The National tribune., 1882-06-03

THE MILITARY ESCORT.
During the halt the military organizations
fled up past the lines of the several Post COM
mands and formed an escort for the veterans
to the Georgetown Aqueduct bridge. They
were as follows: Marine Band; Washington
Light Guard Major II. D. Norton, command
ing; Washington Cadets, Captain c. A. Fleet
wood, commanding; Capital City Guard Capt.
7. T. Kelly, commanding; Lincoln Light In
fantry, Captain William Cornell, commanding;
West Washington Zouaves, Captain c. II. II.
Thomas commanding. These military COM
panes were out in full numbers, and their
bright uniforms and arms attracted crowds of
spectators.
1t is thought that the several Grand Army
Posts had out fully 500 men, the largest display
of the kind for many years.
CEREMONIES AT ARLINGTON.
There was an immense thropg of visitors at
Arlington, and the exercises were of peculiar
interest. At one o'clock the procession formed
in front of the mansion, and headed by the
Marine Band marched to the tomb of the
known dead, where dirge was played. The
massive white marble structure of the tomb
was eaborately and beautifully decorated with
national flags and bright fresh flowers. The
march was then continued to the cemetery,
when the procession. disbanded for the purpose
of decorating the graves. Upon the conclusion
of thisscrvice the exercises at the amphitheater
were begun. The space inside was already
filled, and crowds stood along the outside with
in hearing distance. The amphitheatcr never
looked prettier. The pillows supporting the
frame work were covered with clustering ivy,
while the floor was carpeted with turf OF
lovely hue of green. At the end rose the plat
form, with its front one mass of green, except
the white marble surface of the reading desk.
Suspended above was a cluster of national flags
about the national shield and drapiAg the sides
all around were fagtooned large national flags.
The entire effect was striking and effective.
Among those present on the platform were
Second Assistant Postmaster General Elmer,
Commissioner Loring, Gen. NJ G. Meigs, Reg
lister Bruce, the Zuni Indians, and a committee
of the Loyal Legion, besides the officers OF the
various G. A. r. Posts in full uniform.
The exercises were begun with the rendition
of "In Memoram" by the Marine Band. Then
Department Commander S. S. Burdette called
the assembly to order with few remarks, and
Rev Rush L. Shippen delivered prayer, which
was followed by q qusrtctte, "The Day Of Rest"
Department Commander Burdette; in open
ing the exercises, said:
We break to-day upon the rest of more than
$1,000 of the patriot dead, over whom the ever
lasting silonce.has broodcd for well nigh twenty
years, save only as once in each succeeding
wear their comrades have for nemory's sake,
brought the tribute of the spring, as we do now.
Another twenty years, and the squadron of the
dead shall muster the full front of battle, only
stragglors will ingcr here. There are those
in this assembly whose eyes shall see the last
of the Grand Army--the last of that mighty
all-saIute his comrades memory with the ac-
customcd offering Of flowers. There is q place
upon the "holy hill,' where some fragment of
the temple wall stands revealed, called The
Jews Place of Waiting" There the remnant
of Israel como on accustomed days covered
with the sackcloth and ashes OF old, and recall
ing the glories Of the past; when Jacob gave
law-givcr to the whole earth; when her priestly
warrior cast his challenge to the sun and staid
him in his course; when from tho uttcTmost
mart. of the earth came the wise and great to
see the wisdom of Solomon, and were content
if they could but stand III the outer court.
Recalling these things in sad contrast to their
pre.ent dcsolation and despair, they lift their
voice of wailing and lsmcntAtion. Not We who
salute the dead to-day, nor the lone old man
who. leaning on his staff shall on the morrow
make to all the silent host a comrades laat
obeisancc, shall find occasion to mingle with
the refreshing tear that friendships memories
waters Of ragret.
To tho comrades of the Grand Army this is
the set time Of great Thanksgiving. We seek
these shades not for wailns, but because they
present the fittc.t platform, the altogether
holiest altar from which, whilst burning in
esn.o to the dead, to send forth the shout of
o1utstion that ere yet the faces Of the fallen
were forgotten. Earth with her smile and
Heaven with its blessing on their work have
crowned the banner Of the Grand Army with
the gsrlsnds of righteous approval.
The following pocm written Cor the occasion
by Edward Renaud, was read by General G. B.
CoTse:
At Muster.
ARLINGTON, VA, MAY 80, 1852.
By Comrade Edward Remand, of Kit Carson
Post, No. =.
What mean these strains Of music,
Thi. mighty crowd chat comes;
The waving OF the banners,
The beating OF the drums;
The tread of marshalrd thousands
Through all the sunny hours,
And the trampling of the foaning steeds
All yarlsndcd with foSers?.
Long since the mists OF morning
Soft winds have blown aside
From all the rich adornins
or the city OF our pride;
Long since, the mighty multitude
Hsve thronsed The crowded ways
To seek another city
On this our Day of Days.
Over this silent city
The May day sunshine falls;
M Marder Guards The pateMaY: