National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-11-20

The evening session of tho Society of the
Army of the Cumberland was held in the large
tent in the White Lot last evening, in the
| presence of ut least 10000 interested and en-.
thusiastic spectators. The speakers platform
was arranged at the south end of the tent, and
tastefully decorated with bunting aud ever
greens. The same class of decorations pre-.
dom mated in the other portions of the tent,
| the sides being formed of American flags The
seven poles supporting the immense canvas
were inclosed in bunting, and a row OF gas
jets, forty-eight OH each pole, gave all the
light necessary. On the platform were
seated President and Mrs. Hayes, Secretary
McCrary. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury
Hawley, Generals sherman, Hunter, Garfield,
McCook, Davis aud other distinguished guests
On the right of tho stage spacs had been re-
served for the members of the society, although
outsiders usurped tho space at first, but were
finally dislodged with the assistance Of Major
Morgan and his squad Of police. On the plat
form tho Marine Band was stationed, aud dis
coursed appropriate music at intervals during
the evening. Miss Annie Story, who was to
recte the poem dedicated to the society Occu.
pied seat in front of President Hayes. The
vast crowd could not all obtain seats, but
many stood during the entire exercises.
At precisely o'clock General jeff c. Davis
advanced to the front of tho stage and called
the vast asscmblage to order. He said
has now arrived when We shall proceed with the
business before us. hope and indeed am sure,
you viii. throughout the entire evening, Observe
quiet and order So that we may transact the bust
ness Of this meeting, and NJ the same time allow
speeches 10 be heard shall now read 10 you the
programme of the evening so that may fully uH-
derstand it,
The General then read the programme Ms
heretofore announced in The NATIONAL RE-
PUBLICAN, and closed his remarks by intro
ducing the Rev Ii. Clay McCauey who
opened the Reunion With prayer.
At the conclusion Of the prayer Justice Mac,
Arthur WAS introduced,
Judge Macarthur then delivered the fol-
lowing
ADDRESS OF WELCOME
on behalf Of the citizens OF Washington
In the name of the citizens of Washington bid
you weoome-thriCe welcOmo-to the Nations
capital. We welcome the pGgeantry and the re-
sounding tread Of your brave battalions a, they
sweep maleStlcally in procession through our spa
cOus avenues. We welcome you to our streets, 10
our homes, and to our hearts, with all your sym
bolA Of heruism and devotion. Our eyes and ears
ana voices all respond 10 your waving standards
and your martial airs. Our qualification that you
have selected Washington as tho place Of your an
nual meeting is unmiNed with any feeling but
that of pride and JOY and we can scarcely express
our grltclulness that you have placed IN ono of
our beautiful circles the magnificent statue of your
beloved commander, whoss lOity patriotism and
unfnching Integrity viii live in the infinite love
and confidence Of his soldiers, and shine brighter
and brighter in oil tile future history OF III Is Re-
public The soldiers of the Army Of the Cumber.
land, like those of tile other armies OF the Union,
were our own citzcns--a part of ouselves-nOt
hired or professional soldiery. They were the
flower OF our people III tue prime and Yigor OF
lite. In your RANK and among your officers
were some OF the most ablo and distinguished
individuals IN civil life both before aud since the
war, and although oaly a volunteer soldlcry, the
history OF no warlike Nation can produce more
glorious records OF Yalor and patriotism, You were
taught the rudiinents Of the school OF the soldier
IN the rOnt of danger, You acquired the eyolu'