The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1893-06-15
THE BRAVE BOYS IN BLUE.
Veterans and Auxiliary Organizations
Marching Through Yakima.
They Take Full Possession Of the
City and Are Greatly Pleased
with It..liss Of Visitors.

The old soldiers and their sons and
wives and sweethearts have been with US
this week, and Yakima, as usual on such
occasions, has been putting her best foot
forward in every respect except weather.
II is true that the latter has probably
been somewhat better than most Of our
visitors have been accustomed to expert
ence. but We haven't had much Of typical
Yakima sunshine, and did have touch
Of what we could have safely bet against
ninety-nine times out OF the hum
dred-some rain. 1t is true that it wasn't
very hard rain, nor did it continue very
long, but ii was rain sure enough, and,
rightly aor wrongly, the Sound delega-
tions we're accused with bringing it over
with them.
The present encampment is the twelfth
for the department OF Washington and
Alaska; the ninth annual convention OF
the Woman's Relief Corps, and the fifth
annual encampment for the Sons of
Veterans.
The bows, old and young, commenced
coming Monday, and by Wednesday
morning. the day named for the gather
ing, the city was full OF strangers, who
soon became our friends and seemed to
enjoy our efforts to entertain them. To
say that they were pleased with North
Yakima is but to express it very. feebly,
and especially did the shade trees and
irrigating streams lining the streets i'm
press them favorably. at is a wonder
full little city," remarked one old veteran,
as he sat unloading box OF big and
luscious strawberries; land, while it has
a mushroom growth as to years, its APP
pearance Of solidity is confirmed to any
one visiting your supporting country,
ieweled with orchards, gardens, hop
yards and meadows. Nine years ago /
rode over tie site Of this city, and not a
tree, fence, stick OF timber or any sign
OF improvement could be seen, and now
In place Of the desert Is city of perfect
model, great brick business structures,
attractive and comfortable homes, splen-
did public buildings, efficient systems OF
waterworks, electric lights, telephones
and sewers. 1t is wonderful" and the
old fellow looked as pleased as though he
had been an active assistant in this pion-
eer work, as he bit hole into big berry
and continued to unroll his praises.
Wednesday night Mason's opera house
was taxed to its fullest capacity to ac-
comnodate those attending the campfire.
Every seat vas occupied, standing room
was luxury and many were compelled
to forego the pleasures Of the evening on
account of the lack of room. The hall
was appropriately decorated and on the
stage were many gallant soldiers, and Of
ficers of the Woman's Relief Corps and
Sons Of Veterans. Captain Robt. Scott,
as commander OF Meade Post No. y, pre-
sided, and introduced Mayor Prosser,
who welcomed the Grand Army and aux
Hilary organization, in speech of patriot
ism, pathos and kindly greeting. ]. S.
Brown, Of Spokane, department COM
mander, responded in manner that
showed he voiced the feelings OF his asso-
ciates in approaching the heartiness of
their welcome. Entertaining speeches
were also made by J. M. Newman, of
Lincoln Post, Sons Of Veterans; Captain
Howe. OF Spokane; Mrs. Herrick, presi-
dent Of the Woman's Relief Corps; ]. F..
Sinclair, of Ballard, and others. Excel
lent orchestral music was also furnished.
Gertrude Sinclair recited Barbara Fritehie
in good style, and Miss Annie and Master
Jamie Watson captured the audience
with their fancy dances. 1t was an
evening of much enjoyment, and the
audience showed its appreciation by fire.
quent and hearty applause.
The forepart of Thursday afternoon was
devoted to the parade, which was we'll
well worthy Of the pleasurable attention
given by large crowds of sight-seers. 1t
was composed of the Yakima band, COM
pany E, N. G. W., Sons of Veterans,
the Grand Army, the Uniform Rank X. OF
p, and citizens in carriages. 1t was a
highly creditable showing. and the care
full training OF the organizations was evil
dencsd in their march and evolutions.
ENcAMPMENT NOTES.
The decorations OF the city showed the
patriotic feelings Of Yakima's citizens,
and were favorably commented upon by
our visitors.
William F. Wallace, commander oil
Fremont post, No. 80, OF South Bend,
was among our gallant visitors this week.
Mr.. Wallace is an old newspaper man,
and of course paid his respects to the
press while here.
Captain Howe, Of the Sons OF Veter.
Grams, who made very excellent address
at the campfire, Wednesday evening. il
an employe OF the Spokane Chronicle.
The following comrades have served
as department commanders: F. w
Sparrow (proyisional), G. d. Hill, II. A
Morrow, A. NJ. Brookes, G. NJ. Holton
A. p. Curry, J. w. Sprague, s. g. Cos
grove, NJ. NJ. Holmes, d. G. Lowell, and
]. S. Brown OF Spokane. At the time OIL
the first encampment there were only 81
members of the organization In the de
partment. Eighty-eight posts have been
organized; seven Of these have disband.
ed. On January l, 1898, there were
seventy-three posts in good standing and