Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-09-23
WASHINGTON LETTER.

local posi- of the g. A. X. marches past,
the band playing and banners waving.
The Goth National EncamPment is a sue
cess of colossal proportions, 10th in point
of attendance, which far exceeds that of
any previous encampment and which will
probably meyer be so great at any similar
event in the future, and Of enthusiastic
welcome tothe veterans, a welcome shown
not only by the elaborate and beautiful
decorations of streets and residences but
by the faces of the people. Those who
have slandered Washington by saying
that her people were selfish and uupatTi-
otto should for ever more hang their
heads 10 shame. Why even babies in the
arms of their nurses crow periodically
and wave tiny flags, along the streets
and it is next to impossible to fad a man,
woman or child who does not carry some
where on their person our country's flag.
The first prominent feature of the en-
campment vas the dedication of Grand
Army Place this afternoon. The cere-
monies were preceded by a brilliant
street parade, made up of United States
regular troops artillery, cavalry and
infantry, sail)rs, marines, the entire
National Guard of the District of
Columbia, aud the department of the
Potomac G. A. r., which was greatly en-
ioyed by the visiting veterans who were
conspicuous in the crowds that packed
the sides of the line of march. The
dedicatory ceremonies were successfully
carried out according to the original pro-
gramme, Vice-President Morton having
very kindly agreed to take the Presidents
place. The scene will not soon be for
gotten by those who witnessed it.
Away in the back ground, looking to
the southwest, the yellow, pilared portieo
of the historic Arlington Mansion pre-
senting strong contrast to the green
foliage by which it is surrounded, and
none who looked forgot that it was also
surrounded by the remains of thousands
of comrades who had fought by the sides
of the veterans today assembled in a
grand re-union-who can say that the
spirits of the veterans buried at Arlington
are not also holding reunion this week
Looking directly south the slender grey
If. ~ A. Wo.b,n0fon Mornmant ev.
tending five hundred and fifty-fve feet
sky ward challenges the admiration of the
beholder. while to the east looms up the
immense white dome OF the Capitol, IN
surpassed in grandeur and artistic SYM
metry any public building on EARTH
Within stones throw stands miniature
Washington Monument probably hun
bred feet high, wrapped from its base to
Its summit, from which extends a flag
pole proudly supporting ''old glory" in
red, white and blue, and beautiful model
of the good ship Kearsage, full size and
full rugged, and partly manned by sur
vivors of the crew which took part in its
memorable engagement with the priva-
teer Alabama, which it sank, as you
probably remember. Directly north
stands the White House, which reminds
the vets of the trouble, caused by Mrs
Harrison's sickness, that has prevented
the President joining his comrades, as he
had arranged to do and just west of the
Executive Mansion stands the handsomest
public edifce in Washington-the new
State, War and Navy Department build
ing. Could a more appropriate spot have
been chosen for the reunion grounds, or
one where more than is dear to the old
soldiers heart could have been seen at
glance'
At this encampment is the first time
that one place for holding all the re-
unions, corps, division, brigade and regi-
mental. has been selected and the visitors
are loud in their praise of the arrange
ment by which they can so easily meet
with those who served with them in the
war.
The ladies' reception held in the TO-
tunda of the Capitol tonight, which was
conceived by Mrs. John A. Logan, was
one of the largest, most brilliant and at
The same time enjoyable affairs OF the
kind ever held in Washington, where
oublic receptions are common events
The arrangements were so perfect that
thousands passed through the rotunda,
rom East to West, without accident of
INV kind, although there was more sdueez'
ng at times than was altogether comfort
bile.
The regret is general that the Presi-
ent is not in Washington to take part in
he pleasures of the week, which be has
zen anticipating ever since Washington
yas selected as the place for holding this
ears encampment. and everybody has a 4
yord of sympathy for him aud for Mrs.
harrison, and expresses the wish that she
lay soon recover. a
Vice President Morton was not SOL
Ter. but be has made himself very solid
it'll the soldiers by his promptness in
,ming here and volunteering to take the i
residents place in the programme for
week.
1nne---------
The Maine Victory. .
aAI.MAN MANLEY ISSUES A CONGRATULA- Z
TORY ADDRESS To THE REPUBLICANS or il
IE STATE. {.