Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-05-31
General Grants Tomb.
IMPRESSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS OF RESPECT AND
AFFECTION.

General Grants tomb on Decoration Day
will be the scene of an immense demonstra-
ton of popular affection and feeling for the
dead commander. 1t promises to surpass any
display that has ever been witnessed at the
grave of an American soldier or statesmen,
and will be second only to the mournfui gath
ering that thronged about the little brick
building on the crest Of Riverside on that OPP
pre.sively hot August day when the last tattoo
echoed over the Generals remains.
The whole country has responded to the
call for floral tributes to be placed about his
grave. 1t exceeds by far the expectations
on which the plans for the ceremonies we're
based. As this will be the first anniversary
since Grants death, it is proposed to make it
a memorable one.
Riverside Park, for hundreds of yards
about General Grants tomb, will be literally
buried from sight under mountain Of floral
tributes forwarded from cities and towns in
every State in the Union, as we'll as from
foreign countries. A carload IT laurel from
California and another Of evergreen from
Colorado. a floral pine tree from Vermont.
pomegranate and load of oleanders from
Florida and an immense urn. from the Old
Dominion may be selected from thousands of
similar offerings merely to illustrate the
boundless horizon of the feeling that will be
centered in these countless tokens of a
country's love gathered about his tomb to-
day. From the interior States flowers and
other emblems come in unequaled profuson.
regiment of florists began arranging the
flowers about Grants tomb on Sunday morn
ing The wives and daughters of members
of the Grant Post of Brooklyn, are to bear
the expense of decorating the tomb itself,
,.,I, Tab, .
done before in that line. The display covers
a space more than twelve feet high, and an
arch of nineteen feet and six inches. Around
the tomb will be a heavy circle of ivy and the
background of the front will be of smilax.
At the top of the arch two crosses four feet
in height will be planted in the ivy facing
each other. little below, and within the
arch, there is to be a design of dove, indi-
Gazing peace. Toward the centre of the front
of the tomb will be magnificent crown, at
each side of which will be a laurel wreath.
On either side of the portal near the base
will be two scrolls. The one on the right
will contain the word peace" and the other
FMS" These designs are intended to rep
resent Grants finished memoirs" In large
letters, foot high, will be an inscription,
Faithful Unto Death !" This will follow the
curve of the tomb from one side around the
top to the other side of the front. Surround
ing the letter &c" in the door of the tomb
will be wreath. In front of all will stand
a cannon six feet long and made Of immor-
telles. Resting on the cannon is dove at
rest.
The flowers used in these designs will be
Gala lilies. ascension lilies, carnations and
the lily of the valley. According to the idea
of the author the design of all the tomb dec
orations is to represent the dead hero's life
work and reward Fifty thousand people
will be gathered in Riverside Park while the
ceremonies are in progress this afternoon.
Senator Logan will be the orator of the day
President Cleveland, Secretary Whitney and
Governor Hill will be present.