The Evening critic., 1883-05-21
The Army Reunion "a DisappOinf-
meuf.

= hhO Ahhhy - DAS"FPcAhA-
Wash Cor. Balto. sun.
Extended and surprised comment has been
brought out by certain features and incidents
attending the reunion OF the Army OF the
Potomac in this city. First as to the exceed.
ingly meagre attendance. The hotel and
restaurant keepers seemed to havo q pre-
monition OF this, for their responses to the
appeal for contributions were so pitfuily
small as TO excite mingled ridicule and dis
gust. Had 1t not been for the local military
display the procession would have been
most lamentable failure. Baltimore, within
one hour, and Philadelphia, Within three
Union soldiers who belonged to the
Army OF the Potomac, and yet these
two big cities, so near, sent scarcely
handful Of representatives, and outside OF
the Regular Army officers, there was compara
lively NO attendance from tho rest OF the coun-
try. There could be no stronger evidence OF
how rapidly the old war feeling Is dying out,
yet some of the few who did attend are on.
deavoripg to stir up old feelings with the pue-
rile complaint that no Army of the Potomac
fiags floated from the Capitol or other public
buildings. on tho day OF the excursion to
Mount Vernon criticism was made be-
cause before landing thirty cents was
Criticism on this account was not unnatural,
as II would have been graceful act for the
Mount Vernon Association managers TO have
abated the head.tax for the men who helped
10 save the Capital Of the Nation. The meet
Ing at the National Theatre on Wednesday
night, when the oratton was delivered and
apfeeident OF the society olected, was post
poned for half an hour in the vain hope of
the Presidents attendance. The President
promised 10 attend, and two OF the highest
officers OF the Armv called at tho White
House 10 escort him to the theatre. They
found that he had gone on q moonlight sail
down the Potomac, ana had not left word OF
excuse or explanation. The disappointment
and chagrin exhibited at this inezpli-
cable conduct of the President was tho
more marked because of the Indifference
with which he was charged when the process
eion In the morning passed before him in re-
view. One or two members OF the Cabinet
were at the theatre but all OF them declined
10 attend the banquet the next night. The
brilliant oration OF Major Maginnis did not
please some, because they alleged II had too
much in Il favorable to Fltz-John Porter. At
the banquet General Mcclellan, who had been
counted upon as great card, was so long In
making his appearance that he was given up,
only, indeed, coming In time to make hts own
speech. His speech did not please even his
own personal friends, and grievously offended
the majority OF those present because, as
alleged, he took the entire credit of everything
that was done by the Army OF the Poto.
mac to himself, and he bellttled
the achievements OF the Navy to
every naval oficer present. navy lteuten-
ant became so excited that It was with the ut.
most difficulty he could be restrained from
Violently interrupting General Mcclellan
while no was on tho floor. When General
Mcclellan arose he was greeted with enthusi-
astic demonstrations. When he sat down the
applause was very much subdued. The Test
and most brilliant speeches Of tue evening
were made so late that no one paid attention
TO them. Some OF the walters were so busy In
stealing wine and storing 1t under their belts
that they began TO fancy they were generals OF
the Army OF the Potomac, General sherman,
sagaclous, able and prudent, stuck TO his
comrades for the entire two days, and did all
In his power to mako the meeting one Of
pointmert 10 those who participated Is unfor
tuDate, but true.