Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-10-07
TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
Bright Fireworks and Cheering Mul-
titudeS Greet the MarcherS,
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST.
Sotes About the Games. Incidents of the
nay, Decorations, Drinking
Festival, Sc.

German-day has come and gone, has
pessed into the history Of the State and
CITY a. an occasion that will long be re-
membered as most enjoyable and inspiring
10 was a day of music and oratory. OF
uatriotic and tonder emotions, of song and
dance. of innocent games and feasting, and
Of hospitality and brotherly love from the
Germans and their descendants towards
all their fellow-citizens.
The early morn was cloudy and threat
enine. For several hours the sun played
hide and seek with the clouds and at in-
teryals there were light showers of rain.
Yet II is safe TO say that had 1t rained IN
torrents German ardor would not have
been restrained. The German heart was
in the celebration, enthusiasm was at ITS
highest pitch. and the same determination
characterized the participants in the festi-
val that was exhibited 10y their forefathers
in helping TO cause the American wilder
ness 90 blossom nearly three centuries
ago.
IT WAS AUsIICIOUs.
However. IL was not destined that Ma
tufo should frown upon the occasion. by
midday the sun had asserted his SUI
preIaacy, the heavens We're only hecked
with gossamer clouds to temper hls rays,
and q gentle and refreshing breeze had
sprung up. Ram and clouds and sun and
gephyrs could not have conspired to make
day more auspicious for the demonstra-
tiou.
Appropriations for the great event had
been made with that thoroughness and
upon that elaborate scale for which the
Germans are noted in everything they un-
d1take. aud the programme was carried
ont almost 10 the letter.
TIN OPENING CHAPTER.
The procession of young German
Americans" moved promptly and covered
The line of march with alacrity. A brave
Aeht they presented. as with their uni
forms. banners. aud streaming badges they
k,pt step to the music of the band that
headed them. answered the cheers that
greeted them from the throngs that lined
the sidewalks. and acknowledged the deco
rAuons that were displayed IN the city in
honor of the day.
AT THR GROUNDS.
The crowd began To repair 10 the Expo
titiou-Grounds bv 10 o'clock. and within
an hour thereafter there were, II Is estI-
mated. fully hve thousand persons in the
main hall Of the Exposition building, the
last end of which had been set apart and
decorated for the formal ceremonies.
The scene looking towards the
platform from the auditorium. large
portion OF which WAS supplied
with chairs. was well worthy Of be-
ius transferred 10 canvas. Thrown out
from q back ground Of most haTmoniously'
blended and artisiically y-arranged bunting,
on which were appropriate shields, por-
traits, and flags, was q striking group. IL
was group of men representative oil
nearly every profession, trade. aud busl
ncss, and comprising more than one IN ON
cal life. but was rendered most pleasingly
suggestive Of gala occasion by q border
OF smiling, matronly faces, gladsome
msideniy counteuances, and white-robed
children bearing flowers IN their hands.
THE AUDITORIUM.
mum as viewed from the platform less in
spirnR and picturesque. Beyond the glit
terng uniforms Of the bands and the more
sombre dress Of the orchestra was sea o.
faces. Here was the aged grandfather ol
grandmother with head whiteued by the
ffosts OF over four-seore years, and beside
him or her the little fodder" that could
scarce lisp It's own name. Here were th,
middle-aged mother aud father; there the
girl just budding into womanhood. and tn,
south just beginning the battle Of life. Here
love Of Fatherland and of adopted land
incited by experiences in both. mingled
IN the breast Of the patriarch there from
the traditions OF one and from having seen
alloflifein the other u blended in the hearts
of youth. Back Of tho line Of chairs hun.