The news & observer., 1897-03-05

and able represented.
Opposite the Presidents stand and
much overlapping it was one which ex-
tended along the entire front Of LaFay-
cite square, a distance of two blocks.
In the center of this, directly opposite
the President it had been announced that
Mr. Hanna had purchased $50 seats for
himself, and friends and the national
committee.
The parade was a famous column
notably commanded General Horace
Porter, Grand Marshal at its head, re-
called to all veterans the campaign of
Grant, his chief. Following his numer-
Gus and brilliant staff, upon which the
sons of Presidents Grant, Hayes, Gar
field, Arthur and Harrison were prom
inent figures, came General Grenville
M. Dodge, commanding the first grand
division which embraced all the military
organizations of the parade. His pre-
sence and that Of his staff, brought vivid
ly to mind the old army of Grant and
Sherman-the army of the Tennessee.
With General Dodge who commanded one
of it's corps and now the President of
its society, and General HickenloOper,
of its artillery and corresponding Secreta-
ry of its society, and Col. Cadle, its re-
cording secretary, it seemed to those who
identified these veterans as if the army
of Sherman was passing again in the
grand review of a generation ago.
After the soldiers came the civic or
ganizations, numerous, in gallant trim
and well commanded by their Chief Mar
shall, b. III. Warner, OF Washington
From front to rear it was the best order
ed column, both in its military and civic
sections, that has marched in Washing
ton since the veterans OF the war passed
through it from fields Of renown to their
homes.
1t was fitting that the war and navy
building should be deliberately decorated
to greet column, where the regular
troops ordered here by Secretary Lamont
and the numerous and interesting body
of seamen present. by order OF Secretary
Herbert, formed so large an element of
the military display AS the ranks
passed beyond the Presidents stand and
came in sight Of the War Department
they saw the most complete and worthy
decoration Of any Of the great buildings
of the city This joint work of Secre-
taries Lamont and Herbert was the most
impressive, beautiful and tasteful in
Washington and altogether in keeping
with what they have always done when
ever the resources of the army and navy
establishments could add dignity and
strength to any national affair.
There have been larger columns in
former inaugurations, but there has
never been so perfect an organization Of
the parade or so prompt, so well ordered
and so imposing movement as General
Porter and General Dodge, with their
leading aides, secured to-day.
The many gloTies Of the day were
eclipsed by the brilliancy Of the various
night displays The decorations of the
ball room have not been equaled before.
1t is certain that they have not been
approache III this country. They who
have attended noted fetes abroad insist
that they have not been anywhere eX-
celled They We're both magnificent and
wonderful in all their various effects as
the detailed description will make plain.
The city blazed with light. All the
parks and public grounds were illumi-
mated The whole line Of march of the
day with it's countless flag effects and
beautiful intertwinings and drapery Of
the national colors shone clear MS If
some prophet had stayed the. sun in its
course till the great demonstration of
mighty nation could be completed.
Private illuminati0ns joined each other
from end to end of the avenue. The inn
mense public buildings seemed in flames.
At various points high over them against
the black of the skies, great flags illumi-
mated by search lights, waved clear
and bright as if the spirits Of the upper
air were active participants in this ma
tional festival. This effect was magical
and moved the thousands below to an
enthusiasm which even the marvellous
scenes Of the day had not kindled.
As the general illumination faded, the
search lights began to reveal the public
buildings and the Washington monument.
the Capitol, the Public Library and the
State, War and Navy building flashed
suddenly into light, each wonderful
and entrancing mirage of the night, alter
nately fixing the breathless attention of
the multitudes and suddenly disappear
ing into darkness
The fire works and the street ilumina-
tions have not been equalled in the past
and the entertainment for the thousands
who could not attend the ball was varied
and ample Had the illuminated State
arches first contemplated been erected
the effect would have been stIH greater
and complete.
All inaugural committees work enthus-
iastically and with notable success. 1t
has been the fortune of the present body,
under Chairman G. J. Bell and his active
and influential committees to excel all
previous efforts in every element of their
comprehensive and perfect plan.
Never before was an administration
upon it's unknown futures with
more impressive and enthuiastic demon
stration.
The lights are out in the ball room; the
flags no longer CLEAN against the dark
ness of the sky; the city's lights burn
low the wild acclaim of the multitudes is
stilled; after day of fervent patriotic
emotion the national capital sleeps With
the sunrise the new administration,
which all our tribes have united to well
come, must strip itself for the countless
asks which will tasf IT'S siren 9th