New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-29


0p m.-The Centennial ball
stroll through the city yesterday afternoon
revealed the presence Of a vast multitude OF
strangers. glance at the various railway sta
tiOns showed q constant succession OF arriving
trains, each car filled from platform to platform.
turn about the river front exhibited crowded
decks on every incoming steamboat The eye
grew tired OF watching the tireless currents that
poured their legions into the streets from every
point Of the compass. 1t is estimated that up
ward Of 100000 persons arrived yesterday and
last night. They were received cordially and are
well bestowed.
The morning rain gave discomfort to thousands
Homefolk remained indoors and amused them
selves with improbable speculOtion in weather
futures II must be said in praise of the visitors
that they did not allow themselves to be dis
hOncerted They took the streets and public
squares early and remained in possession all day,
fearing neither slush nor storm. The militia
were conspicuously brave. Fatigue and fnll-dress
uniforms were seen in all places. This is hopeful
sign 1t means that the strangers within tho
city's gates are going to have good time in honor
of Washington, rain rain. 1t means that
American patriotism is not afraid of getting wet.
Flags may droop, damp and discolored, but ma
tional pride is impervous to moisture
The forenoon WAS full of gloom and fOrebOding.
None could see rift in the cloud, and a less spir-
tied community would have been inclined to
Amentation. Washington himself appeared in q
state of decentralization during the morning drizzle
His display of equcstransm on top Of the arch at
Twenty -third-st did not inspire reverence in the
beholder. He and his charger seemed almost as
limp as the massive stonewOrk OF the arch In
the incompeteness of this masonry all illusion IS
lost. The imagination of strangers might have
been imposed by the finished structure, but
no man, however intense his patriotism, VIII be-
heve in the possibility of a stone arch when he
sees carpenters in the act Of tackng onto frame
work of wood rock cubes quarried with a paint
brush.
CROWDS BROUGHT OUT BY THE SUNLIGHT.
The sun shone at p. m, and houses emptiea
themselves into the streets and avenues. There
were two hours and half of delicious weather,
which brief space was devoted to hurried in
specton of the city's holiday dress. 1t did not
seem possible for so charming an afternoon to bc
in partnership with so disagreeable morning IN
the making Of day; so at o'clock there was
more rain. But there was plenty OF blue SKY
at sunset, and the clouds that would not 60 away
were lined with silver and gold Sunshine Is
promised TOT Tomorrow, anu ~ 10 nlehiy PfVoopc
that the weather will be agreeable to-day.
knowing that only few thousand favored ones
can enjoy the ceremonies at the Sub-Treasury to-
morrow morning the visitors avsiled themselves
of yesterdays bright spell to visit Wall-st. and
lower Broadway to see the decorations. They
were deeply impressed with the evidences Of pub
lie spirit and commendable enthusiasm that faced
them at every turn.
The splendid dag that floats from old Trinity's
steeple caused quickening of the blood in the
veins of every patriotic American who saw 1t.
That single flag is the most beautiful, the most
touching, the most inspiring, the most heartswell-
ing decoration in New-iork. 1t seemed yesterday
TO wave a universal benediction.
Walking in the streets difficult, even 10
the best equipped Newly YOrkers. The strangers
go neither TO the right nor left, but iaKs tno
whole street. as it is their privilege to 90 penny
strangers, and as IL is hoped they VIII commune
TO do as long rs they remain
The scenes about the railway stations oeggar
description The extent of this peaceful INVASION
of Manhattan Island was not dreamed Of Tho
of the incoming army surpasses tne moss
extra VACANT estimates. Yet only the advance
guard has arrived!
A great deal remains to he done before the city
is ready for to-morrows military parade There
are many private reviewing STANDS 70 oe CON-.
plcted, the finishing touches must % put on the
triumpphal arches, the work Of hoase decoration
mnst he ended, etc With fair weather there
is no doubt that all Will be done to-d8y'
THE BIG BRIDGE THRoNGED
1t has been a long time since so many people
crossed the Brooklyn Bridge as did 30 yesterday.
The usual large number of fair-weather Sunday
promenaders WAS augmented by thousands OF
strangers who enjoyed the sights obtalnable.
from the great structure alone or with relations
or friends The crowd n thoroughly good
natured one, and the orders Of the policemen
to keep moving were complied with with
aIacrity and without any grumbling Country
cousins. were in the majority, and things which
regular travellers the Bridge never notice
were commented upon and wondered at in
way amusing to city people.
The north roadway was used by wagons and
carriages going in either direction, while the
South roadway was given up to pedestrians from
Brooklyn to this city. People walking to Brook
lyn used tho promenade BY this arrangement
crushes were avoided. Everything went smoothly.
and no complaints were heard. The largest
patronzed the railroad in going the other way
The Bridge policemen We're as good-humored as
the crowds and answered all Of the many ques.
tiOns asked them without losing thar terrro,