Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-04-09
VETS ON PARADE.
Big Day at the G. A. r. Silver
Anniversary.
FIVE THOUSAND VETERANS IN LINE

Decatur Packed with People to See the
Observation-Disclosures Fall of Oniookers
and Much Enthusiasm-AH the State
Officers in the Columa-The Air Vocal
with Patriotic Music aud the City
brilliant in Its Dress of Red, White
and Blue.
DECATUR, Ills, April q-WedEesday
was the biggest day in the history of De-
catur. Fifteen thousand strangers came
here to witness the great G.. A r. pa
rade, and no one was disappointed. The
weather was bright and pleasant, and
there was nothing to mar the pleasures
OF the day. The parade was composed Of
500 veterans in carriages, on horseback
and on foot. The people who witnessed
the pageant could not find room on the
walks. They flooded the streets, and had
to be fought back by the police while the
procession was passing. Unbounded en-
.husiasm pervaded the city.
Ninety Bands of Music.
The elaborate decorations were cheered
again and again by the veterans, and the
air was filed with patriotic music from
ninety bands. The parade began at
o'clock, headed by Marshal G. r. Steele
and Goodman's band. Then came Dun
ham post as an escort 70 Gen. Neazy, who
followed in a carriage with Governor Fl
fer, Mai. Hays and the state officers. Gov
ernor Filters staff came next, and then
Gen. Distin and staff followed with the
department OF Illinois, OF which tie
George II. Thomas, OF Chicago, was CT IL
spicuous post, and was loudly cheered.
Most Imposing Spectacle.
Following these came the delegates, Wis
iting comrades. Sons of Veterans, etc.
All state officers were in the parade. It
was the most imposing spectacle ever wit
messed in central Illinois. Gen. Liebv,
| Sheriff Matson. Kirk Eastman and Gen.
Swayne marched proudly in the ranks.
| Governor Oglesby and other occupants of
carriages were cheered at every step. The
distinguished visitors who had headed the
column in carriages were on the stand
with Gen. Veazey when the line passed
in review before the reviewing stand al
the city park.
Met for the First Time in Years.
The veterans marched four abreast.
They did not keep step so well nor march
50 lively as they they did twenty-fiv
years ago; some OF the fellows who drank
from the same caateen touched elbows
for the first time since the war, and &c
martial music they kept pace AZ a lively
gait. Along the line OF march through
tue residence portion OF the city the house.
were gayly dec6cd with flags and bunt.
ing The march covered two miles, per
haps, and before it had been traversed
| some of the gray-haired boys had dropped
ftom the ranks.
Gen. Weary Takes His Leave.
| Gen. Weary departed last night for In
| diapOlis TO attend the encampment there
| and Governor Fifer and staff return K
| Springfield Dunham post have received
from Mrs. Lydia Tolind Mckee, of Cali
| fornia, a solid silver brick for the ma
tional memorial hall Her husband
was member Of the original post. The
| first business session of the W. R c
was held in the morning and Mrs. d. A
beaverton. Of Palestine, delivered her adj
| dress. few committees were appointed
and the meeting adjourned for the day
| The presidents address showed that dur
ing the seven years OF the order SIG OF,
| was expended.