The New York herald., 1874-09-15
THE MEXICAN WAR VETERANS.
The Annual Celebration OF the AssOcia-
finn.

ton.
The New York Association OF Mexican War Vete-
rams yesterday celebrated, by the usual parade
and picnic, the twenty seventh anniversary OF the
fall OF the Mexican capital The morning dld not
augur well for an outdoor pageant, ior the sky
was overcast and the probabilities OF rain seemed
doubly sure because of the confident declarations
OF the Signal Bureau. The prospects did not, how
ever, In the least dampen the ardor OF the vete-
rams, but the warm spirit OF old time enthusiasm
and military ardor burned brightly IN the breasts
ofevery Irving soldier who had served under Gene
raj Winfield Scott The veterans began to gather
at the armory on Broadway and Forty-ffth
street at as early an hour as eight
O'Clock. Several well known faces present at
the last parade were missing, but 1t was crafty.
ing to know that their absence was not owing to
decease or illness. pleasant series OF nut ua
congratulations and cordial handshakings took
place, and the conversation which followed very
pleasantly disposed OF the hour or more inter-
venng before the starting OF the procession.
THE PAGEANT.
The veterans were formed in column about half.
past nine O'Clock on Fortyhfth street, and shortly
after started down Broadway en- route for the
Worth monument at Madison square. TINS they
passed with uncovered heads. and thence down
Broadway. The officer in command was General
luOuldS w. oWccHcy, Uutcu OIdtco Army. MANY
OF tue store fronts along the route were decorated
and the procession was followed by a crowd OF
carriages ana pedestrians. Among the prominent
persons present in the procession were Generals
Francis E. Pinto Coionels William W. TomKins
ana John l.. Broome, United states Marine
g. H. Yance coo1es Ram
Tidbali and George NJ Leanard, surgeon
Alexander Perry, and many Others. A good
ltary band preceded the veterans, and played
many OF the good old airs OF AZ. The parade
passed down Broadway without special incident.
At Peck slip, wnich was reached about eleven
O'Clock, the warriors embarked on the steamer
Henry N Smith, which had 0een chartered lor the
purpose. and proceeded up the East kiver to Har-
lem River Park, situated at the loot OF East 126tn
street. Here they were met by great number Of
friends and relatives. The PARK was closed to all
day, still, warm and pleasant, was all that could
be desired. The sun was not to be seen, yet there
were no immediate threatenlngs OF rain. lunch
was spread, ana ior considerable time the sturdy
men OF war devoted themselves to the restoration
OF their weary bodies. The platform tor dancing
was then thrown open. and while many wandered
around the grove engaged in conversation not u
lew enjoyed the music and the quadrlIles. The af-
fair was picnic, III the strictest sense OF the
word.
THE GRAFTON.
Late in the afternoon the crowd at the park
began to Increase, ana eacn boat from the city
brought new guests, who had hurried on from
business rather earlier than usual 10 near the ad-
dress OF the occasion. Ine veterans and their
friends assembled in the hall OF the PARK ABOUT SIX
O'Clock, wnen the Hon. Rodman NJ. Price, ex-
bONeIuOT VI NcW JcIScJs WAS iuJIOuuCcu auu uC-
hvered an grafton suitable TO the occasion. The
speaker said IN part
Historians have written of the march Of the grand
commanded by the immortal acott their conquest
Mexico great battles and brilliant victories, bur
have Jailed the lofty chYalry the actorS
vivid idea 0i the almost supernatural military cam
paign. Thanks to the High of the noble
still survive who participated in those eventiu scenes,
and mingle their congratulations and renew the
friendships to formed during the hardships and
ii, consequent their the Mexican War
as it Is my infinite pleasure to greet them.
After sketching out the cause and the general
incidents OF the great struggle between Mexico
and the United States, The speaker said:-
Heroes and veterans-Tte bright annals fame may
not enuInerae you in the swelling list OF the imperial
throDg whose names, ouving yours, may huve become
the worship OF the hour but their glory of yours
val0r The deeds OF your united prowess remain pure
uutaruisned. They incorpora ted in the history
your country and happy he who transmits to his pos
:erty the proud and parable honor of having
veteran OF the Mexican war. Comrades we have lived
in era oi wonderful advancement and progress Men
OF our generation have witnessed the extraordinary
the first steam vessels the first railroads. we
know that the ocean depths laid with tele-
graph cables; the Continent spanned by con-
spread the people, with the universal light OF
heaven We have this reec on, that the the
Mexican war promoted and gave great impulse and mo-
twentyseven years contributed more wealth, pros.
perty CIVILIZATION christianity and enghtenmen than
the whole period OF time since the birth free
Republic, elevating our country in every resource in
every element OF power to the chest rank among the
nations aim beng OF setting the world example
ffree government resting upon rational liberty claim
first duty to perpetuate It, with the confident hope
that 1t Will overshadow all the nations of the earth
The picnic ended late in the evening. and the
old associates separated Tor another year.