Omaha daily bee., 1897-05-02

some way since he was in Omaha, and has
become a sort of sandy gray. When he
walks | think that peculiar, rolling gait of
his Is more pronounced than ever. He
didn't make a speech, but got about as
much applause as II he had. The ex-presi-
dent is evidently very popular with New
Workers. But 1t would have been Just the
same with him II he wasn't. His manner
was stolid and Indifferent. He didn't APP
pear exactly bored. but his bearing seemed
to indicate that he was there because he
was rather expected to be. It's a good
gamble that he would rather have gone
a-fishing than be where he was. 1t will
be remembered that the ex-president was
never much of a warrior, and don't care
much for people who were.
INTEREST IN r GRANT.
The Grant family naturally attracted a
| great deal of interest. Mrs. Grant is quite
feeble. She was dressed in deep mourning
and was intensely interested In the cere-
monies. Colonel Fred Grant is getting to
look more like his father every day.
Richard Watson Glider was conspicuous
among the galaxy Tor his lack OF size, but
with his long hair and the classic outlines
Of his thoughtful face he quite looked the die
tinguished literary man that he Is.
Hon. Frank Black, slim, tall, angular and
awkward, with his long black hair, little fuzzy
side whiskers and big spectacles, impressed
one with the idea that he might be a we'll
TODD country curate than the ideal governor
Of a great state. He was very affable, and
seemed to be putting in pretty nearly all
tho time bowling and shaking hands. He is
considerably taller than our Judge Baldwin,
but not quite so heavy set. When he sits
down and crosses his legs they are so long
and slim that he has a habit Of wrapping one
around the other.
Sleek, smiling, rotund Mark Hanna came in
a little behind the rest of the senator's. and
didn't pay any attention to anybody but the
man who was speaking.
Mayor Strong was master of ceremonies,
and he had a jerky, business-like way Of per-
forming his duties that was more curt than
graceful or elegant.
Then there we're severe-visaged supreme
judges, patriarchal and benevolent-looking
senator's. members of the diplomatic corps, in
| gold braid, cooked hats and big cloaks. and a
numerous collection Of smaller fry, who tried
to look distinguished.
Mrs. Mckinley came to the speakers stand
| for a few Moments, but the blustery weather
was too much for her in the present en-
feebled state of her health, and she was taken
to the Claremont hotel close by, where she
took luncheon a little later on as the guest
Of Governor Black.
An hour and a half's exposure to the Jer-
sey dust-laden gale, which got a fair "swipe'
at the speakers stand on account of its ele-
waited position, had given greatness red eyes,
blue noses and shivering bodies, and the
close Of the exercises doubtless came to all
OF the distinguished guests gratefully. The
party then repaired to the large dining tent
situated a little north of the monument,
where luncheon was served.
MEETS DAVE MERCER.
1t was during this interim that I ran
across Dave Mercer, who had come from
Washington as a member of the congressional
delegation of fifty invited by the municipal
monument committee to witness the cere-
monies as guests OF the city. Dave was the
center of half a dozen or more of his col
leagues and thew were tuSf beginning TO
tackle a cold luncheon. / was kindly invited
TO join and 1t didn't require much urging
to induce me to comply. Just at this june
ture the approach Of the head Of the column
of the land forces was announced by the
booming of several Of the guns Of the flag
ship New York. lying In the Hudson river
almost under us. In a few minutes VT could
distinguish dimly through the dust the black
line OF mounted men relieved by white
plumes and gold braid. They were the gen
eral commanding and his staff and aides.
At the edge OF Claremont, and about a quar-
ter of a mile south of the monument the col
umn came to a halt. They were fifteen min
utes ahead OF time, and were waiting for
the president and party to finish luncheon
and take their positions in the reviewing
stand. Finally the signal was given. for the
advance. Then began the great military
pageant that will take place among the most
memorable in history.
In the second line following General Dodge
was NOiOnel William n. COuy, mounted on
a spirited chestnut sorrel horse. and dressed
In the uniform Of a brlgadier general of
the Nebraska National Guard. Buffalo Bill,
as everybody knows, Is a fine equestrian fig
ure, and to those who had been accustomed
to see him clad in fringed buckskin and
a sombrero. the sight OF the popular plains
man logged In full regimentsls and a cha
peau gold bedaZzled, riding at the head Of this
monster column, was superb and one par
t~icularly calculated to inspire a Nebraskan,
When Congressman Mercer caught sight OF
Bill he had Just taken a mouthful OF CON
gressional sandwich. and in attempting to
yell almost choked. but the doughty colonel
did not lack for applause. for he was one
OF the most attractive characters In the pa
Iade, and was cheered loudly and frequently.
Bill rode the famous sorrel charger, Duke"
which was presented to him about two years
ago by General Nelson A. Miles. Although
Nebraska had no troops In line, she was well
represented by Colonel Cody. Beside the
colonel rode Chief Joseph OF the Nee Perces
tribe of Indians and his interpreter.
We continued lunching till nearly all OF
the United States military, cavalry and
marine forces had passed, but did not over
look the opportunity to applaud Major Worth,
formerly OF Fort Omaha, but now OF Gov
ernor's Island, who was leading a regiment
OF artillery. The fine old monument that has
stood since 1s47 at Broadway and Twenty
fifth streets. Just opposite Madison Square,
was erected In honor OF. his father. He was
an early New Yorker and won fame in the
war OF 1912 and also in the Mexican war.
MANHATTAN's MIGHTIEsT ARMY.
There were more government troops on
Manhattan island yesterday than ever be-
fore, and the showing must have been a
great surprise to many OF the distinguished
foreign guests. who do not consider the
United States a military power. Just as the
long line OF regular cavalry was passing
our party was Joined BY General Wheeler, |