Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-09-22


WASHINGTON, Sept. 20.-'rhe greatest
parade in the history Of the Grand Army
Of the Republic and the greatest parade
that organization can ever hope 10 have
took place to-day. Never have there
been so many men in line anywhere in
this country since the civil war, and
never have there been SO many people
in Washington upon any occasion. A
careful estimate Of the number of men
who marched in review past ,Vice-presi.
dent Morton and COMMUNICATIVE
Palmer places the total at $4,000, and
the passenger agents of the railways
estimate the number of strangers in the
city at 100000.
Pennsylvania was the banner state in
numbers taking up the whole of the
avenue Mt one time. There was prob
ably 10000 of them, and it took an hour
and half for them to pass by ono point.
Many of them were young looking.
Their immense collection of SCARED
and tattered battle-flags and their
numerous bands were noteworthy. They
had enough worn battle.tlags and ban
ners TO decorate every armory in the
state, and enough music to stir every
hamlet from the picturesque Wissa-
hickon to the rapid flowing waters of
the Monongahela.
"Owl" Post Of Reading had yellow
eyed bird at the head of its column, and
marched in good style, each man carry
ing corps guidon. Wyoming Band of
Philadelphia headed one of the noted
Philadelphia posts, carrying 200 musket.
armed men and dozen battle flags,
some of which were SO frayed that
mosquito netting had been wound
about them 10 keep the silken tatters
around the flagstaff.
The first colored company then ap-
pearea. Other colored troops were seen
later and came along at odd intervals.
Worn old men, with the whitest of
wool and the broadcast OF grins, hobbled
along. Scranton posts were distinguish
able by a huge miners lamp carried
ahead of them and miniature ones worn
in their hats. Erie posts were un-
nistakable, as they carried white UNI
brellas conspicuously marked. Alto
gether, the Pennsylvanians marched
well and displayed lively interest in
everything.
0hio's marchers were distinctive in
every way. In their ranks, stepping
| brisk!y, was an ex-President, Ruther-
ford b. Hayes. His hat was in his hand
most of the time, waving courteous
response to the greetings he received.
| The Ohio men were not as neatly attired
as men from some of the other states.
| Many in their lines had no uniforms at
all. They did not bring many bands
with them. A slaughter of the Regi-
ment" walked in the front line Of the
Ohioans This young Buckeye girl was
| bright, and was well worth looking at
twice, in her dark blue frock, trimmed
with gold lace. She walked erect, and
carried sword and canteen. The drum
corps of George Ii. Thomas Post, with
two Lilliputians leading them, were
striking looking and performed military
marching mannuyres deity and pre-
cisely. The survivors of the old 99th
had the honor of bringing up the rear
guard of the Ohio posts, which took As
minutes to pass. There were nearly
| 5000 of their number in line.
The New York posts followed close
on the Ohio veterans, and in one of two
carriages at their head rode Generals
Sickles, Slocum and Rosecrans. The
New York city and Brooklyn posts led
the detachment, and no finer looking
body of men have been seen here in any
procession. They were notably well
dressed, carried themselves finely and
their uniforms were set off frequently
by white helmets. Their bands were
numerous, highly skilled and of large
size.
The first Massachusetts, division
evoked applause for their splendid ap.
pearance and the military cadence Of
their step and company lines. Like the
New Workers, their ranks were compact
and steady The Census Cadet Band
in attractive uniform, came in for q
large share of attention, particularly
from the children on the treasury stand
who sang new song TO "I'he Boys in
Blue" as they came opposite them
Carriers Band, in gala array, preceded o
Bunker Hill contingent carrying high in
tile air miniature representation Of
Bunker Hill monument.
The greatest interest was manifested
when post from Lowell came along
and right behind 1t the familiar form Of
General b. F. Butler, resting easily in q
commodious open carriage, with his
head barred, bowling right and left to the
| thronp- which gave him a Tremendous