St. Landry democrat., 1883-10-27
THE PEACE CENTENNIAL.

Took Leave of his Victorious Army-A
Tribute to the Character of the Country's,
Great Defender.
NEwBURGH, N. Y, Oct IS.
This was one of the loveliest of lovely
autumn days, and the confidence of the
people in the glorious sunshine on the 18th
of October had it's vindication. During the.
preparations for the centennial celebration
of Washington disbanding and taking
leave of his victorious army, all questions.
about possible rain were met with the an
swer that for the past ten years the 18th of
October had been clear and bright. Great
crowds of people arrived by boats and
trains last night and thronged the down.
town streets. Many persons could not find
lodgings, so crowded were the hotels and
dwellings of the city and towns round
about. Torch-light professions, fremen's
displays, fireworks and much enthusiasm
were the preparations last night for to-day.
The bay was illuminated by electric lights
along the river front, and the large number
of vessels, including yachts, steamboats,
and United States war ships riding at an
Choir, made picturesque scene. Mayor
Ward held reception in honor of the dis
tinguished guests. At sunrise to-day the
five navy vessels fred salutes, which were
responded to from the cannon planted at
Washington's headquarters and else.
where on both sides of the river, and by
ringing all the church bells. Immense
throngs of people were on the streets. One
train on the West Shore Railroad arrived
in four sections with 1900 passengers. One
Erie train with two engines had nineteen
cars packed with people, and the platforms
were also crowded. The lawn at Washing
toms headquarters was thronged long be-
fore the hour for beginning the exercises.
Two hundred New York City policemen
aided the local force in preserving order.
The city never presented finer display.
Flags fioated everywhere, and there was an
unclouded sky. Not less than $4,000 stran-
gers were in town. Governor Cleveland
and staff arrived from Albany on the West
Shore train at 1889 The train had eigh-
teen coaches crowded with passengers.
President Arthur sent a letter of regret.
Conkling also regretted that he could not
come.
The procession started at 1915, an hour
and quarter late. The Governors and
their stats, Generals and their STATS, the
marines and sailors and favorite troops of
the State made an imposing display, while
Joined with these were the visiting troops,
veterans, civic societies, etc, which made
procession four miles long. 1t marched in
five divisions. Five bands of music were in
each division. The line of march was crowd
ed with people, who applauded enthusl-
asticallv. The windows and steps of
every house were filled with ladies, who
clapped their hands or waved their hand
kerchief as the troops marched past. At a
few minutes before one o'clock Governor
Cleveland and staff, Governor Brown of
Rhode Island and staff, Senator Hawley OF
Connecticut, and other invited dignitarles,
took seats on the platform, and at LAG
O'Clock the procession, headed by the po-
lice of New York, came in sight.
As the head of the procession reached the
grand stand there was great enthusiasm
among the people. The Governors of the
different States, Senator Bayard, the chap
special part assigned them in the exercises,
wheeled from the ranks 20 the reviewing
stand. The stmarch past" took place to
enlivening music, and the parade was dis
missed. People then fastened to the lawn
in front of Washington's headquarters,
where the exercises took place. After an
Introductory overture by the fine band of
the Seventh Regiment, Mayor Ward called
the assemblage to order, Rev. Dr.. 5.
Ireneus Prime offered prayer. TIE Deum
for 500 voices and the band followed, and
then Senator Bayard was introduced as the
President of the celebration exercises. The
Senator delivered an eloquent address and
was frequently applauded.
The address was followed with Hail CO.
lumbia, by the chorus and band; an orlgi-
nal poem by Wallace Bruce, and grand
chorus, mo King but Cod followed
Senator Bayard then presented the orator
of the day, Hon. William NJ. Evarts, who.
Ynoaix-a5 a 1,,oct cordial welcome.
The speech of Evarts was devoted in the
beginning to an analysis of the attitude of
Washington in the period Immediately pre-
ceding and following the close of the war
for independence, and closed with tribute
to the character of Washington as states
man. The great influence of the leaders,
personal strength in moIding the character
of the new nation was shown, and the dec
laration made that even had his career
ended with the Revolution his name would
still be foremost i'll history. I'm the men,
DRY of his countrymen," said the orator,
''as he stood upon this very spot one hum
bred years ago, his face would have shone
to all this people as did the face of Moses
to the children of Israel when he delivered
the tables of the law. And now, after a
hundred years of marvellous fortunes and
crowded experiences, we confront the days
republic. Three wars have broken the
peace he proclaimed-the war for neutrality,
to complete our independence by establish
ing our right to be at peace, though other
powers sought to draw us into their wars;
the war for boundary which pushed our
limits to the Pacific and rounded our terri
tory, and the war of the Constitution, which
established for this people that for them
and forever liberty and union are one and
inseparable.' These rolling years have
shown growth, forever growth, and
strength, increasing strength and wealth,
Ia