Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1890-08-22
Tuesday.

For the first time In the history Of its ma
tional organization, the Grand Army OF the
Republic paraded the streets of Boston.
1t was an occasion worthy of that great Or
ganization of the defenders of the Union,
and of this proud and historic city. No elc-
ment was wanting to the completeness Of
the occasion. The weather was propltious,
the hospitsble city was clothed In gorgeous
raiment, the marching veterans were in high
spirits, an enthusiastic populace lined the
streets, and, to crown all, the head Of the
nation vouchsafed his presence on the
scene.
The 9th annual encampment OF the Grand
Army will he long remembered by those who
had the pleasure OF witnessing the magnf-
cent pageant, as well as by those who were
privileged to march IN the ranks. From
spectacular and artistic point Of view II was
probably the most successful parade in
which the Grand Army has participated.
The number Of men in line was larger than
1t Is likely will be brought together on any
subsequent occasion of this character. The
parade was pre-cminently successful in all
respects.
The clouds sheltered the veterans from the
rays of the sun, making 1t a delightful day
for marching.
The crowds began to assemble early in the
streets. Indeed, throughout the previous
night, the city resounded with the taps OF
martial drums and the tread Of marching
feet. 1t was after midnight when many OF
the western veterans arrived in town, In
consequence of the delays in transit, and
many weary fellow found difficulty IN
securing quarters In the small hours Of the
morning.
Those who were spectators Of the parade
we're about bright and early. On all the
streets running from those on the line Of
march, the available space from which a
sight of the procession might be had was
early taken. During the night vehicles of
every description were driven into these
places, and the owners made sure OF their
coigns vantage by remaining all night.
In the morning they did a thriving business
In selling reserved seats at proscenium box
prices to the public.
The parade was advertised to start at 10. 80
q. m, but 1t was an hour later before the
bead Of the column moved, When the pro.
went up from the crowds, The chief point
Of interest along the line of march was, of
curse, Copley square, where the reviewing
officers occupied the grand stand.
The President, Gen. Sherman, Secretaries
Noble, Rush and Tracy. Gov. Bracket, Gen.
Butler, Gen. Slckles and other prominent
men were on the stand. There was also a
great crowd of brilliantly dressed ladies', the
contrasting colors of whose costumes lent a
we're fixed upon Gen. Alger, the commander
in-chief. His face was familiar to the spec
tators from the pictures which have adorned
the illustrated press since the last presiden-
ual campaign.
It was an interesting study TO watch the
faces, build and bearing Of men from so
many different states. Without attempting
to draw any particular contrast between diff
ferent bodies Of men, II may be remarked as
noticeable fact, that the veterans from the
cities looked younger, sprucer, better pre-
served than those from the rural places.
After watching the procession for time, 1t
was quite an easy matter for an obseryant
spectator to tell whether q post was com.
posed OF city or country members before
reading the name on the banner. The farm
ers show the advance Of years more than
their urban brethren.
Almost every post had some distinguish
Ing characteristic, or bore something in its
ranks to attract public notice. The battle
flags of the Pennsylvania department was an
instance Of this. A remarkably great num-
Der of bullet-riddled banners were borne by
the veterans of the Keystone State They
were looked upon with reverence by the
spectators, and were invariably greeted with
cheers aud applause. Other departments, II
they bore emblems lees noteworthy, az a
rule took along something for the identifca-
ton or the amusement OF the crowd
1t Is estimated that there were about 30 900
men In line, and II took the procession about
SIX hours to pass given point When they
got In line and moved down through Copley
square the veterans put their best foot fore
most. They summoned up all the old mar
tial pomp and vigor in passing before the
President. There was little noise made In
going by the reviewing stand. When the
President arrived at the stand he was greeted
with great enthusiasm. The cheers were
loud and prolonged. Occasionally Gen.
sherman was reminded Of the warm spot he
DIS 10 the hearts Of the veterans
When there was wait iu the procession.