National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-05-31

helmets, and the tall drum major, with a
white rose In bis button hole, led tho line.
After them came the Union Veteran corps,
and then the q. A. r. posts, ladies decorating
committee, and Veteran Corps cadets. Inc
band played n dead march as the line was
forming, and when all was ready the process
sion moved to the graves OF the unknown
soldiers. Here they paused, and a now ulrge
was played. From here tho line moved TO
the graves, and the ladies, under direction
Of d. r. Turnbull, of post No. B. scattered
through the long avenues made by tbe even
rows Of white headstones. As the ladies'
committee was passing through one point .
white haired lady stepped from the line and
exclaimed, "Oh here Joe's grave, must put
flower ON IT," Joe was her son.
Tho ladies then began decorating, and
coon every white headstone showed bunch
of flowers placed there by tender hands,
Standing under q large shade tree, gazing in
tenty at tho work of decorating, was Post
master General Gresham, Secretary OF War
Lincoln, VIII Carleton, the poet, Gen. Ha1en,
Mrs. Secretary Teller Adjutant General
Robinson, l. NJ. G. Shakespeare, of Miohigau;
Department Commander Hogan, of Ohio; DR..
Basil Norris, Rev. DIR. NailOT, Gen. Mckee
Dun, Representatives Wynant, Edwards and
Taylor, of Ohio; Col john A. Joyce, Capt. j.
NJ. Nesbit, Messrs Hawkes., Crosby, Corson.
and Col. Batcheldor. While the work Of
htbdAatbk was piOJtGNlhEt wv SH'AN f''S -
some appropriate selections.
The services at the amphitheater were to
have begun at p. m, but 1T was half an
hour later when Department Commander
Alexander called the assembly to order. The
immense inclosure was filed to overhowing,
and about thousand people were unable to
get inside. On the stage were seated the
invited guests, speakers, an octette under tho
direction Of Mr.. S. II. Jecb6, reporters, and
momb.rs OF the various committees.
An invot alton by Dr. Rankin was followed
by SONG BY tho octette.
Mr.. VIII Carleton was then introduced. lie
recited his decoration poem written for the
occasion, in o clear, firm voice, and was Loudly
a. plaudod. Tho choir then sang the DecOra-
tion day hymn, by Mr.. G. A. White.
Gen. Stewart l.. Wood 'ord was next intro
duced. He delivered his oration in free,
eloquent style, and said: "In all ages men have
come with flowers aud song and praise to
mark the graves and hsnor the names of dead
heroes. Among such graves we stand to-day,
such heroes we, too, would honor. Mon have
never died for better cause than that in which
these fell. Courage and suffering have
ripened into harvests Of life, love, aud glad
ness Peace reigns in all the land. Our
nation hives. Our flag is in the heaven.
Beneath that flag there clanks no fetter and
there crseps no slave The nation lives
because these mon have died. Around this
great city these men built living rampant
with their bodies, and let Him who watches
over us hoar this message from the living to
tho dead. As the night is gone and day is
come SO is the passion of war gone"
''Sleept Soldier, Sleep" q song by 8. Fl.
Jeoko, was then sung, after which benedic-
tion was pronounced by Rev. Ben Swallow,
while the Marine band played "Old Hun
dred" as tho assembage left.
During the excitement caused by the de-
parture fight took place between some white
men and negroes, but no one was hurt.
young man, named Milton, was arrested
and taken to Alexandria for cutting the flag
staff.
A largo number Of tho visitors remained at
Arlington until quito late enjoying the quiet
ness. About 1000 people were present.