The Evening critic., 1883-05-18
WINDING UP THE FESTIVITIES
Prepared For the Veterans of the
P0fOmnc.


The successful and enjoyable reunion of
the Society Of the Army of the Potomac
closed last evening with festivities on an
even grander scale than those which have
marked tho earlier stages of the celebra.
tion.
About 400 persons principally members
Of the society, gathered around the banquet
tables in Abner's Garden, and spent the
evening surrounded by the most elaborate
decorations Of flags, flowers and evergreens,
while the galleries presented brilliant as
semblage of ladies, and from the music
stand issued the sweetest strains Of the
Marine Band.
A chorus of twenty voices rendered the
old war songs and martial music in a style
that kept the graden alive with enthusiasm.
At the principal table were seated the
officers of the society and distinguished
guests, among them Generals Sherman, Nc
Clellan, Rosecrans. Slocum, Schofield
Bingham and Van Vliet; Major Maginnis
and George Alfred Townsend, the orator
and poet Of this reunion; Rear Admiral
Rodgers, General Schenci, General Walker
Senator Miller, Of California; Judge Ed
monds, Of the District Commissioners; Com
missioner Of Pensions Dudley and Charles
Dudley Warner.
While the guests were taking their seats
the band played q melango of war songs,
and during the serving of the banquet
rendered the National anthem and several
battle pieces and marches. General McClel-
Ian made his appearance some time after
the banquet began, and as soon as he en-
tered some one called out "Three cheers
for Little Mae They were given heartily,
most of the guests rising to respond. The
old commander of the Army of the Po-
tomac bowed his acknowledgment of the
greeting, aud passing down in the rear of
the guests table, shaking hands here and
there with an old friend took his seat next
to General Sherman.
The six courses of which the banquet was
composed were disposed of somewhat
tardily, and it was almost 10 o'clock before
the first toast was proposed.
The good things of life embraced in the
menu having been thoroughly discussed,
General Humphreys arose and announced
the first toast" The President" The sub
ject of the toast not being present the toast
was drank standing. and three cheers for
the President of the United States given
with gustO. This was followed by Hail
to the Chief" by the band.
General Sherman responded for the
"Army of the United States" which he
constructed to mean tho Regular as con-
tradistinguished from the Volunteer Army.
He briefly reviewed its history and charac-
teristics, closing as follows: st is also
matter of vital Importance to republican
America that in our free country, wnere
parties assume such seemingly angry an
tagonisms, there should be maintained one
body at least toward which men may
turn with safety, as always true and loyal
to the constituted authorities of the
Nation
The third toast, "The Navy" was re.
sponded to by Admiral Rodgers "Thc
Armies of the West" called General John
+. Miller to his feet, and General McClel-
Ian answered to the toast to "The Army of
the Potomac"
Stepping up on to a chair amid burst of
applause, he said:
" In days long past and gone forever
whom we were young and strong in hope of
the future before us, there were relations
between us that made it appear stiff aud
cold to address you as simply friends aud
comrades. Your chairman often brought
me news up from the very jaws of death.
There can be nothing very formal between
him and myself Those of you who were
with me then were more to me than COM
rades in arms. You were my very chill
dren. The dearest name by which / can
call you is soldiers of the Army of the Po-
tomac.
''If this were different audience
who had just reached manhood's estate, l
might rehearse your achievements. That,
however, would be ont OF place here.
Neither will revert to your achievements
under the command of others, but will sim
ply remind you that under me you re-
ceived your first baptism of fire aud COM
menced career that ended in glorious
victory at Appomattox."
General Schenck followed in response to
toast to "The Loyal LEGION" Commits
sioner Dudley answered to "The Grand
| Army of the Republic" and Charles Dud-
ley Warner made happy response to 'The
Sweethearts and Wives"
General Walker paid n glowing tribute
to "The Volunteers" and Captain Bromley
responded to "The Press"
Commissioner Edmonds responded to
"The City of Washington in very neat
and effective speech, which elected repeated
rounds ofapplause.
| given at the ScheutZen Park under the
most pleasant auspices, aud was very
largely attended.
In the pavilion there was n merry
band of dancers, and n large number OF
persons were in the refreshment hall, where
the S.engerbund Club was giving concert
| while many were strolling through the
park, which was very well lighted Shoot.
| ing, tests of strength and various sports
were INDUCED in. The Turn Veren Club
| gave gymnastic exhibition, performing
some very difficult feats. The gayeties did
not conclude until midnight, and the
time passed most pleasantly, redectinl
credit to the veterans. Mr.. Robert Heb
sacker, the Tyrolean jodler, volunteered
his services for the occasion, and added