The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-31
DECORATION DAY.
President Cleveland Takes Part In the
Celebration at New York.

President Cleveland Takes Part in the
Celebration at New York.
New YORK, May decoration day
opened cloudy and warm, and the sky had
a threatening appearance the greater part
Of the day. Business was almost entirely
suspended, the banks were closed and the
custom-house and postoffice were only
open for few hours for the entry and
clearance Of vessels. The city wore holi-
day appearance, the flags flying at half
mast from the public and many private
buildings. All the statues in and about
the city were decorated with flowers and
flags. The sport-loving patrons attended
the Athletics game, base ball matches,
horse races, regattas and other amuse-
ments, of which there was an abundance.
The procession was one Of the largest
and most successful that has ever turned
out on a similar occasion, and thousands
from all parts Of the city throngcd the side
walks on either side Of the line OF march,
and the large places in Madison and Un-
ion squares through which II passed.
President Cleveland, who reviewed the
procession, rose at o'clock this morning
and breakfasted with Secretary Whitney
and his family, at the Whitney mansion,
on Fifth avenue, where he spent the
night.
Ats o'clock the President, accompanied
by j. G. Limbeck, chairman Of the Grand
Army Of the Republic memorial commit
tee, entered an open carriage and were
driven to the head OF the procession on
Fifth avenue. Followingin other carriages
were Secretary Endicott, ex-Mayor Grace,
Secretary Fairchild, Secretary Whitney
and Private Secretary Lamont. A citizens
committee, under command of Gen.
Curtis, and the Old Guard, commanded
by Maj. Mclean, acted as escort 10 the
President and his party. At 9.20 o'clock
the procession started down Fifth avenue.
The presidential party alighted opposite
the reviewing stand on Madison square
and took the places reserved for them.
As the President appeared on the stand he
was greeted by cheers from the throngs OF
people that filed the square. The Presi-
dent bowed several times in response. lie
then shook hands with several reporters
and told them he felt we'll. 81 hope to
return to Washington tonight" he said to
them. las have business OF importance
10 look alter"
The first brigade, n. @. S. N. Y, COM
manded by Gen. Louis Fitzgerald, acted as
escort TO the Grand Army OF the Republic,
and was next TO pass. The Richmond
Greys accompanied this regiment. Az
they passed the President every man sa-
luted and their colors were dipped. The
President bowed several times in response
and the crowd OF spectators cheered the
southcrners.
Grand Marshal Joeser, who rode at the
head OF the Grand Army Of the Republic
posts, was accompanied by Buffalo Bill.
There were fifteen divisions Of GRIND
Army posts. All Of them saluted the
President. There were three colored
posts, every man Of which raised his hal
rs he passed the President. Accompany
ing Naval post 5l6, Grand Army OF tho
Republic, was q wagon on which wai
mounted miniature man-oi-war. As i
passed the President three salutes .wer'
tired.
The floral division was the last in th,
procession. In this division ther,
were forty large wagons and trucks filled
with flowers TO be placed on soldiers
graves In neighboring cemeteries. IL
this division were several wagons fille'
with school children.
Preceding inc nofu dNhon WH W.
American Taag Legion, each man II
which carried an American flag.
Another feature Of the procession was
mounted band Of 100 oi Buffalo Bill
Indians.
The absence Of Mayor Abram 8. Hewitt
from the reviewing stand excited mucl
comment among Grand Army men. III
says he WIS not invited 10 be present, bu
the Grand Army men say he was, an'
that his knowledge OF the fact that he ha
excited their resentment by his rcatmcn
Of them kept him away.