Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-30


ing they toiled necessarily, until every soldier
whose patriotic bones are covered by the WELL
kept sod had his mortal abode marked by flag
and bouquet. In few instances
especial homage was paid to the memory
of those who were the more celebrated
or to those near and dear. The tomb of
the unknown dead. ;" the grave of Sheridan and
the narrow beds in which lie the remains of Mrs.
Jeanette Van Deusen and Mrs. Isabel Urell
were remembered by hundreds of those who
were admirers and associates in the days not SO
long past.
Over the graves of Mrs. Van Deusen and Mrs.
Urell, the ladies of Potomac Corps, Women's
Relief Corps, conducted special memorial serv-
ices, but before the ceremonies they completely
covered the turf with the most beautiful and
fragrant Of RESPONSIBILITIES Of true affec-
ton.
The ladies who engaged so harmoniously in
the work Of general decoration were drawn
from numerous sources. Some we're members
of Potomac Corps, others came from the
various post corps, not few were members of
the ladies' auxiliaries of the Sons of Veterans
Phil Kearney and John A. Logan Camps being
most energetically represented-others were
delegated by the commands of the Union Vet
Grams Union. All were anxious to help in every
possible way and every one appeared to be sat
lsted with that which had been accomplished.
SCENES ALONG THE ROAD.
the signal for the bringing out of every antique
horse and prehistoric vehicle in the District and
the adjacent portion of Virginia Hundreds of
wrecks strewed the highway from theTreasuryDe-
partmentto Arlington, yet by the exercise of some
marvellous but unexplicable power managed to
reach the destination planned by their re-
spective proprietors. Progress was painfully
slow with these MANNED, halt and sightless
equines, for IN most instances the loads were
overheavy, but the persistent application of loose
fragments Of leather and the use Of emphatic
but improper language eked out the feeble
vitality of the horses and held together frac-
tured axles, rheumatic wheels and dislocated
wagon bodies. Many Of these vehicles were
decorated with faded fragments Of the national
colors and large proportion Of the
occupants carried in their hands homemade
bouquets of wild flowers. These unassuming
offerings were later laid on the graves of people
whom the donors probably never knew. One
800 pounds. waddled up to the tomb Of the
unknown dead" and dropped at its base big
she did 30: "Mebbe my baby's in dere;
de good Lawd only knows" And she cried
just as though she felt sure that beneath the big
his chains to fight for liberty and the Union.
NONE WERE FORGOTTEN.
No one was forgotten at Arlington today.
Every grave was decorated and the perfume Of
roses filed the dir. The deeds of the brave
were recounted again and again and many tear
was dropped by brave comrades ON the little
pile of earth that marked the resting spot Of
those who fell fighting for the flag or who lived
to see it honored and then laid down life's bur-
den.
Many were the sad scenes enacted through
the grounds. Widows, sisters, children and
friends hunted out their hallowed dead and sat
mO0ndq nd
tiful flowers over the graves.
One Of the most touching scenes happened at
the grave Of Capt. Charles Parker of troop X,
ninth cavalry, now stationed at Fort Meyer.
Early in the morning five big stalwart colored
troopers bearing simple wreaths Of wild
flowers, which they had gathered them
selves, surrounded the tomb and with
the tenderness of women decorated the grave
of him who had been kind, considerate and
conscientious commander. Tears came to their
thought of him who had been their commander
and friend.
sHERIDAN's TOMB.
Sheridan's tomb was perfect bower Of roses
worked in handsome and appropriate designs.
The massive granite shaft was surrounded with
choice floral pieces and surmounted with
huge wreath Of jacqueminot roses,
gift from President Harrison. On the
grave, which could scarcely be seen for
the roses that covered il, was large corps badge
from Sheridan Post, No. H. G. A. R., worked In
immortelles. On the right was a large flag of
the Loyal Legion worked in immortelles in the
national colors, while handsome cavalry sad
die Of roses and immortelles completed the set
pieces.
ADMIRAL poRrER's GRAVE.
Admiral Porter's grave was artistically deco
rated. A large cross and crown made of white
carnations and roses occupied position at tho
head, while an anchor made of white immor-
telles rested amid bed Of roses at the foot
The granite posts surrounding the grave we're
hidden by the stars and stripes, while four
Union jacks foated from each corner. The
feature OF the decoration a large battle
ship OF immortelles full rugged and bearing
upon its sides the words, potomac Association
Of Naval Veterans. A Tribute to Our Ship
mate
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN.
The ladies Of Potomac Corps decorated the
tomb to the unknown dead and when their task
was completed it looked like bit Of fairy land.
The top Of the tomb was COW
corner hung handsome wreath, while from
the center flag was suspended made Of colored
immortelles. 1t was the gift Of the President
to the 2,1l1 unknown dead. Old veterans did
sentry duty about the tomb after the decora-
tions had been completed.
The decorations were in charge of the follow
ing committee from the Woman's Relief Corps,
Department OF the Potomac, G. A. R.:
Mesdames Ida V. Hendricks, chairman; Sarah
J. Neale, Julia W. Mason, Georgia G. Balm,
Sarah II. Jacobson, Susie McCabe and Garrison.
The graves Of Mrs. Isabel Uren, wife of the
past department commander Of the Department
Of the Potomac, G. A. r., and Mrs. Van Dusen
were both bed Of roses. Their sister members
of the wOmen's Relief Corps placed their corps
emblem in immortelles upon each grave.
| Loving hands strewed flowers about the hand
| some marble shaft of Brig Gen. Joseph b.
Plummer, and the spot which marks the resting
place of Maj. Samuel Perry Lee was covered
| with wild honeysuckle. The grave of Capt.
| Charles Stuart Heintzelman was covered with
| lilies.
| The tomb Of Brigadier General Jedediah
| Hyde Baxter was covered with southern mag
nolias, while large flag fell in graceful folda
| about the monument
| GEN. BELKxAP's RKsrINa PLACE.
Consid cradle taste was employed in decorst-
ing the grave Of Gen. W. R. Belknap. At the
head Of the grave large vase held handsome
bunch Of cut flowers, while roses entwined with
| the national colors were placed all over the
mound. At the foot wreath Of white china
roses occupied . prominent position. Il was
the gift Of the dxteeuth Iowa Of Crocker'l
| bripade.
The big ante column which maxn the rest.
ing place Il Brig. Gen Gsbr,el B. Paul wal