Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-05-30

Memorial Day has come to be regarded as one
OF the most sacred of American commemorative
holidays. Unlike some of our national HOLIDAYS
it has grown in favor with the passing years.
until now its observance by all lovers of their
country has become general, and to-day
throughout the length and breadth of the land
in quiet village churchyards, as well as in the
great repositories of the nations dead--the
graves Of those who
FELL IN DEFENCE OF THE UNION
were decked with floral tributes of affection,
and the memory of their patriotic services re-
vived in thousands of loyal hearts. At the cap
ital of the nation. in and around which repose
the remains OF over 20 900 Union soldiers, es-
pecial attention has always been paid to the OBJ
Seryance OF the day, and the occasion has been
regarded as holiday, all the Government and
District Offices being closed in order that a full
opportunity might be afforded employees to par
ticipate in the ceremonies, which are conducted
under the auspices OF the Grand Army of the
Republic.
OFFICIAL OBSERVANCE OF THE DAY.
In accordance with custom the different de-
partments OF the government were closed to-
day in compliance with an executive order of
the President. All the offices of the District
government were also closed by order of Gov
ern0r Cooke, who recommended that the pupils
of the public schools, and the citizens of the
District generally join in the observance of the
beautiful and touching ceremonies OF the Occa-
sion. The different banking houses and many
other places OF business were also closed.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE OCCASION.
The preparations of the Grand Army for the
proper observance OF the occasion commenced
about ten days ago under the direction Of an
executive committee appointed by the Depart
ment Encampmen, Of which cOmrade r. H.
Sprague was chairman. This committee in
grounds consisting of twelve gentlemen and
forty ladies, comrade A. II. q. Richardson
being chairman. Mr.. +. g. Lautrup, of the
office of the Supervising Architect of the
year, was placed in charge of
THE ARTISTIC DECORATIONS
at Arlington Heights. For more than a week
past the members of the executive and decora-
ton committees have been busily engaged night
and day at their headq uarters, 800 sth street. in
making eSeggIeen w1eaths garands crosses
suit OF their lab0rs was shown to-day in the
prOfuse and beautiful decorations at Arlington
and the other cemeteries visited by detachments
Among those who contributed flowers were
the widow of Secretary Kawlins and Rear Ad-
A few days since the executive committee re-
ceived 900 miniature American flags, shipped
from Philadelphia for decoration purposes For
several days past the committee have had de-
cemeteries
making preliminary arrangements, and last
night everybody was engaged until a late hour
in completing the final preparations.
EN- ROUTE TO ARLINGTON.
The day opened with clear sky and sultry
atmosphere, and excepting the heat, which was
at times somewhat oppressive, the weather was
all that could be desired by those who partici-
pated in the exercises. Early in the morning
detachments OF the Grand Army left in carri-
ages for Soldiers Home and the other smaller
cemeteries; and at about ten O'Clock the main
column, preceded by the Marine Band, took
carriages and 0mnibusses at Grand Army hall,
and proceeded up the Avenue towards Airing
ton. In the carriages were the members Of
Company A, Washington Grenadiers, Captain
hahneman. commanding. The line was in
charge Of Comrade George +. COrson, officer of
the day, with Conn AIDES John EnOch, j. NJ.
Kline, and W. T. Kelly as aides.
THE RUSH FOR SOLE vIBGINNY.'
At an early hour this morning the roads lead
ing to Arlington, especially the route via
Georgetown and the Aqueduct bridge, were
thronged with people on foot and in all kinds
of vehicles, en- route to this cemetery. At the
corner Of High and Bridge streets, in George
town, there was great number of wagons Of
every description. anxiously waiting for pas
sengers. From this point to the Virginia side
there was jam Of pedestrians, horsemen, and
vehicles all the morning. AS early as 1Oo'clock
there were as many as 10000 people on the
with their lunch baskets. sou ght out shady
hooks and discussed with zest the various
creature comforts which they were provided,
while they awaited the arrival OF the procession.
THE HEAT AND DUST
created great thirst among the crowd and :,
general rusb wac made IN the vel, in the rear or
the Mansion. II il unnecessary to sav that their
disappointment vas keen when il WAS d,scov-
cred that no smoss-covered bucket hung in the
WELL" A colored boy standing near by in
formed the inquirers that it had accidentally
dropped from its hanRings to the bottom of the
well, but the general belief was that it had been
Se