Morris tribune., 1892-09-21
VETERANS IN CAMP
GRAND ARMY MEN CAPTURE THE
NATIONAL CAPITAL.
VOL. XVII, NO. 40.

INA lOINAL ~SAHl Al.
The Dedication of Grand Army Place the
Feature OF the First Days Programme.
Four Candidates Already in the Race
for the Position of Chief.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19.-Grand Army
week opened fair and cool with every
apparent indication of continuance of
good weather during the exercises and
celebrations in connection with the ma
tional encampmaht. All through the
night the streets We're alive with march
ing men, q. A. R. posts and their
friends on their way from railroad sta
tions TO quarters. Distinguished visit
ors were abundant, ex-President Hayes,
Major Generals Howard, Miles and
Brooks and General B. F. Butler are
prominent among them.
The feature Of the day, full of events
as it was, was the inauguration and
dedication cf Grand Army Place, as it is
called, which is known as the White
Lot, just south of the grounds of the
executive mansion. 1t is one magnifi-
cent lawn comprising many acres of
ground, covered with well kept green
sod and unbroken by single tree or
bush. In the center of the field repre-
senting Richmond, the capital of the
confederacy, is commodious grand
stand. Surrounding it are myriad tents
set apart for and representative Of the
position of the various army corps that
wound up the war.
Preceded by Parade.
The Inauguration of Grand Army
Place was preceded by parade Of con-
siderable proportions. The procession
consisted of five brigades, commanded
by General Eugene Carrusa, as follows:
Troop of the regular army, naval bat
teries and marine, district national
guard, posts of the department of the
Potomac G.. A. R. and Sons of Veterans.
The procession started at 10 o'clock from
Second street west of the capitol and
proceeded up Pennsylvania avenue to
bld1U III llOuU VI UijS y, "uClS IL
was reviewed by Vice President Morton.
At 12 o'clock an artillery salute from
the guns ozl the fac simile of the Kear-
sarge, in the rear of the stand, sounded
and few minutes later Vice President
Morton was ushered to his place On the
stand. Commander-in-chiefP Palmer was
a moment later shown to his seat. At
1910 o'clock a bugler sounded the as
sembly and Commander McElroy called
those present to order. The Rev. D.
Payne, Of Florida, chaplain-in-chief of
the G. A. R.. offered prayer. He made
special plea for the restoration to
health of Mrs. Harrison. Commissioner
John W. Douglass. of the District of Co.
lumbia, was introduced. AS a munich
pal officer he assented with pride and
pleasure on behalf of the district to the
change of the name of White lot to
Grand Army Place.
Palner's Address.
Another air by the Marine band fol-
lowed, and Commander-in-Ch Chief Palmer
made the Introductory address. AS he
rose on the platform the old soldiers gave
him most afectionate greeting. He
spoke as follows:
CoMRADEs-For the first time since the
close of the great civil conflict you will
have an opportunity Of meeting your COM
rades in arms in headquarters provided
for each of the great army corps that
existed during the war. 1t would GER
tainly be invidious of ma to single out or
attempt to mention any particular corps
liant ca,-1rioa lnnxu haf
human nature on the average is about
alike. And I can appreciate how every
soldier took delight in speaking with
pride Of the service rendered by the corps
in which he served. and no one will object
if when you get together the recollections
of past dangers tempt you to be enthusi-
astic. have often heard the boys say
"My corps won the fight in some particu-
lar contest, but you must bear in mind
that q large number of the "boys" who
were ON the other side will mingle with
you during your visit in Washington, aud
it's very likely that they will have some
recollection of what occurred from 1861 to
'65. Whatever differences of opinion we
may have as to the gallantry of the sew
eral corps, there is one point upon which
we all agree, that whether it was the COM
rGde who were the star or the eagle,
whether it was he who wore the insignia
of a non-com nIissioned officer Or the COM
mon soldier who carried the musket in
the ranks, each was loyal to the common
cause for which he served, and each tried
to do lis full duty rs he SAW it, Ths
same can be said FOR each corps and its
gallant commander. Each had it's full
share in the contest and each shared the
glorious achievements in the Union army
The thought that SO many of our gallant
leaders cannot be with US today fills our
hearts with many sad reflections They
would respond cheerfulIy at the call of
friendship as they did in 1861 to the call of
duty.
Today you will meet and look into the
faces Of comrades you have not seen for
years. You will take each other by the
hands and recall the scenes and incidents
through which you have passed and re-
peat the story Of how the battle was won.
l congratulate for you the committee
who have had this grand work in charge.
know you will all enjoy and appreciate
the results of the labor they have so gen
erously given for your pleasure You
will once more meet and touch elbow
again with the comrades who helped to
add to the fame of your respective corps
And now, comrades, | know you will
share my feelings of profound regret over
the circumstances which caused the alb
sence O. one whom You would all have
been delighted to see and hear, and who
had anticipated joining you in all the fes-
tivities of the week, comrade whose gal
: liant services to the nation in She hour of
peril have been supplemented by his wise
and patriotic management of the affairs
OF this great repoblic in time of peace
Benjamin Harrison.
l now take great pleasure in introddc-
ing Hon. Levi P. Morton, vice president
of the United States
A Message from the President
Before introducing the vice president,
General Palmer read telegram from
President Harrison, from Loon Lake, in
answer to one seat by him to the presi.