The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1886-08-21

An Interesting Letter from the
Metropolis Of the Golden
SAxnAN-

ED. KEYSTONE: The bugle has
sounded recall, the festivities are
over, and the Goth grand encanp-
ment Of the G. A. X. is like a song
that has been sung. II was a
grand affair, and one that will be
remembered always by spectators
and participants. A week ago to-day
was the great day. The procession
was fine and very extensive. and
though professions as a rule are
much alike there were certain
distinguishing features in this
that made it impressive. The
old battle-torn flags wav-
ing above the limping, aged
men, brought the tears to the
eyes of many one not used to
shedding them, and the past twenty
years, at times, seemed to be effaced
and we heard the tread of armed
men, heard the boom of guns, and
seemed to feel all the old sentiments
revive again.
1t was a grand sight, and l never
wanted to be a G. A. K. man so
much in my life. 1t was refreshing
to see couple of fellows stop and
accost each other, examine badges
and decorations, exchange a word
or two and then grab each other
and fairly cry, then adjourn to
some convenient spot and forget
the present and all its surround
ings, and go over again the events
of twenty years ago and the days
that made them more than mere
comrades. Men met here who had
not seen each other since the war
closed, and many said the encamp-
ment was the more enjoyable on
that account. They never went to
the reunions near home because
they thought they could visit those
at any time, but the chance to
visit California and see the coun-
try was not TO be missed, and none
seemed to regret the move. The
city has been on a grand picnic for
ten days, and only now is it be-
ginning to assume its wOnted APP
pearance. The decorations were
profuse and elegant. though l must
confess l grew a trihe weary of
Welcome, G. a. r." posted every
where. noticed a decoration over
a very disreputablc looking saloon,
which read, Welcome, G.. A. r.
All honor to the brave"
| was in doubt as to whether it
applied to the ex-soldiers or to
any one possessed of nerve enough
to go in and take a drink, for if
the stock rescmbled in any way
its exterior it would have re-
quired a brave man to moisten his
tongue. One was on the go con-
stantly, and every form Of amuse
ment and entertainment was pro-
vided for the visitors-camp fires
concerts, theatres, receptions, balls,
games. etc, were the order of the
day and night, and the visiting
brethren responded nobly. i
think a week ago to-day there must
have been more choice French cham
pagne disposed of than all of Eu-
rope could produce in a year, but a
fellow full of enthusiasm and other
things is not particular, so long as
the label looks well and the price
is high enough. People imagined
that there would not be room for
all, but l heard no complaints.
This is city of restaurants and
I" rooms to let," so all went well.
Ketchum was we'll represented
more so than any other part ofWood
River. Boise City sent a large
and, 80 far as l could learn.
all had good time. Your worthy
Commissioner did the grand and
seemed to renew his youth about
twenty years. He leaves to-day
Ior home, and l have no doubt
vill resume his arduous duties
With lightcned heart. and possi-
bly, purse, but say nothing of the
latter.
Mansc Coffin and wife, Rev. Geo.
Richie and others were often
seen abroad, and seemed glad they
:ame. The weather was cold part
If the time, and it was amusing to
zee eastern people who had broiled
nth 31,., hoo& ~ hovr,o ;,,C\ r,o;r~:r |