The Washington times., 1895-02-23
TRIBUTE OF THEVETERAHS
WashinStOn's Memory HOnOred
by the G. A. R.
DIR. STAFFoRD's FINE EFFORT
Ee Read the Farewell Address in Magnif-
cent style-Gen. sickles' Address on the
Real Character Of WashIngton-Attacked
the Pension Policy Of the Administra-
tion-Audience Gave Him Cheers.

Fully 200 people attended the services at
the Metropolitan NJ Z. Church. corner OF
Four-and-a-half and C streets northwest, held
under the auspices OF the Grand Army OF the
Republic in perpetuation of the memory of
the iilustrious Father of His Country.
Suspended TO the wall hack OF the pulpit
and fronting the vast audience was a full
ength. life-size portrait of Gen. Washington
the military uniform betokeni ng his voca-
ton and station. while about the head Of
the portrait was a red. white, and blue star
and beneath the feet a festoon in the same
colors. Flags fanked the picture on either
side and on the right and left OF the pulpit
was a very large duplicate OF the national
emblem. dropping almost to the floor, each
being caught up in festoon.
Balcony ratings, walls, columns. and con-
venient inches, from one end OF the edifiee
TO the other, lore the national colors in
many forms Of decoration. and at intervals
there were suspended thirteen shields, one
for each OF the original colonies.
DIsT.NGU SIZED CITIZENS THERE.
Department Commander Nathan Bickford
presided, and there were with him in the
pulpit at the beginning Of the exercises Hon.
John w. Ross, District Commissioner; Rev.
DR.. stafford, of ST. Patrick's Catholic
Church and Rev Hugh Brown, d. D.. pastor
of the Metropolitan Church, while within
the railing were seated the members OF the
department staff and o her q. A. Il. officials
The Murine kand had places in the balcony
to the right OF the pulpit.
Comman Ter Bickford briefly announced
the purl ose Of the meeting. stating that it
was held in pursuance OF a resolution passed
at the last annual encampment OF the depart
meni. and introduced DIR. Stafford, who pro-
seeded 10 scharge the functions of reader.
His presentation of the famous farewell
address WAS such as 10 win attention such as
no other who has ever discharge The duty
has excelled. and when IN eloqu Mt terms he
proceeded. pursuant 10 IA request, 10 COM
ment upon the wonderful production. he
drew from his auditors a unanimous out
burst 0i applause.
DR. stafford "a d he had been asked TO COM
meat upon the address. Lni he could see no
way to do it justice. One might as well at
tempt ID Turify refined gold. or to pant the
lily. or add 10 the perfume of the yio.et, as TO
seek t. give more strength 10 that incompar
able reduction. He closed with feryid
invocation for ttc perDeiUity OF the govern
menU founded 10y the ilustrious Washington,
anu fd4u huhNf-AFI ldN ls-AtlttL 10 DlLtA
countries. may God save this one If other
nations must fail, If WAY shall come out of
the north and sweep over the nations Of the
south. may tins beloved land, and those who
have the happiness to dwell here, be saved
from its destroying influence"
GIN. sICKLEs ADDRESS.
Gen. Daniel L. S:ckles, who was on the
programme for The main address OF the
evening. came in late. He had been attend
ing meeting Of the Army and Navy Club
and appeared about O'Clock in the full
uniform OF a major general As he moved
slowly down the aisle on his crutehes the
audience gave him an ovation, and when
Commander Biekford introduced him to tn e
audience The ovation was repeated.
He explained his dress, apologizing
for his elaborate makeup, and
then from seat in plain view
of the audience. he proceeded with his ad-
dress in that quaint way that always obtains
the attention Of his comrades. He briefly
sketched the real and the ideal Washington.
contrasting ;he two. and said the real could
and should be held up for emulation as il
was human and made up or flesh and blood.
but the ideal WAS unapproachable and could
not be used as an example.
the real Washington had human passions.
and he COuhCed not occasionally told lie.
but the ideal Washington could not lie aud
never got mad in his life. From this he
passed 10 a discussion OF the pension policy
OF the present Administration. and roundly
scored those whom no said were striving TO
keep the Union soldiers cut OF their Just
dues. He was often interrupted by applause,
the vigorous hand-elapping several times
drowning his voice for several minutes. and
as he passed out Of the church the audience
rose TO their feet and gave him parting
cheer.
The Grand Army Musical Union. a spien-
did vocal club. under the leadership of
Capt. f. ID. Tracy, opened the exercises with
an anthem. The Lords Prayer" and rem
dered several superior numbers al intervals
during the service. The members were
seated in the choir loft.
The Instrumental numbers were rendered
by the Marine Band, whose music ever
serves to delight, the selections being Light
Cavalry as an overture. Columbia Pot
pourri. Grand Army PATROL and "Tat-
too
Rev. Dr. Brown made the opening prayer
and pronounced the benedietIon. To Capt.
j. n Pipes and his able assistants is due the
handsome effects produced in the decora-
tions.