The National tribune., 1897-09-02
A GRIND REVIEW.

Buffalos Streets Echo to the Tread of March
ing Feet-President Mckinley Witnesses the
fageant-An Uncounts BILE Host Cheers the
Boys in Blue All Along the Line-Six Hours
in Passing.
he most interesting feature, to the greatest
number, of ali National Eucampments is the
parade. The procession of thousands of bows
in blue who moved through Bufalo's beautiful
streets on day that just seemed made to order
for the occasion was no disappointment TO the
mnltitudes that focked to the line of march
aud swayed and surged in eagerness to secure
good view of the display. Estimates made
By various individuals who witnessed the pa
geant placed the number of men in line at
about $4,000.
To some this great and seemin Civ end less
line OF marching men in blue was prodigious
scenic effect, gaining power from mere numeri-
cal strength, the ceaseless rhythm of thousands
OF feet the clangor of scores o: bands. To
others 1t was reminder of history such az
men seldom ever made before the great civil
war; potent expression of patriotism the
representation OF a great citizenship bound to-
gether by ties of blood; gathering OF men
who had stood for progress and Union in q
crisis the significance of which il is hoped the
Nation may never see again. To every think
ing man and woman il was a lesson to every
child an inspiration.
The day was all that could be desired. The
sun dissolved the clouds early on Wednesday
morning, and CLEANED aud reflected from the
myriad hags and streamers, and rendered more
imposing the arches. The line of march was
a riot OF color; the streets were clean and in.
vitng to the marchers. Thousands upon thou
sands stood waiting for the great host to ap.
pear, and stood there. too, through the six
hours which il took TO pass. The men of the
nf ba
tramped, uamped by in holiday splendor
They were the boys of '6l, now the silver
haired men of '97, aged in form but young in
heart. aud every breast pulsating with that
patriotism that saved the Great RepubIic
Line after line, Post after Post, regiment after
reg iment, they marched between the masses of
cheering people. The marks of age and strife
Oh their faces were well nigh obliterated by
the smiles with which they responded to the
rlaudits OF loyal multitude. From all points
of the compass the veterans had gathered once
again to rally round the old flag; to pass in re.
view before comrade President; to tread again
IN martial line the soil of free State.
The best vantage point of the whole colossal
ceremony was the Circle, where the President
of the United States and the Commander in.
Chief Of this great host watched il pass As
this point was reached the veterans straight
ened mp; they looked to the front; they aimed
TO make their appearance the best.
Inc people began gathering on the route az
early as O'Clock IN the morning. Wires
! stretched along the streets precluded encroach.
meut upon the marching veterans. The M usit
OF bands aud the tramp of feet began 10 bs
| heard IN many directions the various organi.
zations moved to their points of assembly
| Soon the section of the city radiating from the
! Liberty Pole on the Terrace teemed witt
| activity. Orders rang out bugles blared
| Orderlies rushed to aud fro. The word cam,
at 1920 that the President was ready. and ON
Of the coils of streets the monster army bepa,
| to untangle itself. As it's head moved forwar,
| a mighty rear went up from those who frs
caught sight of it
by this time the people were occupyin,
every inch Of space allotted to the sightseers
| 1t was estimated that nearly half tDiilio,
people outside the veterans were on the streets
The spectators stood six deep; every windoy
was crowded; every side street that CON
manded part of the line was packed 70
nearly block back. People stood on boxes o
barrels, or the little cam stoois that were soil
! by the fskirs, and all the stands along the rout
were packed with people in holiday garb. Tn
Sanitary Corps had its hands full taking care O
those who were temporarily i'll, but not man,
veterans fell out of line.
THE PARADE MOVES.
Out Of the shaded avenue, filling the stree
| from curb TO curb, the vanguard of the pro
eession was seen from the big reviewing stand
| The eli Of numerous horses feet. tn
rumble cAtriage wheels the faint music o
lands heard. The advance was led by
quad of mounted police. Then came the 65tl
reg ment band, followed by Chairman Augusta
| Scheu, of the Citizens Committed The fore
most of the Queen City's citizens mounted
| followed. There we're al of these. The part,
of the Governor of New York next appeared
The carriages halted at the reviewing stand
and their occupants alighted. There was
pause in the march. A great quiet fell on th