Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-05-31
WAS A GREAT DAY
The City Of Rochester Doubly
honored
Blythe PRESENCE OF NOTABLES
At the Unveiling Of the Beautiful Mon
ument in Washington Park.
The Days Proceedings.

ROCHESTER,, N. T., May S0.-May 80,
1892. will ever be memorable day in
the history of Rochester. Never before
has it been so crowded and never before
has it entertained 90 distinguished a
company. Public and private busi-
ness was Suspended and every
body TOOK . holiday; 1t is esti-
mated that fully 100000 people
took an active part in the various
demonstrations of the day. Of this
number nearly 0.o0O came from the
surrounding country. The president was
enthusiastically received everywhere
and was compelled to bow his acknowl.
edgments to almost continuous cheer
ing.
features of the day were the dedication
of the handsome monument in Washing
ton Square in honor Of the soldiers
and sailors of Monroe county who
died in defense of the Union and the
speeches of President Harrison and
Governor Flower.
"The City Of Flags" is = far more ap-
propriate name for Rochester 1t pres.
ent than the name of the "City of
Flowers" The buildings along the
principal streets are floating thousands
of flags and countless yards OF bunting.
Not satisfied with decorating their
houses with flags, the people every
where wore then ON their breasts and
placed them on vehicles of eli kinds,
including, of course, many bicycles.
An Immsnss Procession.
The cxercisea 1t the unvelllng of the
monument we're preceded by . review
ia which at least 5000 men and boys,
formed into organized bodies, par
ticipsted. The tirst division was made
up of tho veterans OF the civil war, as
comprised in the posts Of the Grand
Army of the Republic and other
veteran organizations. Following
these came 1000 German Ameri-
cans who were succeeded by
1000 children OF the public and
perochial schools. Next in the line was
another division of 1000 made up OF
various organizations. The president,
Governor Flower and the distinguished
visitors and local celebrities followed
the procession in carriages. The re-
viewing stand, which WAS IN front OF
the court house. was handsomely dec
oratdd, the presidents flag being
prominent above oil the bunting. This
hag. il is said. has never before been
used except on naval vessels; 30 it was
quite curiosity here. 1t shows the
naval coat of arms on blue field.
Exercises as the Park.
The exercises at Washington park be-
gan as soon as the various bod les reached
the positions assigned them. The ar
rangement of the crowd Was very
picturesque. Along the east border Of
the park was drawn up one crack conn.,
pany of the Naval Reserves, one of
the National Guard aud the knights
Templar. On the west eide was
stationed another company Of the Nat
ional guard and tho the naval reserve
and the Roman Catholic Uniformed
union. Directly facing the speakers
stand at the north end OF the park were
placed the Grand Army poets and vet-
eran organizations. On the other side
of the monument q camp of the Sons
of Veterans Was stationed. The chill
dren of the public schools occupied a
place in front of the SPEAKERS stand TO
the right. and the parochisl school cnIl-
dren . similar poeItlon to the left.
Gcversor Fiswer's speech.
The exercises we're OF the most impos-
ing character. They we're preluded by
music by The bands. The opening prayer
was msde by Rev. l.. +. Feote. pastor
OF the spencer Ripley Methodist church.
General Reynolds then made q short
Introductory address, at the closing of
which the beautiful statue wse unvelIed
by ave young women. each OF whom is
the daughter OF veteran belonging to
one OF the i've Grand Army posss in this
city. The oration was then delivered
nv President Hall of the Rochester
University and the poem read by
samuel ~. Lowe.
Governor Flowers spoke az follows.
~ feIgos -e,tixsns, the ceremonies which
you have just witnessed. and the words
of PATRIOTISM which have been spoken,
need no additional nttefanee OF mine
20 emphsaxs the solemntty And zgnl.
fieanee Of this occasion. The unvelline
sf tbs monument. attracting hithef as
a hes the pfesiseat Of the t'aitesi states
and msmcsrs ot ma cabinet snd a
great eoseouf<e OF estissns, 10 but one
manifestation of toe deep seated feel.
sng of etiigstlaa wheh cur eoaatfy
etsflsaes t8saFas the noels defenders
the unisa. No soldlefs ever fought
la . iustsr eaaze.