Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-03-16
BY GEORGES ORDERS.
Washington Commanded His Army
to Observe st. Patrick's Day
DURING THE GLOOMY DAYS OF 1880.
all the Arrangements for the Parades
Tomorrow Completed.
TWO PLATOONS OF COPPERs TO LEAD

ALI the arrangements for the two big
parades tomorrow, st. Patrlck's Day, have
been made. The various societies interested
have held numerous meetings during the
week, and the costumers have done rush
ing business in cockades ornamented with
the green feather. In fact the city will be
given up to the wearers of the green. Chief
Brown last evening gave orders for two
platoons of mounted policemen to lead
the parade under the command of
Captain Dan Silvis. There was
some doubt as to whether or no
the horses for the officers could be
secured, but it was finally arranged by the
fire and police departments furnishing eight
apiece. Both parades promise to be large,
and number of visitors from neighboring
towns are expected. The railroads are offer
ing reduced rates, and the indications are
that the day will be cold, possibly clear,
something that seldom occurs on st. Pat
rick birthday.
MANY STRANGERS EXPECTED.
John Lane, Travelling Passenger Agent of
the B. Sc o., located at Wheeling, was in
are that there Will be good turnout from
and Washington. The road has made a
half rate for the day for all points within
radius of IS miles of the city.
Division Passenger Agent E. D. Smith
said yesterday that according to the reports
of agents along the line there will be large
crowds present from Uniontown, Connells-
vile, Mt. Pleasant and other hourishing
towns in the coke country.
The observance of ST. Patrick's Day is be-
coming more general every year. A Dis
PATCH reporter was surprised to learn,
through the kindness of Hugh O'Donnell,
of Homestead, that the immortal Washing
ton had ordered his army during the revolu-
tion to respect the day.
THE GENERALS ORDERS.
Mr.. O'Donnell has secured extracts from
the orders issued by the American patriot,
and they are quite characteristic. The gen.
erals instructions to the army on the occa-
sion are here given:
HEADQUARTERS March 16, 1880.
The General congratulates on the very inter-
esting proceedings of the Parliament OF Ire
land, and of the inhabitants of the country,
which have been lately communicated. Not
only do they appear calculated to remove the
heavy and tyrannical expressions on their
trade but to iestore to a brave and generous
people their ancient rights and privileges, and
in their operation to promote the cause of
America. DESTROYS of impressing in the minds
of the army, transactions so important in their
nature, the General directs that all fatigue and
working parties cease for tomorrow the 18th
day. held in particular regard by the people of
that nation.
At the same time that he orders this. as a
mark of pleasure he feels in the situation, he
persuades himself that the celebration of the
day will not be attended by the least rioting or
disorder. The officers to be at their quarters in
camp and the troops of each State are to be In
their own encampment.
Division Orders, March II, 1850.
The commanding officer desires that the cele-
bration of the day should not pass by without a
little rum issued TO the troops, and has thought
proper to direct the Commissary to send for the
hogshead, which The Colonel has purchased,
already in the vicinity of the camp. While the
troops are celebrating the bravery of st. Pat
rick in innocent ninth and pastimes. he hopes
they will not forger their worthy friends in the
Kingdom of Ireflnd, who. with the greatest
unanimity, have Stepped in opposition to the
tyrant, Great Britain and who, like us, are de-
termined to die 10 be free. The troops will
conduct themselves with the greatest sobriety
and good order.
IN HISTORIC TIMES.
The reference which Washington makes
to the "heavy and tyrannical expressions of
their trade" occurred short time before the
famous Irish struggle for independence in
1882 commenced. Previous to this the Irish
Parliament had refused to send troops "to
cut their brothers throats in America" and
the Tory resolution was round1y denounced
by the Irish members.
The order I'd observe st. Patrick's Day
was issued while the American army was
located at Nofristown. New Jersey. Wash
ington had m any Irishmen among his troops,
and he valued their worth and valor highly.
In 1776 also he ordered that the day be cele-
Irated with ssall dine rpsnect and 6ecornu, -