The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-04-28
Magnificent Tribute to the
NatiOn's Hero.
New EngIand's Governors and
Troops Win Continual Applause



unpleasant sight to the eye. But the rec
election of yesterdays great demon
stration dispels any sombre thoughts
which might arise. The metropolis is
proud OF yesterdays achievement. AL
though the crowd was the largest ever
gathered here, all were well taken care
81 and but few, comparatively speaking,
suffered any inconvenience. The null
titude OF visitors hasteHed homeward
last night and this morning.
The military hosts were last to depart.
Many companies left last night by spe-
sial trains, but the majority remained
over until today. The regular army
troops have departed, and the city is
again busy with everyday affairs.
Yesterdays celebration will never be
forgotten by the residents of Manhat-
tan, or the visitors who were here. The
patriotism and veneration of a grateful
multitude was omnipresent. The oc-
casion was not marked by the customary
blaze and fanfare which accompany
patriotic celebrations Of national holi-
: days. The boom OF cannon from the
feet assembled at North river seemed TO
have a different intonation than usual.
The spirit OF the great soldier and states
man, In whose honor over a million
people assembled, seemed again to be a
living presence.
During the day there were very few ac-
cidents. and they were all OF minor i'm.
portance. This is remarkable, when the
size of the crowd Is considered. The line
OF massed spectators stretched a dis
tance OF over six miles, and more solid
ly packed mass OF humanity could not
he imagined.
The solemn service of dedication
seemed to throw a strange hush over this
vast throng. The president stood bare
headed in the wind when he spoke. He
was heard distinctly by the 5000 persons
who stood directly in front of him. Gen
eral Porter's grafton in honor Of the hero
seemed to impress the crowd less than
the sight of that pale-faced. bare headed
president standing beside the widow OF
the dead general, ex-President Cleve-
land and the grey-headed statesmen
and soldiers. 1t was their presence
rather than their words that lent solem-
nifty to the occasion.
And when IL was all over, when Mayor
Strong had formally accepted from the
nation the trust of the tomb, and when
the president and his party disappeared
in the luncheon tent, sigh OF relief went
up from the crowd, for at last the hero
lay in the tomb BETTING his renown, and
rttingly dedicated by a grateful nation.
When the cheering was at its loudest
and when the wind had somewhat died
away, touching scene was enacted,
which was seen by but few. Silently
Mrs. Grant stole away from the presi-
dents reviewing stand, where she had
been watching the gallant troops go
1x. nf hnY. cnrn
Colonel Fred Grant, made her way to
the tomb, followed only by members Of
the Grant family. The bronze doors
were swiftly opened, and the widow of
the hero passed into the tomb For
about 10 minutes she stayed there. and
then. with her face hidden in her hands,
she left the scene which crowned her
husbands victories.
When night fell, and the grandest of
military, naval and civic parades ever
seen here was at an end, the city assumed
gala aspect The streets were full of
uniforms of all nations, while sight
seers from every part wandered from
place to place, and discussed the wonders
of the day.
a Fitting Close.
A fitting elimination to the mag
nificent pageants of the day was the re-
ception to the president and vice pres
ident at the Union League club in the
evening The exterior and interior OF
the commodious clubhouse presented
brilliant scene The decorations con-
sisted chiefly of American flags and pot
ted plants and flowers.
Nine O'Clock was the hour set for the
reception, but ii was 40 minuets later
before the president arrived. lie was
preceded by Vice president Hobart
and the members of his cabinet. The
president was escorted by General Por-
ter and j. Addison Porter. secretary to
the president.
The crowd in front Of the clubhouse set
up a cheer, and the Mexican band, which
was drawn mp on the opposite curb.
played Hail To the Chief"
More than 1000 invitations had been
issued and fully half that number were
accepted. judging from the large as
semblage.
The invited guests included the dip
Iomatic corps, Bishops Potter and New
man, Archbishop Corrigan, and host
af dignitaries. Many of the army and
tavy officers i'm the city were present.
A costly luncheon was served and valu-
nhle souvenirs of the occasion were pre-
sented to the distinguished guests.
A dinner i'm honor of Mrs. Mckinley.
the wife of the president. was given last
night by Mrs. Abner Mckinley in the
grand banquet hall at the windsor
hotel. Covers were laid for 30 guests.
Those present. beside the guest OF honor
aud the hostess. were Mrs. w. T. strong.
Mrs. Horace Porter. Mrs. Daniel Butter
held. Mrs Whitciaw Reid. Mrs. Al. +.
Williams Mrs. W Seward Webb. Mrs.
g. n. Bliss. Misa Bliss. Mrs. Arson G..
McCook. Mrs. Lyman j. Gage. Mrs. Rob
ert II. Porter. Mrs. II. Parker Morgan.
Mrs. r.. H. Wetherbee. Mrs. j. :. Wise,
Mrsx Aborn, Mrs. w. H. Hawk Mrs.
william Mckinley osborne. Mrs Thomas
y. James. Mrs. McCallum. Secretary
Sherman's daughters. Mrs. John I. Mil
holland AIRS. j. Addison Porter. Mrs
Petts. Mrs. William u. Grace. Mrs. Gary.
Mrs. Russell Alger Mrs Giiswold, Mrs.
q. A. Hubbard. Mrs. Griggs and Miss
Mabel Mckinley. niece OF the president
Just at the close of the banquet, Mrs
atropR. wife OF Mayor strong. was taken