The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-10-31

not stop. The College boys and most OIL the
citizens were, however, at the depot TO see
the President, and he showed himself on the
platform and bowed in response to their
hearty and vigorous cheers. The President
was pleased with bis reception by the
"boys," and said so. Fl.
From Ashland to the FAIR Grounds the
train came with great dash, which seemed
to anniblate the intervening space. -.
When opposite the FAIRGROUNDS speed
i was slackened, ana the distinguished gen.
tIemen and ladies went to the windows to
see what they could OF the grounds and ex-
hibition, though the opportunity presented
was but poor one, unayoidably. ;.
At the FAIRGROUNDS the advance guard
OF the Richmond crowd was met. 1t con-
sisted chiefly OF boys who, defYing the rain
and mud, trotted along rs fast as they could,
hurrahing for Hayes, and in other ways
manifesting their delight and approval.
Richmond Reached.
The first formal sound Of welcome from
within the corporate limits was that OF the
Howitzers firing the regulation salute OF
| twenty-one guns in honor of the President.
The guns were in position in the open lot
between Grace and Broad streets, opposite
Elba Park. The work was well done.
From Elba Park to Monroe Park the
crowd around the train increased every
moment. The President, at his old position
on the platform OF the rear car, was beheld
and cheered by the multitude, and repeat
edly bowed.
When at the Frankln-street crossing the
train was stopped and the ladies were es-
corted to Major Myers's residence, near by.
1t had been their purpose Tor, rather, it was
designed by the committee, with their gra-
cious permission) to go on the platform, but
the rain was falling with quiet determine
tion that gave no promise OF early cessation,
and so the plan was altered.
The President, escorted by General Pey-
ton Wise, chief marshal, and Acting Mayor
Meredith, went forward from the train to
the platform, which had been erected on the
half square bounded by Franklin, Bel
videre, and Henry streets. An open way
about four feet wide had been kept by
holding the crowd back. The President
was followed to the platform by the other
gentlemen Of the party, the committeeman
acting rs escorts. -.
After all had passed along the lane
through the crowd was closed with q rush.
Around the platform the people became
packed almost as tight as slaves in barrel,
and if any wanted TO retreat all avenues
were closed. TO the right OF them, to the
left Of them, front and rear, there was solid
wall OF human beings.
FROM THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
The platform had been decorated by the
X. X. X. as we'll as the limited time at their
command would permit. The national COL
ors encirc!ed and embodied it in all direc-
tions. ..
Looking from the platform in any direc-
ton the first sight, and the most novel one,
was the magnificent display OF umbrellas.
1t was, indeed, a great umbrella show.
There they were to be seen OF all sorts; the
glossy silk one, fresh from store, receiving
It's first wetting; faded ginghams and alpa-
cas- that had stood hard storms and been
warmed by many suns, and here and there
ladies' parasols, loitly upheld, in the vain
hope of keeping off the rain and permitting
at the same time Il view Of the people on
the stand.
OF the greatness OF that crowd, hali-hid-
den and half-shelterGd by the umbrellas, no
accurate estimate can be made and none
will be attempted. 1t was, however, very
large-immense 10" Richmond-and very
probably never cqualcd here, unless, in
deed, by that which witnessed the inaugu-
ration Of Jackson's statue, which was on q
lovely day-a day as different from yester-
day as day could be. In the windows OF
all neighboring houses ladies were cOngre-
gated in great numbers, ani in few in.
stances they had even ascendGd the house
tops, showing thereby an enterprise and IN
terest OF extraordinary character.
Never was multitude more patient
There was no break in it from beginning t.
end OF the proceedings, which is as about
strong proof as could be desred OF tne III
terest felt.
ADDRESS OF JUDGE MEREDITH.
President Hayes came to the front OF tn
!. platform promptly, and was thus addresses
by Judge Meredith, President OF the Boar'
of Aldermen. acting Mayor in the absence
by reason Of sickness, Of Mayor Darlington
Mr.. Presdent,-To me has been assignee
the pleasant duty Of receiving you on you
visit to the city of Richmond, and in til
name OF her people, irrespective Of party
to extend to you Il cordial greeting and BIZ
you sincere Weicome-the warm "cicoll
of the heart.
We are ever ready, sir, rs courtesy re
quires, to pay the Chief Magistrate Of tn
country the respect due to his high office
but it becomes an agreeable duty when tn
incumbent is q citizen who, since his in
auguration, has taken steps to restore tn
country to the methods OF constitutions
freedom who has recognized the equallt
OF all the States in the Union, and ha
adopted the pacific and constitutional polio
of local governments in the several States
freed from military supervision by tn
. Federal Government, and thus remove
the southern question from. the arena Q
political strife; and by this means ha
L. revived the dropping spirits Of the pee
ple OF the South, rekindled their patriot
, attachment to the Union Of their fathers
and brought them again to look upon tn
flag Of their country as the banner o
!, peace; who has prohibited the activ
interference by Federal ottice-holders il
our elections, and rebuked the dangerou
practice that has heretofore prevailed in tn
country OF bringing the patronage OF tn
Federal Government in direct conflict wit
the freedom OF elections; and who has, OF
all occasions, expressed an earnest and pa
, triotic desire to restore fraternai relation
between the different sections OF the Union
and sought to give peace to people dis
, tracted bv sectional differences and the ei
fects OF civil war. II there be southern
man who does not approve OF these mea
sures, or any one OF them, he has yet to b
heard from. And hence we can give
hearty welcome and tender the tribute o
our gratitude to President who has giyel
these evidences OF broad and enlightene'
craftsmanship; and although, sir, according
to party association, we are not all Reput
licans, but most OF us are Democrats, We
they are Democrats who have the intelli
,, gence to perceive and the maniness to ap
: prove yirtuous and patriotic act in pc
litical opponent.
Mr.. President, we Virginians sometime
indulge in the practice OF reminding ou
! visitors that they are standing on the soil Q
the Old. Dominion, as we lovingly call ou