The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-09-03
Nearly 10000 G. A. R.
Vets in Line at St. Paul.
Made a Splendid Showing as
They Marched Along.
Living Flag" Touched Hearts Of
Grizzled Warriors.

ST. Paul. Sept. 3.-Nearly 10000 vet
several hours yesterday morning, re-
newing the associations OF their youth
and feeling In their veins the material
spirit that animated them i'm the old
days. The day was an ideal one for
marching the warm rays OF the sun be-
Ing behind the clouds nearly all day. and
o slight breeze. making the tramp much
easier for those in line. The showers held
off. and everything went off according TO
program.
1t was 1880 when the head Of the
parade reached the grand reviewing
stand at Smith park, and General
Walker took his place on the platform.
and the first division headed by the Vet
erans' corps. passed In review. II was 2:25
when the last post I'm the big eighth di-
vision. containing Minnesota's veterans.
had passed. and there was scarcely q
noticeable break In the line. post follow
ing post and department coming after
department i'm almost endless success
sion. The enlivening music and the
stirring martial sound OF the verteran
drum corps signalled the approach OF
each new department and the crowds
pearance OF various favorites. Waves OF
applause went up and down the crowded
streets. and at times veterans thorn
selves took up the refrain. Taken al
together, the parade was an unqualified
success. and the leading features Of 1t
have touched the soldiers heart as 1t
has seldom been touched before.
The living flag was the feature of the
day that most appealed to the marching
veterans. and many touching scenes
were witnessed in front of the mammoth
chorus. The children had been thor
oughly trained by Professor c. ii. Cong
don of the city schools. and were quick
to respond to his every signal. AS the
head of each department arrived the
strains of their mingled voices could be
heard above the music OF the bands, In
patriotic greetings.
Down through the white columns that
line lower Sixth street. the marching
thousands kept on till they reached
Smith park, at the lower end of the
street, where the grand reviewing stand
had been erected. Here General Walker
and staff mounted the stand, and the
various departments passed in formal
review, dipped colors and rolling drums
spending with a bow On the stand
were number Of past commanders-in-
chief and others of national reputation.
many Of whom were recognized and ap-
plauded by the veterans as they passed
The broad sweep of Summit avenue
gave many chances for the marching
qualities of the veterans to show, and
many a post drew cheer after cheer
as il turned corner in perfect align
ment and with soldierly step moved on
down the wide avenue.
The parade has been in the thoughts
Of the soldiers to such an extent that
politics must take a back seat and wait
for the business sessions to open. The
candidates are still being urged by their
friends, the leaders being Rear Admiral
Meade. Major T. S. Clarkson and New
Hampshire's candidate. Comrade Line
han. 1t seems to be dividing between
the east and the west, and the fact that
Buffalo will surely get tine next encamp-
ment may affect the result, as the sec
tlons are somewhat jealous Of the hon
ors. There are other candidates who
will have strong support, but those men,
toned are the leaders.
Campfires were held last night at the
Auditorium and at the Market hail. and
receptions for the various associated
ladies' organizations in different parts
of the city.