New-York tribune., 1877-06-29
RHODE ISLANDS HEARTY WELCOME
A FAR MORE DEMoSsTRATIvE AND POPULAR AFFAIR
THAN AT BOSTON.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUNE.l

BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
PROVIDENCE, June 2S.-Rhode Island in its par
ticular way extended to President Hayes to-day a
welcome no less general and hearty than that which
lie received in Boston on Tuesday and Wednesday, a
welcome that was so spontaneous and which was
participated in by so great portion of her peo-
pie irrespective Of political opinions that it may
Justly be interpreted evidence OF the general and
cordial support which he may expect in this the
smallest but by no means least important State in
the Union. Everybody participated in the demon-
stration, crowding the streets with enthusiastic
people and covering private residences and places
of business with gayiy cOlOred bunting.
The President, Attorney General Devens, Assist
ant-secretary Mccormick, Gen. Comfy, and the
members of the Presidents household, escorted by
several officers of Gov. Rees staff left Boston qu-
etly this morning. few people gathered about the
staIion but there was crowd and 10 public
demonstrations The special train which was TO
take them 10 this city started shortly after
s o'clock, aud reached Mansfield III about half an
hour. Here the party met by the Rhode Island
legislative committee, the chairman of which,
Senator p. f.. Tnghast, briefly welcomed the
President and introduced several distinguished cii
zen, of this State who accompanied him. The
crowd about the train during this brief ceremony
was very great and there was loud clappngof hands,
I "''P
was made until the train reached this city. AS it
crossed the State line ia the vcinityo of Pawtucket,
Presidential salute was fred by Battery G, First
Battalion Light Artillery. Five six thousand
people gathered about the station in PawtuekeF and
loudly cheercd the President, who stood Oh the rear
platform of the car as it slowly passed.
The arrangements for the Presidents reception M
this city were perfect. Exchange-place, broad
plaza fronting the station, was cleared of people
and fenced oil with ropes, so that the procession
was easily formed, aud moved promptly. Gen.
Burnside rode az the head of the line, and looked
| as Grand on horseback as he did when at
! the outbreak Of the war he led his regi-
uent H. tho front. Following were the Vet
cran Association of Rhode Island, marching
by regiments and the escort of the Presidential
| party, TIE lst Light Infantry Regiment. The un-
uniformed veterans did not make as brilliant pic
ture as the mass of militia in Bos-
ton on Tuesday, but their presence IN
the line meant far more. Everywhere the
reception of the President was very enthusiastic.
The city was fairly alive with bunting and cheers
and clappng Of hands greeted the party at every
point along the route At the mansion provided for
the President Mr. Hayes was welcomed by Gov.
Van Zandt. and replied briefly but appropriately.
An impromptu reception followed, which lasted un-
ill the President and his party taken to the
boat 10 90 to a clam-balte at Rocky Point.
The trip down the bay delightful one. On
board the steamer were many of the most prominent
citizens of Rhode island Of both parties, and dis
tlugushed soldiers who were here attending to the
army reunions The crowds at Rocky Point were
immense. being estimated at from 1000 to 10000,
and the number who sat down to the claim dinner
was stated at 1,50O Short speeches were made
from the balcony of the hotel after dinner. The
party reached Providence on It's return at about .
o'clock.
The reception this evening exceeded in magnli-
cence ANYTHING ever before witnessed in Rhode
Island Many of the stately residences on Benefit
st. were brilliantly Illuminated and the mansion IN
which the Presidential party is quartered was
ablaze with light and embowered in pyramids Of
brilliant Chinese lanterns. The sidewalks and even
the carrage-ways were thr0nged with people, and
rs they passed in by thousands it seemed almost as
though the entire population of Rhode Island had
turned out to pay their respects TO the President of
the United States For more than an hour and a half
the crowd in front Of the Executive Mansion was rs
dense as it was possible to pack mea. women, and
children and the thrOng extended for many squares
in all directions The President seems TO have made
personal friend of almost every person he has met
during the present week, OF Of whoever has even
caught GLIMPSE of him in the streets. If there is
any LONGER any dissatisfaction with any features Of
his policy it has certainly been impossible 10 dis
cover any signs of il either here or in Boston.