The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1896-07-03
THE DAVIS MONUMENT.
Impressive Ceremonies at the
Laying Of the Corner Stone.
BIG PARADE OF ooNFEDERATEs.

Thousands Cheer the Veterans as They
Pass in Review Through Richmonds
Crowded streets-Heat Com PEELED Many
Old Soldiers to Retire from the Parade.
RICHMOND, Va, July a. The cornsr-
stone Of the monument to be erected In
Monroe Park to the memory Of Jefferson
Davis was laid yesterday afternoon with
ceremonies which were impressive and
pathetic. Under bright sun and sky,
through densely packed streets, and with
the applause OF countless thousands to
cheer them on, tho followers of the lost
cause marched through the city which Is
dearer to the old Confederate than any
other In the land. 1t was sight to stir tho
enthusiasm OF the most sluggish nature, as
With bands playing, companies moving
and colors flying, the parade passed In
review.
Two hundred children, boys and girls,
wearing white and red sashes followed the
police, who cleared the way and led the
procession. The chief marshal General
Gordon, in civilian dress, looked royal
commander, as did Governor O'Ferrall,
who rode with barred hend Mrs. Jeffer-
son Davis was In an open carriage and
bowed and smiled as the cheers greeted
her on every side, Tho sponsors and maids
of honor, chosen for their beauty from all
the southern states, rode In carriages fol-
lowing that Of Mrs. Davis.
The military under command of Briga-
dier General Phillips represented the pick
of southern soldiers North Carolina was
the first state to exhibit tattercd battle
flag, and as 1t fluttered In the breeze it
was greeted with great cheers.
The veterans made the pathetic feature
Of the parade. Nearly all old and for tho
most part weak and feeble, but summon
Ing their remaining strength they marched
with pride and pleasure, chcered on by the
spectators A large number of them car
ried sticks for support, and many were
compelled to use umbrellas in order TO
Withstand the rays of tho sun. On the
backs of the marchers were many bullet
torn Confederate COATS old cantcens and
knapsacks. Several darkics, true to their
old masters, marched with them in the
parade.
1t was Il grand parade and Il great spec
tacle, one not likely to he seen again for
years From :45 to $40 o'clock veterans,
BULLS vi NetcfuIls anu MILITARY UaSSeu inc
city hall The column moved very slowly,
owing to the age and disabilities of many
of the marchers. From the military down
to the negro cooks who brought up the
rear the parade was an imposing and in
spring spectacle. 1t was estimated that
1900 men and children started in the
parade, but IL large number were affected
by the heat, and withdrew before they had
marched many blocks
When tho procession reached the park
the military formed IA square around tho
grounds, preventing any but those in the
parade from entering the inrlosure. The
grand lodge of Masons, escorted by the
Knights Templar, marched to the park,
where the corner stone was laid with Ma
sonic ceremonies. Prayer was offered by
Rev. DR.. George H. Ray. At the close Of
the Masonic exercises the HowitAers out
on the Lee monument grounds fired sa-
lutte of thirteen guns. Hon. Fl. j. Taylor
Ellison, president Of the Davis Monument
association, then called on Bishop John
son g. Cranberry to offer prayer, after
which General Stephen ID. Lee was intro
duced US the orator Of the occasion. The
benediction closed the exercises.