The Portland daily press., 1892-09-21
In GRAND REVIEW.
The Tramp Of a Mighty Army on
Pennsylvania Avenue.
HOW THE VETERANS TURNED OUT
AGAIN AT WASHINGTON.

|
| Have Those of the Closing Days of the
| Great Contlict-An Washington and
Three Hundred Thousand Visitors
Saw the Veterans March Blythe
Grand Army's Red Letter Day.
WASHINGTON, September 20.--
Through dense lanes Of thousands of
| people who lined the pavements and
side streets, past buildings whose lavish
display of futtering banners, flags and
streamers attested the cordiality of the
welcome of their owners, cheered on by
the fresh voices of hundreds of school
children singing patriotic airs, the Grand
Army of the Republic, many thousand
strong, today marched up Pennsylvania
| avenue, along whose rough cobblestones
as members of the greatest of modern
armies they had marched 27 years ago,
tired, dusty, travel-stained, war-worn,
but with free exultation and pride born
of the knowledge of their deeds and ac-
complishments. They were still proud
| that they had been members of that
army, but in the years which had
thinned their ranks, the fierce war spirit
had died away and left little behind but
feeling of joy and good will to all
men.
Alonging to once more march up the
old avenue had long been felt by the
veterans, and when the invitation had
been extended to them to make their
next annual encampment in Washington
it found a ready response in the hearts
of the old soldiers, and they resolved
that they would make it the
Greatest Reunion of Them All.
Many an old soldier who had never felt
able to attend other reunions had said
that come what might, he must see the
old comrades once more before the last
call sounded.
The whole city joined with them and
united to make the scene such a one as
even this city, accustomed to the great
inaugural parades, had not witnessed in
peace times. The entire line of march
was decorated with banners, bunting,
corps insignia and flags, until each side
of the long stretch between the Capitol
and the Treasury Department was as
picturesque and gay as the decorators
skill could make it.
The weather was perfect at the begin
ning-ene of those rich autumnal days
for which Washington is famous. There
was a haze in the air in the morning that
softened the effect of the sunlight on the
brightly decorated buildings and brought
the contrasting colors almost into har2
mony. As the day grew older and the
dissipated the mists and the city stood
revealed in all of it's refulgent beauty.
And as nearly as an autumn day can
resemble spring day, with the same
constitutions of wind and weather, did
this morning resemble that memorable
23d of May, 1866, when the battle-stained
veterans of the Army of the United
States began their march along Penn
sylvania avenue to be reviewed for the
last time by the great
Commanders who Are Now No More.
But the weather goddess was tickle, and,
as the hour fixed for the starting of the
procession drew nigh, the east wind be-
gan to blow, bringing a raw chill to those
persons who stood in exposed places.
The sky began to fill with light drab
clouds, and soon the day was gray and
gloomy.
Two days had been required in 1865,
when the grand review took place. Only
one day was needed now for all who
could get here and stand the fatigue
Tomorrow, however, the sons of those
who came back from the wars will take
the place of those whom time has taken
away.
.Nine-thirty o'clock is an early hour for
Washington parade, but the process
ion had been set for that hour, and long
before then the streets were lined with
people who came early to get choice
places against the big wire cable, which
had been stretched along the curb of the
avenue for the entire length of the pro-
cession, the streets being kept absolutely
clear. The veterans formed in line at
their respective headquarters and
marched chiefly by side streets to the
place of formation, headed by bands,
whose continuous playing was refresh
ing to the paraders and spectators alike.
Illinois had the place of honor in the
parade, being next to headquarters.
Twenty-three posts comprised'the de-
partment. Wisconsin occupied the
second division in the parade, and was
headed by Department Commander
Colonel G. B. Welton, G. w. Sutherland
carrying "Old Abe" the famous war
eagle that was carried through the whole
war by the Sth Wisconsin regiment
Pennsylvania department., which fol-
lowed, was the largest in the line of the
procession, and according to the figures
of the Adiutant GrneraI 10, 102 old SOL
diers announced their intention to follow
the headquarters flag to the end of the
march.
Mex. came the department of Ohio,
headed by Gen. I. F. Mack of Sandusky,
George H. Thomas Post No. IL of Gin
cinnati, 400 men, acting as escort. The
most conspicuous in the column was
Ex-President Hayes,
who marched with the men. Ohio had
large representation, having 1876 posts in
line.
The department of the Empire State
was accorded an ovation throughout
their long line. In the ranks were Slo-
cnm, Reynolds, Sickles, and
many distinguished men. The column
was headed by Department Commander
Theo. l.. Poole. The department paraded
in ten brigades.
Connecticut followed New York. At
the head of the column was Department
Commander Il. E. Smith. There were
Is posts in this department, aggregatihg
M