Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-05-30
MEMORIAL DAY, 1875.
DECORATING sOLDIERY GRAVES.
Floral Tributes to the Union Dead.
TIE CEREMONIES AT ARLINGTON.
GENERAL WOODFORD'S ORAT ON.
Poetic Inspiration of the Occasion.
TIE DAY AT SOLDIERS home.
TIE DECORATIONS At OTHER CEMETERIES.
DECORATING sOLDIERs GRAVES.
Floral Tributes to the Union Dead.
TIE CEREMONIES AT ARLINGTON.
GENERAL WOODFORD's ORAT ON.
Poetic Inspiration of tie Occasion.
TIE DAY AT SOLDIERS HOME.
The DECORATIONS At OTHER CEMETERIES.


custom of annually streTing flowers over
the graves OF the heroes who lost their lives
TO preserve that of the nation, was observed
to-day in and about the cemeteries of this
District with even more than the usual fer
vor, and the preparations and outlay under
the auspices of the Grand Army OF the Re-
public for this, the eighth annual celebra-
ton of the kind, were more ample than
usual in the way OF decorations, &c.
While the scope OF these arrangements
were intended TO embrace all cemeteries In
which had been deposited the remains OF
Union soldiers, the great center of attrac
ton, as hitherto, was the National cemetery
at Arlington, where there are 10 ,5S5 graves.
The committees have worked hard In rails
ing, by subscription, funds sufficient to meet
their wants, and In their efforts they have
been greatly aided by the ladies, especially
In the preparation and arrangement of the
vast number of wreaths, crosses, garlands
and other tastefully arranged floral decora-
tioDs for the occasion.
THE DAY.
The weather this morning was all that
could be desired. The clouds OVERCAST the
heavens before the sun had gained much
power. and the summer heat was tempered by
government departments, District offices
and other public places were closed; flags
were raised from them, and over most OF
t1e hotels and many private houses, and the
two District cities presented holiday APP
rearance. Tue liberal display of bunting
from the shipping at the wharves In George
town presented q beautiful 81 ght.
EN- ROUTE FOR ARLINGTON.
AT an early hour the various roads leading
10 Arlington swarmed with pedestrians and
vehicles OF all kinds, from the stylish coach
with liveried driver TO the dilapidated fur
niture van and ancient army wagon. The
principal route of procession was by way OF
Georgetown and the Aqueduct bridge. Many
people went by the street cars to Georgetown,
where vehicles labeled "Ho! for Arlington
were in waiting at the terminus of the car
line. Many vehicles congregated at the head
quarters OF the Grand Army, at lie Droit
building, corner of Sth and + streets, at Q
o'clock, TO form, as far as practicable, q pro-
cession. Among these were several omnt-
buses contaiDiI g the soldiers and sailors
orphans, about forty in number, all neatly
dressed in summer attire. Several carriages,
containing the members OF the committees
and invited guests, also Joined in the line,
and started soon after o'clock. Repetti's
brass band was engaged, and headed the line
The route by way OF the Long bridge was
thIODged with vehicles. The river, from the
Eastern branch TO Georgetown, was dotted
with sail and row boats, all steering their
course TO the same point, many OF them con-
tanning parties of young folks of both sexes.
The only drawback TO the pleasure OF tue
land routes was the clouds of dust, which
the wind whisked about in a rather disagree
able manner. Those who crossed by boat
lad the advantage OF avoiding this nuisance.
GEQRGETowN ALIVE.
The scene at Georgetown was particularly
animated this morning as the crowds were
en- route TO the bridge from all the principal
streets leading in that direction. All sorts
OF vehicles were brought into use, and
and many crossed the river In row BOATS and
on scOws and walked the remainder of the
way. The street cars were loaded from early
morning until near midday with men, wO-
men and children, both white and coIored,
bearing In their hands floral offerings ia va
rious forms, such as bouquets, crosses
baskets, &c, all pressing eagerly for the
bridge. Bunting in great profusion was dis
from vessels mOOrp1 ar
Dor, and every tbing wore the aspect OF q
lively holiday throughout Georgetown.
Mr.. VIM. III. Kuhns, chairman OF the
transportation committee, was aided mate
rally in his duties by W. w. DUNCAN, esq,
treasurer OF the Aqueduct company, who
gave free passage over the bridge to all
nected with the decorations.
Beautiful Arlington.
At Arlington the scene was a lovely one
this morning. The lofty oaks on the hill
side seemed animated, as the foliage undu-
lated In the soft breeze Of q spring morn.
The air was fragrant with opening blossoms
myriads Of feathered songsters enlivened
the scene, and all nature seemed to combine
TO honor the day, the place, and the service.
Since the last memorial day many improve
ments have been made about these grounds
A new road has been cut by the government,
by which the summit can be reached from
either gate without so steep an ascent as
hitherto; trees have been planted, others
pruned, the grass evenly cut, the old manor
house surrounded on all sides with rustic
hanging baskets of flowers, urns and stands
filled with rare exotics, &c. The amphi-
theater has been kept In good order, the vines
last oversPreading 1t seem thrifty, but to
spre ad over the frame worr Tbis SIN ~,
be Necessary in future.
DECORATIONS AT THE CEMETERY.
In the centre OF the grassy area on a pe-
destal was placed q life size bust OF A brahsm
Lincoln. ho
brow, the base OF the pedestal draped
with the American banner. On the facade
in large evergreen letters were the words
"In Memoriam," and from the projecting
rafters, diverged in all directions steamers
OF red, white and blue, across and above the
open space fastened TO the opposite sides,
representing rays of light and glory.
Over the granite tomb containing the
bones OF 2,1l1 unknown Union soldiers
gathered up from the battle fields between
Bull Run and the Rappahannock was erected
a tent made OF American flags. Ga the apex
OF this was fixed a large stuffed American
eagle with outstretched wings. Around all
We're festoons of garlands and flowers.
over the carriageway. leading from the
smphitheater to the graves, were erected ten
arches at regular intervals, the one nearest
the cemetery being double one spanning
two roads where they diverge. These arches
were twelve feet high, and covered with
crimson, maroon. white and blue cloths, and
draped overhead with American banners,
and suImounted with small guidons, on
which were imprinted the various army
corps badges, presenting gay aud animated
appearance. On the side OF these arches were
inscribed In large ornamented letters the
lanes Of celebrated army, naval and state
officials who took ar active part In the war.
An ong them were the names of Reno, Rey.
roles, Thomas, Sumner. Lyon, Kearney,
Sedgwick, Mcpherson, Hays, Wool, Rswl-
IN gs, Scott, Candy, Baker, Ellsworth, Lin
coin, stanton, Farragut and Foote.
large number OF crosses covered with
eVeTereens were prepared beforehand to lay
on graves OF officers, and loads of flowers
were sent over 10 the quarters at the Airing.
ton House by Gen. Babcock and others for
8 G eral distribution on the graves. On every
grave OF both the colored and white soldiers
was a mir iature nag near the head board.
The dt cOTations were very complete and
hes utiful throughout. In the supervision
Of this selvice. the chairman OF the commit.
tete, Mr.. Jan es T. Smith, was fortunate in
securing The services OF Paul c. Lautrup, OF
the Supervising architects ONCE, Treasury
department, an artist OF experience In such
matters.
Decoration OF the Graves.
At IL O'Clock procession was formed at
; the MANSION headed by Reppetti's band. In
tie procession were the com mittee the In.
vited guests, members OF the g. A. r., ex
soldiers and sailors, the orphan children
and the public. They marched py the main