Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-31
wealth Club. where there also were mi
callers.
THE STREETS CROWDED.

wealth Club. where there also were many
callers.
THE STREETS CROWDED.
A dense crowd gatheSed where the
parade assembled, but as soon as the
column moved. scattered for other points
60 set second sight OF the inspiring
pageant Many turned to Libby IIill. and
from the escarpment just under the monu-
ment obtained magnificent vista view
OF the procession as It approached down
Main street with its fluttering banners
and glistening muskets and sabres over
arched by the bewildering maze Of bunt-
Ing which decorated the houses.
The head oc the column reached Twen-
ty-ninth and Franklin streets at $40
o'clock, and as II had 10 be manoeuyred
IN very close quarters Il took some time
70 get the several divisions and orgauiza-
tions into position. On the grand stand,
the umbers Of which were entirely con-
cealed by Confederate coiors gracefully
disposed, especial provision had been idade
for the accommodation OF the ladies' Of the
memorial bazaar, without whose efforts
the monument could not have been un-
yciled yesterday.
AROUND THE STAND.
Immediately around the grand stand.
and completely filling the plateau were
grouped the veterans, many Of whom had
not been here since the dark and trying
days during which, half-starved and half
clothed, they had helped to constitute
living bulwark for Richmond's defence.
Behind the veterans. 10 the west and just
upon the brow Of the first terrace, the
Virginia Military Institute cadets were
drawn up In battalion front and through
the mass Of veterans the Blacksburg
cadets stood in open-order formation, jhus
keeping clear an avenue from the eastern
steps Of the grand stand to the monu-
meut. To the southeast Of the monument
the other infantry, the cavalry, and the
artillery were massed the guns OF the
Howitzers being placed just on the edge
Of the hill overlooking Main street, and
the terraces Of the park were literally
packed with men. women. and children.
THE EXERCISES CARRIED OUT.
Before all was in readiness for the cere-
monies to commence. the rain, which had
been threatening for some time, began to
descend, and Il consultation was held by
the officers OF the association and others
to decide whether It would not be bet
ter to uuvel the monument right AWAY,
and have the rest Of the programme car
rIcd out in the Grace-Street Baptist
church. 1t was determined to brave 1t
out, and Or. Hogc after being presented
by Hon. D. c. Richardson, commenced his
prayer in a gentle shower, which con-
tinucd while Mr. Gordon was reclt!ns his
poem. Just as Mr.. Cave. the orator, was
introduced, however there was a rift in
the clouds. and burst Of sunlight, which
brought out a picture that will never be |
forgotten by those who Were in position |
TO view it. All umbrellas had besn |
lowered. The sober, gray, and serious
faces Of the veterans made a strik!ngly |
framework 10 the grand |
stand, with its warm decorations AMI the |
dresses of the ladies, and the uniforms
Of the military officers upon it. Fnnging
the framework was a line Of steel. over
an" lar ''yo"u "''S' ~ '"S "'SV anu
'"Io"sH the maze oI '"e '''E' '"u'u De
.''7,siH'" 'he Sol''eIS monument at
il'uS "oou' anu ."S i"I'S u "'e INer'
ana 70 '"e sou'H"esI anu sou'n was
spread out the Chesterfield landscape in
perfect u'''I' VI peace 10 'ne o''''
'''I east 'i,1 I,'"i"s''' i,O"'''
ID" ''1 "''' 4o'''''" " ei'""'e D"0N