Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1883-10-24
A GALA DAY.
Centennial Celebration Of the Disband--
ing of Washington's Army at
Newburg, NJ. Y.

NEwBURe, N. Y, October IS This
Is one of the loveliest Of lovely autumn
days, and the confidence of the people
IN the glorious sunshine of the 18th of
October has it's vindication. During the
preparations for this centennial celebra-
ton OF Washington disbanding and
taking leave of his victorious army, all
questions about possible rain we're met
with the answer that for the past
ten years the 18th of October
has been clear and bright and
that q benediction of sunshine
was expected. Great crowds of people
arrived by boats and trains last night
and thronged the streets. Many per-
sons could not find lodgings so crowded
are the hotels and dwellings, of the city
and towns roundabout. Torch-light pro-
cess1ons, firemen's displays, fireworks
and much enthusiasm were prepara-
lions for last night and to-day.
The bay was illuminated by electric
lights along the river front and large
number OF vessels, including yachts.
steamboats, aud United States war ships.
riding at anchor, made q picturesque
scene. Brass bands and the fife and
drum were heard du1ing the entire
night. Mayor Ward held a reception in
honor of the distinguished guests. At
sunrise to. day five navy vessels fred
Salutes, which were responded to from
shore by cannon planted at WashingtOna
headquarters and elsewhere on both
sides of the river and by ringing all
church bells. Immense thTongs of peO-
pie are on the streets. One train on the
West Shore railroad arrived in four Sec
tlons with l 800 passengers. One Erie
train with two engines had 0 cars
packed with people, and the platforms
were also crowded New York Central
and local roads are also pouring into
town masses of people Farm.
ers' families are coming in all
sorts of vehicles, and large
hands are trudging along afoot. The
lawn at Wa86ington's headquarters
was thronged long before the hour for
the beginning Of the exercises. Two
hundred New York city policemen and
a local force are preserving order. The
city never presented liner display.
Flags float everywhere and there IS an
unclouded sky. Not less than 80, 900
strangers are IN town.
At noon scores of steamboats, arrived
bringing military and excursion parties.
The Seventh regiment, New York, with
the veteran corps, arrived by special
train. The Twenty and Thir-
teenth Brooklyn regiments arrived on
the steamers Grand Republic and Co
lumbia. Owing to the late arrival of
the state troops the parade was not
even forming at the time appointed for
the march. Trains north on the Hud-
son River road were delayed by the
breaking down of an engine of a way
train with Is crowded coaches. The
Putnam Phalanx, is notable body.
The phalanx looks as if band of " Old
Puts" soldiers had come again upon
earth with their uniform, step
and tactics of revolutionary days. Al
though at 1890 there was no appearance
of parade, the scene around the re-
viewing stand is inspiring. Spectators
crowd every vantage spot and enthusi-
cheer the various organizations
marching to rendezvous. The grand
stand and court house is decorated with
flags, streamers and bunting. Resi-
dences on the opposite side of the
streets bear the arms of Massachusetts
and Virginia.