Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-01-20
THE DAY IN PETERSBURG.
A Grand OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES and Ad-
dress by the Mayor.
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Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.l
PETERSBURG. January 10, 1891.
Petersburg honored itself to-day in the
splendid tribute which il paid to the me-
mory of General Robert Z. Lee. There
was q great outpouring of the people, and
flags and bunting were displayed in every
quarter of the city. Private residences as
well as the stores in the business section
were elaborately decorated. There was o
general suspension of business in the after
noon, and the streets were crowded with
our own citizens as well as hundreds of
visitors from the adjoining counties.
Many pictures of General Lee were hung
in front of stores and residences, and the
greatest enthusiasm was manifested. Con-
federate, State, and national colors were
seen ON every side, and one of the features
of the observance was the great number of
ladies who participated.
THE PARADE.
The column was formed on Bollingbrook
street, facing south, with the right resting
between Second and Third streets. Ex-
Governor William L. Cameron was the
chief marshal and he was assisted by a
number of deputies. In the line of parade
were Mexican veterans bearing with them
the flag which they carried to Mexico. the
Petersburg Grays, the Petersburg Artillery,
the Prince George Cavalry, A. p. Hill
Camp, Confederate States Veterans. the
police CORPS. veteransno members of A.P.
Hill Camp. the fire department, public
school pupils, and many others who took
part in the parade in order to testify their
respect for the man and the day, including
the three councils of the Junior Order of
American Mechanics. There were two
bands in line-one the Grays' and the
other the band of the Normal School, CON-
posed entirely of colored students. The
procession moved through the principal
streets of the city and was brought TO q
stand at the Academy Of Music, where an
interesting programme had been arranged.
Senator Daniel was unable to be present,
however, as intimated in Sundays Dis
patch, and Hon. G. p. w. Breckenridge, of
Kentucky, telegraphed that reasons of
State prevented him from coming.
DANIEL APPLAuDED.
So, after prayer by Rev. DR.. Gibson and
a short address by Mayor Collier the audi
ence was dismissed. The Academy was
crowded from PIT to dome. and the stage
presented most picturesque appearance.
When Mayor Collier. explaining the cause
of Senator Daniels absence, eloquently
referring to him as battling bravely now
for the liberties of Virginia as he had bat
tied in the past, a great cheer went up
from thousand throats, and subsequent
ly the Senator's name was applauded to
the echo. Mayor Collier made an excel
lent impromptu speech, and more than
once when he alluded to the force bill the
audience applauded his sentiments and re-
echoed his spirited condemnation of that
melu e.
Thousands of people were unable to get
inside of the doors of the Academy.
GENERAL LEES HEADQUARTERS.
Among the handsomest and most PIC
turesque decorations were those at the
residence of the late William II. Beasley.
on High street. The house Is located In
very spacious grounds and on the sward
in front was miniature camp. three tents
in all, and pacing up and down in the
camp was Captain John L. Parham, Con-
federate veteran. wearing the identical
uniform with which he wss clothed when
he was soldier in the Army of Northern
Virginia. Here also were to be seen many
mementoes of the great struggle, one of
the most interesting of which was
an earthen-ware pitcher which had been
used by General Lee. The Beasley Mansion
was General Lees headquarters du-
ring his operations around this city, and
therefore 1t is of considerable historical
Importance. II was very beautifully and
huotctahy 0CSOitlcds 1Ho lWtiiLn Itkt-
ment flag. which was borne by that com
mand at the battle of Seven Pines, foated
over the miniature encampment, and an
other object of more than usual interest
was the silk flag that was presented to the
Petersburg City Guard by the ladies of
Petersburg thirty years ago, and which
for ten years after the close Of the war had
lain buried beneath the earth TO preserve
it from hostile hands. The camp" was
photographed.
MEXICAN VETERANS.
The day passed of without any untoward
incident TO mar the ceremonies. The only
disappointment experienced was the fail
ure OF the distinguished orators TO be
present.
Twelve of the old Mexican war veterans,
occupying carriages. were in the process
sion. and were assigned seats Of honor on
the stage at the Academy. Tho ladies' OF
the Memorial Association were alao in car
riages In the column and sat upon the
stage. Bonu ApAn.