The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-08-20

amply enough TO accommodate all
the Posts expected to arrive.
Thursday.
The morning dawned bright and
clear, but without the faintest indica-
tion Of rain. The sun came out hot,
and as soon as the crowds began to
move the dust rose in clouds from
the parched earth. Early in the
morning long lines of teams were
seen to be coming OH every road lead
ing into the city. Every train from
all directions was crowded with peo-
pie, and in one instance the cars were
loaded so heavily that the springs
were broken. AT noon it was esti-
mated that $4,000 strangers were in
the city. Very nearly 1850 veterans
received rations for the day. Many
did not live in camp but boarded at
the hotels and private houses. The
following Posts are found registered
with the Adjutant, in addition to
those mentioned yesterday: w. M.
Meyer Post No. I5c, Alma, 50 men;
Carleton 327. Trupant, IA: Col. Ely
I5S, Elm Hall, So; Brighton I7o.
Brighton, 80; St. Louis oI, St. Louis,
40; John McGerah 1872, Portland 81;
Foster AZ, Lansing, SO; Crawford
$40, Perry, IS; Moses Wisner, Ithaca,
1870; Col. Fenton "a, Fenton, 4o;
Wallace 100, Corunna, 4S.
Nothing OF special note occurred
until afternoon. All the morning his
comrades kept the Adjutant, ]. E.
Comstock, constantly busy issuing
badges and acquisitions for rations
and assigning quarters. Many of
the Posts had brought twice as many
men as they had reported were to
come. Fhe result was that the Ad.
Jutant soon had great difficulty in
finding quarters for the late arrivals.
All camps prepared an early dinner
in view of the parade at 1870 p. m.
In this grand showing was made.
Over 5000 were in line, 4S Posts
were represented, and it took Is min.
uteS for the procession TO pass any
one point. The procession was
headed by the X. T. band, followed
by Corunna, St. Johns and Fenton
Communicates X. L. Then came
the Posts in order, preceded by their
bands, and finally, the heavy ordi-
nance, commanded by Capt. Mackey.
Our citizens may be pardoned at
feeling naturally proud of the ex-
ceedingly fine appearance of the K.
/. and K. bands, and of the Post
and Sons of Veterans. We would
also note excellent order and mag
nifccnt bearing of WIN. H. Borden
Post No. 2II, OF Ionia. After pass
ing up Washington street from the
Camp, the procession returned as far
as Main street, then marched over
the west bridge, up Michigan avenue
and to the encampment grounds. A
great rush was at once made for the
grand stand, where speaking soon be-
gan, but the rays Of the afternoon
sun soon dispensed the greater part
of the crowd, leaving only those who
were most anxious to listen.
The exercises were begun by music
by the Ladies Cornet band, of Grand
Ledge, followed by prayer by (com.
rade) Rev. J. Hamilton, of Perry.
The presiding officer, Chief of Staff,
St. Col. o. S Smith, then introduced
Mayor Nelan, who in brief yet most
cordial address welcomed the veter-
ans and people to our city. Captain
E. M. Allen, of Portland, responded
in a pleasing manner, speaking at
times with much fervor, and being
interrupted by frequent applause.
The next speaker, Rev. Washington
Gardner, of Jackson, obtained con-
troll of his audience from the first.
His address was clear, mastery, elo.
quent; in fact, we may unhesitating.
ly say that it has rarely been our for
tune to listen to more patriotic and
brilliant utterances. Miss Minnie
Macarthur, Of Corunna, recited an
original poem entitled "Milestones.'
suffering materially from
cold, yet her infections were almost
while the many "good
points" in the poem were received
With hearty cheers. Hon. ]. w. Tur-
her read carefully prepared speech
On "The debt due the American
Soldier" which was listened to with
close attention. The debt, the
speaker said, was more liberal pen.
;ions and the comforts Of home dur.
ing old age or period of disability,
MIR. Turner was followed by Hon. r.
G. Horr, who spoke in his usual
facetious and.racy style. The speak.
er said he represented the great
''army of stay at homes" and that
during this whole literary feast it had