The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-31
All Glasses Unite in Paying Tribute to the
Memory Of the Men Who Saved
the Union.
Four Thousand People Aid the G. A. L.
in the Ceremonies at Crown Hill.
Mayer McMaster's Eloquent Address at the
Cemetery-How the Day Was Celebrated
at Points in Indiana and Illinois.
AROUND GRAVES OF HEROES.
"A Fine Parade and Creditabie Gbservan'
of the Day In Indianapolis

OF the Day In Indianapolis.
The observance of Decoration Day for the first
few years following the close of the war lacked
organization of permanent character Soldiers,
and citizens in close sympathy with them, usually
a month or two before the occurrence began
preparations, the expense being met by volun-
4ary contributions After all was over deficit
of greater or less amount had to be assumed by
a few of the more interested. When Decoration
Day services had passed many enthusiastic at
OF closing up the business features
of the Observance The few who
remained to the last began to tire of the self
assumed responsibility, as year after year went
by without general interest in assistance being
sustained. Thus the beautiful custom Of honor
ing the memory of dead soldiers, through whose
sacrifices of life The Union was preserved began
in many large cities to fall into desuetude. In
time arose the Grand Army of the Republic,
which made the interests of the living and the
memory of the dead soldier its especial care, and
to remember the Both of May became purpose
not to be neglected. AS the order grew, SO did
the revival of Decoration Day ceremonies.
Their perpetuity was guaranteed. and when the
A"NOSA'ANAA SAA@"AA -~~''
passed away the observance will doubtless be
carried out by the sons and daughters of vet
Grams and their sons and daughters. Another
source of permanency for the strewing of flow
ers on soldiers graves has been secured in late
years by the organization of the Woman's Relief
Corps, in connection with Grand Army posts.
The custom has thus become duty. not merely
a temporary offering of sentiment.
Yesterday the day was observed here with
the usual parade in the city and exercises at
Crown Hill Cemetery. AS half holiday, it was
more generally remembered than heretofore
From noon until 6 o'clock very few business
places were open, and, almost all the
factories and shops ceased work. At l
O'Clock crowds of men, women aud children
began to promenade the streets, seeking the
best points from which to see the parade,
while thousands of others went to the cemetery
by train, private and public vehicles. In
this widespread interest and remembrance
of the day the Grand Army posts have reason to
be satisfied that the people respond SO readily to
their efforts in keeping fresh in the minds of all
the memory and heroic services of their dead
comrades. 1t was frequently remarked that
for years no Decoration Day exercises had been
so largely participated in by the people.
THE PARADE.
The first feature of note, of course, was the
parade and to this everything contributed to
make it an impressive one. The committees
had their programmes carried out without alter
alton. In forming the column no halts or waits
Of serious character occurred and as near as
possible to the time appointed it moved in the
following order:
Beissenherz's Band
indianapolis Metropolitan Police Force headed by
Superintendent Lang, Captain Campbell,
Commanding.
D. J. Smock Grand Marshal.
j. f. School, Chief of Staff.
Carriage containing III. T.. Brown Captain z. r. Bit
ter Rev John Alabaster, chaplain. and
Hon. John L. McMaster, Orator
of the Day.
State. county and city officers in carriages.
First Division.
Gen. Fred Knefer, Commanding.
Aides-John NJ. Payer. William III. Tucker FL. Clay
Allen, j. w. Petticord. Anton Richter,
J. J. Barker. J. L. Bieer.
German Veteran Association. Henry AIbertshardt,
Commanding.
George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., ]. E. Haskell,
Commanding.
Bross Post, g. A. r., Minor Goohall, Commanding.
j. r. Ruekle Post G. A. R., Hiram Plumber, Com
mandng.
Perryvile Post, G. A. r.. Henry Magsom, Command
VI. H., a. d.
Anderson Post G. A. R., o. r. Weaver Command
ing
Joseph r. Gordon Post G.. A. R.
Sons of Union Veterans, Will King Commanding.
Second Dirision.
Win G. David Commanding.
AidesWiil kercheval Ben D. House, S. X. Fletcher,
C. J. Colgan, J. d. Eagle John Parker John
r. Leonard. Henry Frank, Harry Smith.
d. w. Swain. John Baker
T,3.aaoo1;s T;,h. rnfac+rv ond nrrv,, rorrs Ma;or
j. r. Ross, Commanding
Emmett Guards, P. J. kelleher, commanding.
Richardson Zouaves and Drum Corps, Captain Rich
ardson. Commanding
Aides-Ad Hereth, VIM. Cochran John Cleland,
G. w. bridges, c. Wheat, James McHugh, w.
+. Jefries, Frank Ryan. J. E. Cravens,
Ed. P. Thompson, o. J. Purser Peter
NJ. Pursell, J: R. Forbes, A. G. May.
Andrew Kramer, John Egger
w. r. Henly JOS. j.
Brown William II.
Hartman.
Strerht Rifles, Deloss Seaton. Commanding
Ross Guards Thomas L. Thompson. Commanding.
Rice Zouaves, Jacob Fox: Commanding.
Classical School Cadets.
indianapolis Light Artillery. Captain j. B. Curtis.
Commanding.
Bringing up the rear of the column the fire de-
partment, under Chief Webster, made fine dis
play.
Delaware street to Washington street, west on
Washington street to Illinois street, north on
Illinois street 70 Market street, east on Market
street to the Circle to the right around Circle to
Meridian street, north on Meridian street 10
North street, west on North street to the rail
road.
Along the route many residences and business
houses displayed in flags and other decorations.
fitting tokens Of the day. There were about
1000 people in the parade. the police command
cd by Superintendent Lang and Captain Camp
bell numbering thirty-fve mon; the military
averaging about twenty five to q company and
in all about 20o and the Grand Army posts
numbering $50. Citizens in carriages largely in
creased the aggregate. 1t was very impressive
display.
ExERcIsEs AT THE oEM.TKRY
Although the sky was threatening and q some
what sultry atmosphere indicated rain, fully
900 people gathered at the cemetery. There
was enough sunshine to cheer and relieve the
.Aay Of any glominess. A few minutes before