Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-07-29

Michigan avenue was swept from
curb to curb by the marching host.
From end to end it was a glittering
vision of weapons Of war, tossing
plumes and standards, and through
out it's length vast concourse of
people packed sidewalks, filled win
doWs, and scaled roofs to see as the
soldiers marched how Illinois kept
green the memory of John A Logan
In front of me little hillock upon
whose summit stands the inspiring
and life-like statue of Logan as he
appeared while rallying the broken
ranks of the army of the Tennessee
50 years ago, was erected a large
stand and upon it were seated his wife
his children, his grandchildren and
his brothers. In the absence of Pres
ident Mckinley, who was unavoidably
detained in Washington, Secretary of
War Alger represented the govern
ment. Old friends and comrades of
Logan were there in p1ofusion Mem
hers of his old regiment, members of
the Grand Army and members of the
numbers to do him honor.
No finer weather could be found in
the month of July. The sun shone
warmly, but it's rays were tempered by
a strong breeze from the west, which
kept the marchers comfortable though
it was hard on the old cOlor-bearers of
the Grand Army as it tossed their
flags with a yigor that was at times
too much for their ancient hands and
failing grip. The reviewing stands
erected at frequent intervals along the
avenue were all filled to overlooking.
An enormous crowd which taxed the
police to it's utmost was in the streets
and from the windows above, out of
nearly every one of which floated the
national cOlOrs in one shape or an
other, were thousands of spectators
who cheered and arplauded the troops
as they marched below. 1t was a
great day on which to hold a great
parade in honor of the greatest vol
unteer soldier of the west.
At l o'clock the reviewing stand was
filled with distinguished guests and
prominent citizens of the city. Be
sides the members of General Logan's
immediate family, the reviewers in
Guided Gov. Tanner of Illinois, Gov.
Holcomb of Nebraska, Gov. Drake of
Iowa, Gov. James A. Mount of Indiana,
Gov. Atkinson of West Virginia, Gov
Scof1eld of Wisconsin, Secretary Of
War R. A. AIger and Mrs. Alger, ex-
Senator D. M. Sabin of Minnesota,
Archbishop John Ireland of ST. Paul,
| Lord Breadalbane Of England, Gov.
Barnes of Oklahoma. Two brothers of
General Logan, Thomas NJ. Logan of
| Murphysboro, ILL.,, John A. Logan's
birthplace, and James V. Logan Of
Olney, Ill, occupied places of honor.
| President Mckinley sent the follow
ing message to Secretary Alger:
| please convey to Mrs. Logan and also
| to the committee in charge of the GER
emonies my profound regret that I
cannot be present to do honor to the
memory of the gallant volunteer sold
Ter of two wars and the distinguished
statesman, my personal friend. whose
life and words today receive a crown
ing honor. Logan's achievements
form part of the most brilliant record
OF the reunited nation and will live for
ever in its history"
The boom of cannon on board the
revenue cutters Gresham, Fessenden
and Calumet anchored in the bay an
! nounced the hour of one. Rev. DR.
arthur Edwards arose and with an ell
,oquent prayer opened the ceremonies
Henry W. Blodgett, chairman of the
presentation committee on behalf OF