Grand Army Of tn,
Republic for the fulallment OF the sacred dutI
of decorating the graves OF the Union dead
was the 3oth Of May, the date OF the first an
nIversary; but falling on Sunday, In the exer
eises OF the privilege granted in the order, the
Post Commanders of the Department OF the
Potomac selected to-day for the ceremonies al
Arlington cemetery.
ARRASGEMENTs POR the CELEBRATION.
Our readers are aware Of the details OF the
preparations made for the htting Observance
of Memorial bay. The committee Of arrange
ments held their preliminary meeting in tn,
early part OF this month, and the result o
that, as well as subsequent meetings, wer
announced In the REPUBLICAN from day Il
day. The gentlemen composing the commit
tee were earnest In their Efforts to accomplish
the duties assigned them, and on Thursday
last the programme was completed and thu
grand plan comprehended at the beginning o
the work realized In the results OF their con
slant labor. Contributions Of money were
generously made by our citizens to aid In de
fTaying the expenses of the proposed eere
monies.
On Monday tho committee on floral deeOFA
tions, composed exclusively Of ladies, organ
lied at the residence Of Mrs. Admiral Powell
on Third street, and on the following day tn,
beautiful address, prepared by Mrs. Genera
81 . Ia. ..EN NkzA
issued, appealing for liberal contrib buttons o
flowers and evergrecRs The lecture-room oil
Wesley chapel was set apart for the reception
of floral offerings, and during the week fail
hands have been buslly engaged in preparing
wreaths, crosses, garlsnds and bouquets fo
the use OF the committee to-day.
THE ROAD TO THK CEMETERY.
The road to Georgetown and through
Georgetown and across the squeduct bridge t.
the cemetery, was thrOnged at an early hOu
the carriage ways with vehicles OF all descrip
tions from the farm wagon and ambulance tC
the elegant turnout Of the rich. The Wash
ingtOR and Georgetown Railroad Company ha,
put all their available force on the Avenue
line, and the street cara were literally
packed all morning, The sidewalks, too
were crowded with pedestrians, male and fe
male, white and black, aud each one carrying
nOral tribute to be placed GU the grave of SOM
departed soldier. Just across the bridge, o.
the Virginia side, booths were erected, an
cnterprising Individuals drove thriyin
trade in cakes, candles and Ice cream.
Arrived at the grounds, the visitors parade
through the grounds, visiting all points Of II
terest, and stopping for awhile among tn
graves Before eleven O'Clock the crowd wa
immense and every moment brought an add
tion. On the ground Col, Lubey, Col. SAT-
burn, Col. Faehtz and other members of tn
committee oil arrangements were busy carry
ing out the programme and necessary prepare
lions
THgMlLIrARy PRESENT,
About eleven o'clock fourteen street car
arrived At the terminus Of the Avenue TallToa
in Georgetown, bearing battalion OF marine
commanded by Lieutenant Colonel HaywoO,
The full Marine band, thiFty-eight musicianl
led by Professor Scala, accompanied the mi
TInes. Alishting from the cars, the marine
formed In marching order, and, headed by N
the band, they marched to the cemetery. A
irving there they were drawn up in the rear
the grand stand, and then were detached e
guard duty at various points, as required
the committee Of arrangements.
A company of eQlored zouaves, Capt Brow
was Also on the ground as spectators
THE PLATFORM.
The platform which was calculated 10 =
cOmmodAte about four hundred people, WI
draped all over with flags and banners, Larg
American nags covered the front, with III
banner OF the 18th brigade, veteran corps,
rich blue silk, with spread eagle surmounte
with the full number Of stars, with hsndGom