The evening bulletin., 1894-09-12
THEIR LAST PARADE
Grand Army Veterans Will
Probably March No More.
THE VETERANS GETTING OLD.


Annual Parade to BE Stricken From the
Program - Magnificent Display in
Pittsburg.
PITTsBURG, Sept. 12.-The representa-
tives of the surviving veterans of the
Union army, from nearly every state
and territory, marched yesterday
through the twin cities ef Pittsburg and
Allegheny and received the plaudits and
homage of more than third of a mill
ion of spectators. 1t was the 2Sth ma
tional parade of the boys in blue, and it
may be the last one.
For several years past there has been
a gradually growing sentiment among
the veterans in favor of discontinuing
this feature of the national encamp-
ment, on the ground that the rank and
file is growing too old and enfeebled TO
stand the strain of long journeys, prep
aration and march, as well as the risk
of illness, resulting from exposure to
the elements. The feeling is growing
that the time is approaching when the
annual parade should be stricken from
the program of the encampment eXer-
cises and win probably take form in the
presentation Of a specific resolution dur
ing the present session.
On this account thousands of old war
riors who had not marched for years,
donned their slouch hats and brass-but-
toned uniforms, gave an extra polish TO
their corps badges, and, stepping to the
strains of Marching Through Georgia,
imagined for the hour that they were
boys again.
Promptly at 1915 o'clock there was a
roar of cannon, burst OF trumpets, and
then the escorting platoon OF police
moved down Smithfield street, spanning
the roadway from curb to curb.
By virtue of seniority, Illinois had the
right of line, but in point Of numbers 1T
did not make the appearance that had
been expected.
The Buckeye state made an excellent
showing, between 80 and 40 posts, from
Cincinnati, AshUabula, Lima, Dayton,
Toledo, Canton and other cities being
in line.
A tumultutous reception was accord
ed throughout the route to the comrades
from New York. This division was
headed by platoon of veterans i'll black
undress uniform, with white gloves and
helmets, and who kept step with pre-
cision that insured them a vociferous
recognition.
1t was 1:30 before the Pennsylvania
department swung into line and closed
up the rear Of one of the greatest Il. A.
r, para6les ever held in the country.
At g o'clock the end of the column
reached the Associated Press Office, the
parade having been just hours and 10
minutes in passing down Fifth avenue.
Theu the divisions broke into posts and
marched to their quarters i'll different
parts of the two cities.
1t is impossible to form any accurate
estimate of the number of spectators
Every available inch alony the route
was packed, every side street was
iammed full of people for hundred
yards back, and the housGtops for blocks
away were hidden by masses of enthu-
siastic applauders. A rough estimate is
that between 500, 900 and 800, 900 people
saw the parade.
The day passed with fewer accidents
than We're expected, and none was serl-
Gus. Several women tainted i'll the
crowds along the sidewalks, and few
nrostrations among the veterans were
reported, but such thorough prepara-
tions had been made for this class of
cases by the hospital corps Of the ma
tional guard that immediate attention
was given and speedy relief afforded.
The police arrangements for handling
the immense crowd were as nearly per-
feet as possible, and the streets along
the route were kept absolutely clear for
the use of marchers.
A neat tribute by the veterans paid
the memory of the famous dead was
the reverend raising Of hats by each
division as it approached the trlumphaI
arch on Fifth avenue in front OF the
Associated Press office. The htellke
statues of Washington, Lincoln ana
Grant surmounting the arch, were
given this recognition by almost every
division passing through.
The weather continued cool and bright
throughout the entire day. The near
est approach to undue excitement was
at O'Clock in the evening, when three
alarms were turned III for a tire on
Union street, just at the foot OF Flith
avenue The Union hotel was ablaze,
and from its location in the midst OF oiu
and closely built business blocLs, great
alarm was felt. The fire was soon con-
trolled, but the excitement among the
the immense number OF promenaders OH
the streets did not die out Tor some
time.
Several notable campfires were held
Yesterday evening, at which addresses
were made by Governor Pattison, Henri
Watterson, Senator Manderson, Gen
eral Butterfeld, Governor Mckinney
Governor Rich, Congressman stone,
General Alger, Church Howe OF Ne
braska, William A. Ketcham OF lndl-
ana, Judge Hicks of Minnesota, l.. ID.
Woodwork of Ohio, Admiral Osborn,
Joseph B. Cheadle of Indiana, General
Trowbridge of Michigan and others;
The friends of the several candidates
for commander-in-ch are worhng
like beavers for their friends. lndlca-
tions point to the election OF l. n