The Russellville Democrat., 1893-09-07
THE GRAND ARMY.
There Will be Sixty Thousand Veterans in
 Line
AT INDIANAPOLIS.
Enthusiastic Receptions Accorded Each
 Delegation as 1t Arrives.


 INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 4.-No an nual national encampment of a week within the history of the Grand Army of the Republic ever began more auspiciously than the twenty seventh, which opened in this city to day. The elements seem to have adjusted themselves to the wishes of the veterans of the late war and to be in thorough harmony with the committee and citizens who have labored and persevered to make this reunion one of the most memorable yet held. Tbat the sol diers are not losing interest in these yearly opportunities for again greet ing one another, and that there still fingers in the breast, behind each little brass button, memories pleasant and narrowing of those days when victory and defeat were made mani fest, is seen on every street corner, in every public and pri- vate place where gray haired warriors, whether strangers or friends chance to meet and take each other by the hand. Dimmed indeed is the eye that does not shine with the old light which kindled on the battle field, when thirty years afterwards it is so fortunate as to again look upon one who repaints the picture or once more tells the story of the days from Fort Sumpter to Appomattox. Arm in arm they are today walking the streets stopped and aged, many of them, but light of step ard happy in thought that at least once more they will be permitted to mess with comrades of old and fall into line at the bugle's blast. Thousands upon thousands of mem bers of the Grand Army of the Re- public are here and thousands will yet come. Since Saturday night the blue coat and slouch hat have been conspicuous on every street, and to- day they predominate. It is recep- ton day and the efforts of citizens will be expended in greeting and bidding welcome to all those who come to participate in the annual reunion. Tonight cots in the public school buildings and other important quarters will be oc- cupied and the routine work will have begun. At 1:30 o'clock this afternoon there will be compli- mentary drive, in honor of the ladies' patriotic organizations, given by the ladies and citizens committees. The rendezvous will be the Monu- ment place, and from there they will disperse to the Denison and Bates Hotels on North Illinois and North Pennsylvania streets respectively to receive the guests.
 The drive will be to the various points of interest throughout the city, including ths statues of Nor ton, Colfax, Hendricks and the model warship Kearsage. Camps Wilder, McGiunis, Wallace and Foster will also be visited. Con veyances will be furnished by the citizens. Since Commander-in- Chief Weissert arrived yesterday he has been kept busy receiving his friends, and the Denison Hotel, where he has quarters, has been crowded with men in blue. Already lively interest is being taken in the selection of Gen. Weissert's suc- cessor as commander-in- chief. En- thusiastic champions of J. G. B. Adams having arrived from Bos- ton last night on a special train. A little before midnight Geo. w. Cook of post of Denver, Colo, com prising ffty-five men, arrived with Rev. Myron w. Reed in command. Many other distinguished arrivals are hourly being added to the list, and as each post arrives it is es- corted to it's quarters and duly in- stalled. Following in the wake of the old soldiers and often preceding them are many who will not be ac- corded such hearty welcome. These are pickpockets and thieves who come to lose their identity and reap harvest. The patrol wagons are kept busy disposing of this class, and this morning the police station contains larger number of crooks than ever before at one time. All are now in readiness for the great parade to- morrow, which will move at 10 80 I'm. The vantage points along the line of march are selling at stiff prices. Gen. Carnshan, grand marshal of the day, has is- snad his last orders. and the belief