Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-09-24
Annual Encampment Of the Vet
Grams at Washington.
Preliminary Festivities and Dedication
of Grand Army Place-Speeches
by Commander Palmer and
Vice President Morton.
Grand Parade of the War Heroes Over
the streets They Trod In 1S65-Over
10000 Men In Line An Inn
mensc Throng Witness
the Spectacle.

y
Place, located on the famous white lot |
just south of the White House grounds
This place grew up under the inspira-
ton of the suggestion of Comrade John
McElroy, editor of the National Tribune,
that some central point should be pro-
vided and furnished where the old vet
Grams might meet their associates of
the war. The plaza surrounding the
flag tower where the dedicatory exer
cises were held was crowded to its ut
most capacity before noon-the hour
fixed upon for the event. After the
vice president and commander-in-ch
were escorted to their places on the
stand from the reviewing stand where
they saw the parade, the fifteen hum
dred seats on the platform were occu-
pied by prominent G. A. r. and w. r.
c. officers and government otficials-a
most distinguished gathering.
The assembly call on the bugle Sc
cured partial order and then Command
er-in-Chief Palmer made the introduc-
tory address, As he rose on the plat
form the old soldiers gave him n most
affectionate greeting.
Among other things Commander Pal
of our gallant leaders cannot be with
us to-day fills our hearts with many sad
reflections. They would respond cheer
fully at the call of friendship as they
did in 1861 to the call of duty. The
vacant places they have left in our
ranks are more suggestive than the
presence of the living, and if they are
not with us to-day it is because other
glories are reserved for them, while we
are left with others to enjoy the fruits
of their great labors." In conclusion he
said
And now, comrades, know you will
share my feelings of profound regret
over the circumstances which caused
the absence of one whom you would all
have been delighted to see and hear
who had anticipated joining you in all
the festivities of the week, n comrade
whose gallant services to the nation in
the hour of peril has been supplemented
by his wise and patriotic management
of the affairs of this great republic in
time of peace-comrade Benjamin Har
rison"
- now take pleasure in introducing
the Hon. Levi p Morton, vice president
of the United States" Before intro
ducing the vice president, Gen. Palmer
read a telegram from President Harri-
son. in answer to one sent by him to the
president, expressing his regret and
sympathy.
The reference to President Harrison
was the signal for enthusiastic cheering
which lasted some time. Vice Presi-
dent Morton was warmly received as he
rose He said:
Soldiers and Sailors Of the Grand Army OF the
Republic:
a sorrow that brings US all together calls me
10 take the place in these ceremonies of the
president, to whom You would inStinctively
turn as comrade, and as commander-in-chief
of the army and navy OF the United States.
The president has been lately standing ut the
gates OF the ma tion to challenge the entrance Of
an mplicable enemy that must be confronted
at the outposts While we need his high re-
solve and intexible will in defense of the people
from an insidious foe, now that he Is standing
at the bedside OF one dearer to him than life. we
may not forget what he owes to the tenderest
rcldtion.of humanity and chord OF afiectionate
sympathy reaches him from every hamlet and
home in the land
before NE the survivors of u generation of men
who have emblazoned the pages of history and
freedom for all times TO come: wi o have set the
example FOR republican France, for united Ger
manv and reconstructed Italy, and who have
broadened and deepened the foundations OF the
English constitution and OF Anglo-SaSon lib
erty. OF this great army Of liberty. whe ether
they have passed away or are still present Tor
duty, you are the honored representatives.
The president would speak to you as q com
rade. II is for me TO greet you in behalf of bus
mess Interests affecting the welfare of the
whole people in behalf of trade and commerce
of the husbandman and artisan, OF the employ
cr and the employed in behalf of all the mer
and women from every section who love the
union. bid YOU welcome in behalf of the pres
ident and his cabinet advisers; in behalf OF The
congress of the United States, and the national
judiciary, administering collectively the gov.
ernment you have secured and in behalf OF q
whole people made ilustrous by your heroism
and that of your adversaries, now your friends
greet you in behalf OF u stalwart north, and
n loyal south-of Il sun-illumined east and com
lnanding west, under the shadows of the capito
YOU have preserved in this beautiful city founded
by Washington and made sacred by the service.
and suiieringy of Lincoln and.n full view of Vir
ginla,, the birthplace of presidents, and th'
burial place OF heroes.
Your march to-day and tomorrow will recall
TO you. as IL will To us tho great review whel
Grant ranged himself by the side of the presi
dent of the United States when Meade saluteC
for the veterans Of the enst. and Shermap 70
those of the west and when the light that fel
upon the dome of the capital was flashed bacl
from the sword of Sheridan. There are bril-
lilnt Illustrations of your prowess. still LEADING
your ranks, or among them, and wish that
could summon them all; but the glories of th
battle names recall them with vivid person
nlity. In the order of time this may or may no
be your last review, but express the hope OF
grateful people thnt heaven viii bounteousl!
iengthen out your lives, before you are called Il
the other shore TO Join the ranks OF your com
pnnionS
And now, my countrymen, / dedicate thi
"Graud Army Place and the commemorative
memorials which it is believed will hereafter b.
erected upon u to the everlasting glores OF tin
GrOnd Army OF the Republic.
God bless you all, and those who to-day unit
with YOU in strengthening the union OF the grea
republic
The flag on the staff $50 feet overhead
was then unfurled and saluted by
park of artillery With the ''Star Span
gled Banner by the Marine band th,
dedication of Grand Army Place wa
complete Brief informal speeches wer
made by Secretary Noble, Attorne,
General Miller, Acting Secretary of Wa
Grant and others, and the assembling
dispersed.
WASHINGTON, Sept s1.-The Gran,
Army of the Republic made its secon'
triumphant march along Pennsylvani
avenue yesterday. Times ravages il
its ranks made it possible to attempt il
one day what it required two long day
I'll T.. n. q