Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-11-19
GRANT In CHICAGO.
The Population of the City, Swelled by
Thousands of Country
Cousins,
Turns Out to Welcome the Soldier
Statesman i'm Royal
Manner.
The Streets Literally Covered With
National Emblems Artistically
Arranged.

CHICAGO, November 12.-The morn
ing which has long been looked for as
the Inauguration day of the unusual
festivities attending the annual meeting
of the Army Of the Tennessee opened
with duh sky, and up to eight o'clock
the rain fell in brisk showers. Along
towards nine, however, the sky became
brighter and the sun came out at times,
making the prospect more favorable
for the procession and for decoration.
At ten o'clock the Army of the Ten
nessee began it's annual meeting at the
headquarters in the Palmer house. Gen.
w. L. Sherman presided, Gen. w. E.
Strong informed the $50 members pres
emit that they would act as guard of
honor to Gen. Grant and follow him
when he leaves the line Of procession.
Owing to the short time left for arrange
ments the business meeting was ad-
journed until four o'clock, and the rest
of the session was taken mp in arranging
the details of the procession.
The principal feature of the day is the
reception of Gen. Grant by the citizen
of Chicago and the Army of the Tenness
see. In this reception all classes partici-
pate, so that the affair is devoid of polit-
ical significance. This was distinctly
understood before the Democrats and
Illinois National Guard would consent
to take part. Republicans who oppose a
third term of Grant for the presidency
are participating in doing honor to the
great soldier and distinguished citizen.
The address of welcome will be made by
Mayor Harrison during the afternoon.
DECORATIONS.
The streets along the line of march
are profusely decorated with emblems
of welcome and of congratulation. AS
no arches were erected there is little to
call for especial mention where all are
about equally meritorious as to
design. The newspaper Offices
generally have done fine work with flags,
bunting and evergreens. The theatres
are also noticeably artistic. Scarcely a
building along the line of march lacks
some sort of decoration.
HERE He is.
The train from Galena bearing General
Grant arrived at Park Row, on the
South Side, promptly at one o'clock. At
this time the rain was falling
heavily, but in a few minutes the
clouds lifted and the sun shone
brightly. General Grant alighted with
his party from the special car of Presi-
dent Alderman, of the Illinois Central
railroad, and taking seat in the carriage
provided for him, the procession at once
moved.
Gen. Grant left the procession at the
Palmer house, and reviewed it from 8
temporary balcony. 1t was Of great
length, requiring over two hours to pass
given point. There was a dense and
appreciative crowd along the whole line
of march, which cheered the notable
members and organizations of the pro-
cession, but gave their loudest applause
to Gems. Grant, Sherman and Sheridan
After the reception Gen. Grant was for
mally welcomed by Mayor Harrison,
who spoke in the rotunda of the Palmer
house. The mayor welcomed him q;
one of the most renowned of American
citizens whose journey around the world
had been watched with feelings of graf
ifcation; that bis passport was simply
that of an American citizen. He alluded
to the services of Gen. Grant during the
late war, to his generosity toward Gen
Lee, and to his elevation to the presi
dency. He said:
SIR-You have served your country
nobly, and the country has honored you
grandly. Like the immortal Washington
you rose from the lower walks of life
passed through all military grades unit
you commanded its victorious armies
Like him you filled the Office of president
two long terms; and when the two terms
were over he was offered a crown but pre-
ferred immortality and fame to temporary
L e
lives in the hearts of his people and all time
will call him his country's father. You
too, sir, when your two terms were over
obeyed that part of your country's unwrit
ten traditions, hallowed by the immortal
example of Washington, and you, too
retired and you, too, sir, live and
will live forever in your counttymen'
hearts. Sir, in the name of Chicago and its
people, | prophesy that when time shall
have grown old; when the page of history
shall have become dim, by the side of tn,
great example who has gone before, you
name and sta ne will beplaced. By thesid,
of Washington and Jefferson and jackson
and the immortal Lineoln's, will live tn,
name of Grant.
The speech was applauded heartily
Gen. Grant in reply said:
Mr. Mayor and gentlemen of the commit
tee of reception, of Chicago, gentlemen o
C01cagO auu Oh IuluOIs-- leel very muCl
honored by the welcome which / am re
ceiving at your hands to-day. feel hlghl,
honored by the pledge of welcome which
has been uttered by your worthy mayor
which is something so personal to myself
would hardly be in good taste for me to re
spond to the language of it, and it leaves
therefore, nothing for me to do but to c n
vey my thanks to this committee of citizen
of this city for the hesfty reception which
they have given me. To one allusion to m,
reception abroad, I will say that in ever!
case felt that it was tribute to our coun
try. | will add further that our country
stands differently abroad in the estimate
of European and eastern nations from
what it did quarter of ceutur,
ago. An American citizen il regarded in
different light from the American citizen o
quarter of a century ago. AT that time
was believed we had no nation. 1t wa
merely confederation of states tied to
gether by rope of sand, and would Civ
way upon the slightest friction. They hav
found oas it was grand mistake. The,
Nh