Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-23
EIGHTTHOUSAND MEN
Turn Out With Music and Banners
In EVaOr of the Memory of
THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY.
thousands Of Other Patriotic Americans
Witness the Parade.
THE MECHANICS DO THEMSELVES PROUD

The spirit of Washington still lives, and
like magic spell acts on the heart of every
true American; infuses it with warmth and
eommendable patriotism, and brings out
thousands of Americas brave sons to dc
honor to the father OF their country. Yes
terday's celebration was, indeed, worthy ol
the memory of the man who made America
free, and like grateful sons and daughters
the people of the two cities co-operated to
gracefully commemorate his good works.
An ideal day in every sense of the word; the
sun shone high and strong. and a cool, gen.
tie breeze stirred sea of flags and bunting,
and waited sweet, inspiring strains from
hundreds of great brass bands. The peo-
pie rose early and were soon upon the
street, lining every curb and corner with
their presence.
The different sections and divisions
marched up and down the thoroughtares
followed by admiring tnrongs, and the
grand Order OF United American Mechanics
was out in full force, determined and pre-
pared to fttingly do honor to the day.
Their plumeS of red, white and blue dotted
every point of view, and their sllken
banners portrayed the benevolent features
Of the great American hero.
ON THE NoRTHsIDE.
The first feature of the day was nicely
observed in the park at Allegheny. At
about 10 A. NJ. thousands o. people had as
sembled TO witness the imposing ceremonies
attending tie laying of the corner stone Of
the monument The delegation of the Allie
gheny Council, accompanied by the Monu-
ment Committee, consisting of about 80
men, formed in line at the City Hall, with
Mr.. A. Smith as Chairman. The
Marshal gave the order to march,
the G. A. r. Band struck
up stirring strain, the column moved up
toward the spot where the statue OF WASH
ington will yet stand, and the ceremonies Of
the day had commenced. Thousands of
people had already gathered at the spot in
anticipation of the coming event. There
was present also a delegation of the Jr. o.
q. A. NJ. from Germantown prepared to
greet the approaching column. On nearing
the stand the band struck up an inspiring
march, and a circle was formed around the
speakers platform amid admiring cheers.
Mr.. Smith, who acted as Chairman, an
nounced that the band would play the
grand old hymn America, and everybody
was invited to join in singing. This was
done with vigor, as a multitude Of voices
sweiled with reverence and pride.
A TRIBUTE TO WASHINGTON.
At the conclusion of this pleasing feature,
Rev. Mr.. Smith, of McKeesport, opened
with prayer and made a short speech. His
talk consisted of glowing tribute to Wash
ington. He dwelled upon the many good
traits: and noble deeds and qualities of
George Washington, and prayed that the
children of America would not forget the
man in whose sacred memery the monument
was to be erected. With deep respect and
evident appreciation the people lis
tened, drinking in every word of
honor spoken in the great mans
name. His words found a ready resting
place in every heart which swelled with
psrdonsble pride at the recouuting of
Washington's many noble works.
Following him came Hon. j. F. Cox with
q splendid oration. Every point of interest
in WashinRton's life was covered by the
gentleman. He spoke of the patriotism and
courage of the people, and compiimented
highly the work of the different councils of
the Jr. o. Q. A. M, and said that the
example they had set to the country at
large should be emulated everywhere His
address was well received and brought out
deserving applause and cheers
When the speaker had concluded the
people once more Joined in singing "Hail
Columbia, ard Mr.. W. R. Stroh, National
Council, then laid the cornerstone with ap-
propriate ceremonies.
During the interval between the laying of
the corner stone and the parade the mem
bers of some of the different companies
busted themselves visiting points of inter-
est, while others paraded the streets to the
tunes of martial music.
THE BIG PARADE.
The principal event of the dav, and the
one which was very pleasing to the people.
was the parade. Never before did such a
fine body of men in graceful march turn
out in homage to the great chief, and in
honor of American institutions and freedom.
The streets grew black with people; every
alley and sidewalk was crowded to ex-
tremes. Windows and housetops afforded
magnificent chance to view the passing
show.
Sweethearts gathered here and there to
watch with joyful eye each patriotic beau as
he passed by in bright array. Wives and
children were also out in force to catch
glimpse of the grand parade. At about 215
P. N. the first division moved along. Bands
played, flags, streamers and bunting waved.
cheers vibrated through the air, and every
one grew warm and happy. The suns rays
were reflected from the silken stars and
dazzling in its splendor. The sweet strains
of national music touched a responsive
chord in every breast, and all felt happy as
citizens Of the grandest Republic in the
world.
EIGHT THOUSAND IN LINZ.
The procession occupied about one hour
and ten minutes in passing, and there were
about 6, 900 men in line. The line of march
ac fol al Al
bridge TO East Carson street, along East Car
son TO South Tenth street, along South Tenth
to Sarah street, along Sarah street to South
TWenty'elghth street, along Twenty-eighth
street 70 East Carson street, along East Car
son street TO South Eleventh streer. along
South Eleventh street to Bingham street,
along Bingham street to South Tenth street
to the bridge, and was there dismissed.
Many Of the councils wore pretty uniforms
and carried handsome banners. The first
regiment looked very pretty in
cooked hat and red, white and blue
plumes. The Lincoln, Valley Force and
q number OF other councils had handsome
banners. The Washington Infantry with
their high fur pioneer hats, drew forth
many complimentary remarks, and the
whole body carried themselves in highly
creditable manner. Plymouth Council
composed Of about 20 men, marched eight
abreast with raised umbrellas of red, white
and blue,
SOME OF THE BANDS.
Among the bands that called forth the
praise of the onlOoker, was the famous Can
ton band, Of Canton, Ohio, the Altoona
band, the Electric band, Of McKeesport,
our own Great Western, Cathedral and
Grand Army bands. The drum corps, too,
played with unwonted vim, and one COM
posed of small boys about II years Of age,
made as much noise as any of them. There
Nrere 2H nnrrinces also that hrnn rht n n the