The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-05-31
DECORATION DAY.

Decoration Day was duly celebrated in
Vancouver. At the mass meeting of citizens
at the City Hall, Monday evening, lively
interest was manifested in the proposed cele-
bration. The meeting appointed commit
tee of arrangements as follows: Mayor
Sohns and Messrs. Gridley Durgin, Jaggy
and Daniels. Wednesday morning the
clouds scattered and the sun shone brightly.
The bells rang at 10 O'clock and soon the
public square was all hustle and activity.
The Firemen turned out in uniform, also the
Good Templars and the M. Z. Sunday
School. The day schools were closed and a
large number of children joined the process
sion. A number of farmers from the coun-
try were present with their families. The
military from the Post were out in full dress,
and, headed by the 2lst Infantry Band,
marched to the public square, where, with
Sheriff Fletcher as Grand Marshal, the pro-
cession marched to the Government dock.
The steamer S. T. Church, bringing the
Episcopal Sunday Schools of Oregon City
and Portland, arrived at ii o'clock. The
passengers disembarked with Rev. Mr. Sell
wood and his Sunday School in the lead,
when the procession reformed and marched
up Military Avenue in the following order:
Twenty first Infantry Band, Troops of Co.
"E, bearing in the van the u s. flag, two
brass field pieces from the Ordinance Depart
ment, Mayor Sohns and Lieut.. Ebstein, Gen.
Howard, Gen. Sully and other officers and
dignitaries in carriages, Vancouver Fire De-
partment, Lincoln Lodge OF Good Templars,
Oregon City Sunday School, NJ. Z. Sunday
School, citizens on foot, citizens on horse
back, and citizens in carriages. The process.
sion was nearly half mile in length, being
yer. The line of march was up Military Av-
enue to the parade ground at the Post, thence
to the Cemetery, over the entrance to which
were the words, welcome we living to hon
or the dead" A temporary platform, beau
tifully draped with the national colors, had
been arranged in the Cemetery. After the
Band had played ''The Dead March, Mayor
Sohns introduced Rev. Mr.. Stubs, who of
fered prayer. Next the Band played I'm the
sweet bye-and-bye and the Mayor intro
duced Rev. G. Collins, Chaplain of the Post,
who delivered the Grafton He spoke on
snort notice, and the rain commencing to
fall, his remarks were brief. He referred in
tender terms to the noble men who fought
and died for their country, naming the noted
battle fields, and as evidence of the burning
patriotism of those soldiers, told several
thrilling incidents that came under his obser-
walton during those dark and bloody days.
Gen. Howard was next introduced, who ex-
planned to the boys and girls present the
meaning of the celebration, and the great
sacrifice that was made to uphold the Union.
He exhorted the young To learn to make sac
rifces for their country and for the right.
Spoke truly of the ardurous labors of the
regular army, drilling recruits and organic
ing the great army which finally conquered
the rebellion In conclusion he spoke ten
derby of the officers and soldiers who lie bur-
led in this Military Cemetery. After which,
the throng dispersed to decorate the graves,
and the procession reformed and marched
back to town. The fbral offerings were
beautiful and liberal, doing credit to the Ia
dies OF town and the Garrison. The steamer
Church left at 3: 30 p. NJ, carrying home the
visitors. The rain damIened the grass and
gave everybody slight vetting. The Ordi-
nance Department at TIN Garrison fired the
national salute during tie day. All the GER
emonies passed off most pleasantly, and the
demonstration was credihble to the citizens,
and the officers and soldiers of the Post.