The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-08-13
THE WELCOME TO GREELY
A LONG PROCESSION IN HIS
HONOR
a Lively scene In Portsmouth har-
Dor, Followed by Demonstra-
tionin the Streets. An Ovation
to the Crew Of the Artists
Relief VESSEL.

Lieutenant Greely and the Survivors
of his expedition to-day in an impos-
ing manner. If throngs of thous-
ands of people, numerous bands of
music and boundless enthusiasm
could make a celebration O success,
this was successful. The day was
perfect bright and cheerful. On the
crowded streets and through the
squares there was everywhere order
and cheerfullness. Throngs from all
sections of the country came crowd
ing into the city shortly after sun
rise and the thousands which were
added by trains and incoming steam
ers were apparently lost in the i'm
mensity OF the crowd already pres
ent. All the public buildings and
many private ones were handsomely
and appropriately decorated and
"Welcome to Our Arctic Heroes"
was important everywhere on flying
bunting.
The civic organizations and the
military companies which were to
take part in the celebration arrived
early.
At $50 boats, barges and steam
launches began to discharge heavy
freights of officers and seamen from
the north atlantic Squadron and
Arctic fleet along the crowded
wharves. AS fast as they arrived
they were drawn up along the street
adjacent to Market Square. At 10
o'clock the steam tug Leyden landed
the last of the sailors from the fleet
and the naval column was formed
for the march on David and State
streets and moved to an appropriate
place.
THE RELIEF CREW.
At 11.20, amid considerable en-
thusiasm, Commander Schley, Lieu
tenant Emory and Commander
Coffin disembarked from a barge.
Following them where the other
officers of the Greelv relief expedi-
ton. All were attired in neat uni
forms. Then were landed the sail
ors of the Thetis, Bear and Alert.
wearing heavy stoga boots, with
pants tucked in the top, dark blue
shirts and regulation navy caps
They rolled along with sailor gait
All were bronzed, sunburned and
weather-beaten. They were enthusi-
astically greeted as they landed and
the crowd pressed forward to shake
their hands. Five sailors from the
squadron greeted their companions
from the relief ships with a hearty
"Messmate, welcome home" and
other honest greetings. Not few
tears were shed at affecting meetings
between old messmates.
From an early hour crowds block
ed up the streets near where Greedy |
was to land. The coming of the
Arctic hero was the all-absorbing
object of interest. Every steam
launch was scanned and every barge |
anxiously watched for his presence.
A roar of welcame went up when
he was at last discovered, with his
comrades, coming towards the land
ing in the admiral's barge. Greedy !
was clothed in white, with a slouch- /
ed hat. and wearing spectacles. As
he and his companions alighted all
crowded to welcome him. Greedy !
leaned upon the arm of Lieutenant |
Powell and languidly lifted his hat.
His every movement indicated
weakness. Ills comrades received |
much attention and were objects of
curious scrutiny. All were placed
in coaches and Immediately driven
to the Rockingham House. it having
deem decided that they should not |
appear in the procession. At the
hotel crowds gathered to catch q
glimpse of them. Here the Lieu
tenant was joined by his wife.
THE PROCESSION.
Meanwhile the arrangements for
starting the procession were COM
pleted. Upon two large stands in
Market Square were gathered many
prominent persons and number of
ladies. At 11.20 the procession be-
gan to move along the packed
streets. Thunderous applause greet |
ed the sailors of the relief squadron
as they moved along, the crew of the
Thetis leading, with that of the Bear
and then the men of the Alert. The
ovation continued through the en-
tire route of the procession. Com
mander 5chley, Lieutenant Emory |
and Commander Coffin were receiv-
ed with tremendous applause as they |
passed along in an open carriage. |
They smilingly acknowledged the |
tribute of the crowd by lifting their
hats. After them rode the other
officers of the relief squadron, and |
they too received a hearty ovation.
After them rode in an open carriage
Secretary Chandler, General Hazen,
Commodore Wells anG Acting Ad
miral Luce. These distinguished |
gentlemen also received tribute of
applause. The march of the long
procession was very fine and the |
maneuvres of the battalion of mari |
mes from the squadron were brilliant. |
As the head of the procession neared
the Rockingham House, Lieutenant
Greedy and the survivors of the
party were waiting to receive the
procession, the pressure of the crowd
became so great that the advance of
the column was delayed several
minutes.
CHEERS FOR GREELY.
Lieutenant Greedy and his COM
rades were seated upon the balcony
and when the head of the procession
appeared cheer after cheer greeted
him. The men in the procession
Joined. As the crews of the Thetis,
Bear and Alert passed Lieutenant
Greely bowed very low and seemed
to look his gratitude to the men who
had 80 recently rescued him from an
Arctic grave. The scene was affect
ing. The relief crew respectfully
raised their caps. Lieutenant Greely
L 4 4 L