Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-06-19
GRAND CyIC-NlnTARY PARADE.
Twenty-Five Thousand People View
the Exciting Sham Battle.
THE PROTECTING DISPLAY
Cloeed the Ceiebration-Inciden OF the
Trip-Poor Lunch-Ne Punch In
the Beautiful Magic City.
,specI.l from a stan Correspondent


she was just ten years old, Nature seemed
20 smile upon the birthday Of this mighty
infant Of one decade, while thousands
upon thousands celebrated the occasion.
The Magic City," truly wonder OF
Growth and enterprise, was crowded to its
utmost capacity with visitors and persons
who took part in the observance OF the
day. Flags and bunting floated from al
most every house. while . vast multitude
througed the streets. The population,
which is estimated at $4,000, was tenn
porsrily increased to almost double this
number by the influx OF visitors, who
united in the decennial celebration. Hun
dreds of brightly dressed soldier lads from
all portions of the Old Dominion and
other States added TO the grandeur OF the
occasion, while trades parade. In which
thousands took part, was one OF the fea-
lures Of the day.
ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST.
Long before 7 o'clock in the morning
Roanoke was astir, and the thorouRhfsres
soon began to swarm with people. The
special train of eleven coaches, which bore
the First Virginia Regiment and the Rich
mond Light-Infantry Blues, arrived ct $3.50
A. NJ. and the gallant musketeers attracted
considerable attention as they marched
through the streets to the military head
quarters.
AoRAND PROCESSION.
The first thing on the days programme
was the grand procession. which included
about 1. 200 soldiers. various civic organi-
cations, and magnificent trades parade,
which perhaps equalled anything of the
kind ever seen in Virginia. Fully 5000
men were in line, exclusive OF those en-
ployed on the floats, and nearly two OF the
morning hours were consumed by the pro-
oession in passing given point. Captain
Henri DAWN acted as chief marshal, and
the following were his assistants: 5. ;.
Brooke. J. G.. Rawn, ]. II. Wingate, and
william Lunsford. Aides-de-camp: j. j.
Moorman, L. I. Powell. and W. Q. Will
liams. Among the distinguished guests
who rode at the head of the procession
IN carriages were General Fitzhugh Lee and
Hon. Paul C. Edmonds. Both OF these we'll
known Virginisns were enthusiastically
cheered as they passed along the route.
The brigade staff Of infantry headed the
military.
A SUPERB MILITARY DISPLAY.
Two hundred of the Virginia Military
Institute cadets we're ia the line. and they
presented a splendid appearance and
marched with precision which attracted
attention on all sides. The First. Second,
and Fourth regiments and battalion CON-
posed of companies from Hagerstown,
Winston, Lynchburg. Danville. and the
Blacksbure cadets were in the process sion,
and added greatly to the parade by their
fine marching and soldierly appearance.
OUR HOME BOYS.
The officers and men of the First Regl-
ment showed up in especially fine form,
and though the march was long ana not
one not one of them broke down. rev II
auy of the military organizations looked
handsomer or excited more admiration
than the Richmond Light Infantry Blues,
and many of the spectators pronounced
them the prettIest company IN the line.
Over 900 of the operatives OF the hoa-
noke Maehine-Work took part IN the pa,
rade. They all wore gray linen coats ana
caps to match. About 1901 Z. III. q refresh
inc rain fell and this cooled the atmos-
pbere considerably. The feature OF the
day was the sham battle. which took place
in Pleasant Valley at 6 O'Clock in the after
noon. The place laid of for the manGu-
vres of the military Is one or the
most beautiful suburbs OF Roanoke, ana
lust at the foot OF Mill Mountain. On
every side the BATTLE-GROUND was SURF tbo
ed by hills, and from their SUBMITS tne
engagement was witnessed by crowds OF
enthusiastic spectators.
THE TRADES DISPLAY.
The trades parade was perhaps the best
evidence of the Magic Clty's industry ana
thrift. Nearly 100 beautiful floats were In
line and on many of these the operatives OF
the establishments represented were ply
inc their trades and distributing their
wares to the multitude. The weather IN
the morning and early part OF the after
noon was excessively not. and some OF the
militery suffered greatly from the sun and
the length of the march, which was a
severe strain upon their strength. The
Richmond boys, however, have recently
become used to the dog-star's antics and
withstood the fatigue
PLAN OF THE BATTLE.
At least 25. 600 people viewed the fight
which was pronounced one of the most
exciting and scientific ever seen IN the
state. The plan of the field on which
the sham battle was fought was interest
ing indeed. As one approached ~
grounds there was O series OF hills, which
were occupied by the defensive forces
with their artillery. Their infantry sup
port was put In the rear, but the mair
body occupied the ground in front Of
these hills. The First and Fourth reei
ments. with one battery OF artillery
crossed the Roanoke river by means OF
bridge TO the right of these hills. develop
ing their main attack from the point
The wing of the Fourth occupied tn
bridge lower down the river on the ex
IRENE lett, which was held during tn
whole of the engagement Company Il. o
the Fourth, on crossing the river wa
thrown into skirmish line, which first at
tackled the enemy The left wing OF tn
Fourth, under Major Taylor. supporte'
this while advancing to the attack. In
First Regiment moved across the bridge I
their rear and deployed on their left. afte
which the whole line was advanced d bon
quarter OF mile
HEAVY FIRING.
The enemy's fire becoming very heavy
the First and Fourth regiments were RI
tired across the bridge, and deployed I
their right and lett. They were very hanc
somely supported by the Norfolk Light
Artillery Battery b. under command c
was under charge OF Colonel Mutton, wit
ell the detached companies or parts {
battalions present, while the attackin
party was commanded by Colonies II.
Jones and Nash. The First vas command
ed by Lieutenant Colonel Phillips, and III
right wing Of the Fourth was directed b
Lieutenant Colonel Hodges, while the le
wing was managed by Aajor George v
TAYLOR. The decennial celebration ende
with magnificent pyrotechnic display |
night.
MUSIC ON THE TRIP.
The Richmond military had q vel
pleasant trip while en- route to the Mag
City and enjoyed themselves immensel
on the cars. They did not for some a
known reason leave Petersburg before /:
A. 81, but up to an hour or 50 before tn
time sleep was impracticabls. a. the M
prove that they could sing. In the sles
ers there were several pleasant little. Q
ieriss. who slipped Rhine wine and smoke
cigars until the hours grew small 81
eravs-yards and passengers began toyawl
The First" carried 267 men, while u
Blues travelled with sixty-four members