Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-05-31
Memorial Day Observed Throughout
the Country.
WREATH FOR GEN. GRANTS TOMB,
Woven by the Fair Hands OF the
Spanish Princess Gratton's big
Celebration-It was the Largest
Ever Seen There-Horse Racing
in the Afternoon-How the day
was Observed.

dered by the awful carnage OF the six-
ties. Mhe war for the Union is recalled
only in the pages OF history, the hearts
of grateful people, and the annual
memorial exercises Of the survivors OF
the terrible struggle.
That the gallant defenders of their
country's flag have not faltered In their
loyalty and devotion TO their fallen COM
rad es, was evidenced again by the
events Of ts-day. Under most propi-
tious circumstances, the annual memo
rial celebration took place. The bright
morning sun arose above green nils OF
Taylor, and looked down upon most
animated and attractive scene. The city
was in holiday attire to honor her
guests, the brave comrades OF the
Grand Army of the Republic. From
every flag staff and convenient place
hoated the stars and stripes, and the
plain fronts OF business houses were
adorned with profusion of bright
bunting.
Memorial Day is an event OF annual
recurrence, which is observed more ex-
tensively In Grafton than probably any
other city in the State. Grafton has
had large celebrations before, but that
of to-day eclipsed all others, both in
point Of crowds and interest mani
tested.
The races proved an attractive card.
The Baltimore and Ohio railroad offered
excursion rates on all its branches,
and adjoining counties poured in
their population to swell the crowd.
All of the incoming trains this morning
had extra coaches Not alone the griz-
zled veteran. but the sprightly country
youth and his hest girl were present In
full force. For them there was an
abundance of fun in riding on the mer-
ry-go-rounds, listening to the plausible
eloquence of the corner fakir, and In
vesting in the delicacies offered by
lunch stands galore. There were sew
eral thousand strangers IN the city,
and the hotels and boarding houses were
taxed to their capacity to provide ac-
commodations.
Tue exercises OF the day opened with
the marking of graves at the National
cemetery.
At nine O'Clock, Reno Post, No. Z,
augmented by comrades from Tunnell-
ton, Independence, Maryland and other
points, fell in line in front Of their hall.
They were joined by Company G,
NATIONAL GUARDS,
and the march to the cemetery was
started. Commander Gramm led with
the georgeousy attired drum major OF
the Keyser band. Then following the
band In natty uniforms The National
Guards had the right OF line. the G.. A.
r. posts, bringing up the rear, beaded
by the Grafton City Band.
The line reached the cemetery
shortly before ten o'clock. The
beautiful city of the dead
never looked more attractive.
The veterans formed hollow
square, and the military company took
position upon a knoll overlooking the
the lower portion OF the cemetery.
Then, with uncovered and bowed heads,
the beautiful and impressive ritualistlc
service Of the Grand Army was repeat
ed Several hundred people stood
about and watched the proceedings
with interest. At the close Of the ex-
ercises signal was given and the
Guards fred a salute. Then the com
rades followed the beautiful custom of
marking with flags the last resting
place OF each fallen hero and strewing
the graves with bright blossoms and
fragrant flowers. During this ceremony
the two bands, stationed in different
parts OF the cemetery, alternated in
rendering national airs. The scene
was a beautiful one, and when the work
Of love was accomplished many lin
gered long over the graves OF departed
friends, long after the organizations re-
turned to the city. There are at pres
ent 1,26O persons buried In the ceme-
terry. OF that number 329 are marked
"unknown."
The principal memorial exercises took
place In the afternoon at the cemetery.
At one o'clock the line OF march was
taken up again at the Court House, and
the different organizations proceeded
across the bridge and out TO the ceme-
terry. The veterans marched well, per-
haps not with the precision and spright-
illness of thirty years ago, but with the
same spirit.
When the organization arrived at the
cemetery, they found an immense
crowd OF people, numbering at one time
not less than ive-th0usand. From the
substantial, metal staff recently COM
pleted, handsome flag fioated in the
breezes, Innummerable small flags
weru mixed with the flowers TO mark
the last resting place of each deceased
comerade. Two-thousand people
gathered about the speakers stand, and
the rest were scattered In small groups
about the spacious and beautiful
grounds, enjoying the shade OF the
trees.
At 1:3O o'clock the exercises started.
Rev. Simmons. pastor of the First Bap-
tist church, led in feryent prayer. Then
Col. Romeo Ii. Freer, the orator OF the
day, was introduced. Col. Freer made
a wonderful address Of about an hour In
length. and held the undivided attsn-
tion of his hearers for that time. He
dwelt at some length upon the origin
and history of the great principles un-
derlying our government, referred
briefly and charitably to the four years
OF civil strife, and closed by calling at
tention to some OF the present day ten
dencies toward the acquisition Of na-
tisnal evils.
Thos B. Allen, a veteran OF the Fifth
ward. and one OF the oldest men 10 the
United States, was present. and upon
invisstion, made few remarks. Mr..
Allen is an interesting figure at all OF
the memorial exercises an reunions. He
is 103 years OF age. This fact is said 10
be supported by the very best OF evil