The National tribune., 1892-09-29
THE NATIONAL ESCAMPMENT.

IHE ENCAMPMENIs
The 26th National Encampment is now a
matter of history, and very pleasant history.
Without disparagemenS to other cities and
National Encampments, it is yet beyond all
question that it was by far the greatest En-
campment ever held, and its entertainment
surpassed that of any other city. Wash
ington covered herself with glory as civic
entertainer, and the veteran visitors return
from her hospitable gates with feelings of
overdowing pleasure and wonder. They
were delighted with what was done for
them, and surprised at the wonderful things
they saw. Everything was as perfect as it
could be- and very much was great deal
better than they could have expected. The
people of Washington were equally sur
prised and delighted with them. The
ISLANDERS of the soldier-hating papers OF
New York and the South, which are largely
read in Washington, had led many of the
people of Washington to imagine that the
Grand Army of the Republic was mainly
rabble Of paupers and pension grabbers,
moneyless, disorderly and ravenous. In
stead, they saw an assemblage OF over
$4,000 of as respectable, well-behaved
gentlemen and ladies as there are in
the whole country. Though the streets,
cars and hotels were crowded the throngs
wers invariably quiet, good-humored, and
wonderfully civil to each other and every
body. The police say they never saw
more orderly assemblage. A church con-
vention could not have behaved better.
There were absolutely no arrests, except of
the crooks who came to the city to g. work
the crowd" The appearance and conduct of
the men and women have worked wonder
full change in the public sentiment of Wash
ington toward the Grand Army Of the Re-
public The visitors spent their money
freely, and Washington is several million
dollars richer than it was before the Ma
tional Encampment, consequently every
body is satisfied and happy.
The great feature of the occasion was, of
course, the parade. This was by far the
largest and finest In the whole history of
the Grand Army of the Republic. Esti-
mates of the numbers in it range from
10000 to $1,000 men. 1t was certainly not
less than the first figure, and it was hardly
up to the latter. In all probability the
number was between $4,000 and 10000 1t
was sight forever to be remembered by all
who were so fortunate as to see it, and was
well worth coming to Washington to wit
ness.
The ceremonies On Monday, Sept. 10, of
dedcating the White Lot as "Grand Army
Place" were specially impressive. A mag
nifcent parade Of the Regular troops,
sailors, and marines District of Columbia
National Guard, Department of the Potomac
of Veterans marched up Pennsylvania
avenue, and were reviewed by the Vice
President, the Commander-in-Chief of the
GAR and the Union Veteran Union, after
which the column marched on to the
grounds, which were then solemnly dedi-
Gated by the Vice President of the United
States and the Commander-in-C Chief Of the
Grand Army of the Republic, assisted by
the Chaplain-inC Chief AT the conclusion
the Star Spangled Banner was raised and
saluted by the battery with one gun for
each State. In the days that followed there
were innumerable Reunions by squads,
regiments, brigades, divisions corps, and
armies Thousands of old comrades came
together who had not seen each other since
the war; and countless numbers of these
would never meet again. It was a wonder
fully enjoyable time, the like of which had
never before been known at any National
Encampment.
The illuminations were on scale of un-
precedented magnifcence. The grounds on
the north front of the White House looked
like scene from the Arabian Nights, and
Pennsylvania avenue was brilliant with
corps and other badges and the names of
great battles and leading Generals wrought
out in colored incandescent lights.
The various entertainments to the visitors
were lavish and gotten up with the greatest
taste and elegance.
The work of the National Encampment
will meet with general approval. The cleo
ton of Comrade, A. q. Weissert as Com
mander-in- Chief gives universal satisfac-
ton. He is brainy, jealous comrade, who
has the ability and the will to work most
successfully for the promotion of the highest
good of the Order, and we predict that at the
close of his Administration he will be able to
make most satisfactory showing of great
results obtained in building up and strength
ening the splendid organization to which all
our hearts are devoted.
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