Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-03-12

and about which the tribes had gath
cred with patriotic purpose, passed
down through it's beautiful grounds
and wheeling into Pennsylvania ave-
nue., its real march began. From this
point, the Washington circle, two
miles and a half distant, this noted
avenue had been made a triumphal
way. Looking from the head of the
line at the Peace monument toward
the Treasury and White House mile
and half away, was like gazing into
broad canon whose high walls were
a mass cI men, women and flags.
AS basis for decoration, the inaug-
ural committee distributed $4,000 ma
tional flags to all on the line of march
who would use them in their windows.
So great was the demand that there
would have been 100000 used If they
had been provided. Upon such back
ground each individual owner builded
and wrought out such forms of beauty
as his enthusiasm and his patriotism
suggested.
Over such triumphal way, and thus
honored by magnificent preparations,
and the presence and thunderous ap-
plause of amending crowds, President
Mckinley was escorted to the White
house. The Presidents reviewing
stand occupied two-thirds of the front
of the White house ground. 1t was a
solidly built and finished structure,
carefully designed and tastefully deco
rated The background was white,
the columns were twined with green
and the national colors in floating
colors and woven and draped designs
were the chief ornament. The stand
seated / 900. The President stood in
projecting area. sheltered by glass.
The audience was notable in all its
elements The official life of the ma
ton was well represented. The am
bassadors and ministers of all nations
honored the occasion. The political
magnates of both parties had seats.
The families of these various dignita-
ries were present in force, and the
press of the land was numerously rep
resented.
The parade was famous column
notably commanded. General Horace
Porter, grand marshal, at it's head, re-
called to all veterans the campaigns
of Grant, his chief. Following his
numerous and brilliant staff, upon
which the sons of Presidents Grant,
Hayes, Garfield, Arthur and Harrison
were prominent figures, came General
Granville NJ. Dodge, commanding the
first grand division, which embraced
all the military organizations of the
parade.
After the soldiers came the civic or
carnations. numerous, in gallant trim
and we'll commanded bv their chief
marshal, b. w. Warner of Washing
ton. From front to rear it was the
best organization both in it's military
and civic sections that has marched in
Washington since the veterans of the
war passed through it from fields of
renown to their homes.
The many glories of the day were
eclipsed by the brilliancy of the va
rious night displays. The decorations
of the ball room have not been euualed
before 1t is certain that they have
not been approached in this country.
Those who have attended noted fetes
abroad insist that they have not been
anywhere excelled. They were both
and wonderful in all of
treir various effects.
The city was ablaze with light. All
parks and public grounds were illum-
mated. The whole line of march of
the day, with its countless flags and
effects, and beautiful interwinings
and drapery of the national colors,
showed clear, as if some prophet had
stayed the sun in it's course till the
great demonstration of a mighty token
could be completed.