The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-08-25
HEROES WILL BE WELCOMED.
-,suTNGTON PREPARING TO RE-
cEIyE DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS.

rptbusiastic Meeting at the National
Tbeater Preparatory of a Grand
uaception to Those Who Will Re-
.,rn-PreIiminary Arrangements
perfected-List of Vice Presidents
Car the Occasion Named-StirrinE
sneeches by Prominent Men and
patriotic Airs by the Marine Band.
Letters of Regret From the Presi-
deptnnd Secretary AIger.
washington. Aug PA largely attend
IL and enthusiastic meeting of citizens
,ras held at the National Theater tonight
Of which preliminary arrangements were
made for an appropriate welcoming home
81 the District Volunteers who went to
the front.
rohn A. Ross presided and the list of
vice presidents included the following: j.
Bradlev. Scott c. Bone, managing editor
Of the Washington Post. at whose sug-
eestion the meeting was called; Theodore
Moves John Jay Edison, S. w. Wood
ward. Ross Perry, ]. Whit Heron, and NJ.
NJ Parker.
The Marine Band enlivened the oc-
casion with patriotic airs. Stirring
speeches were made by Hon. Emory
Smith Postmaster General; Rev. j. d.
Stafford and extension Commissioner
Tanner. Letters of regret were read from
the President and Secretaries Alger and
Bliss.
That from the President was
Executive Mansion, Washington, Aug.
% 1S9S-Hon John w. Ross, Chairman
Citizens Meeting: My Dear Mr.. Ross
The purposes of the meeting called to ar
range for suitable reception to the First
District of Columbia Volunteers appeals
strongly to my sympathy, and I have sin
cere pleasure in assuring you of my deep
interest in every effort to honor these
brave men who SO promptly responded
to their country's call. 1 remember with
pride and qualification the splendid show
ing they made when reviewed on the way
to their field of duty Their homecoming
should be the occasion of a notable demon
s,ration of the gratitude of our people.
while my public duties prevent an ac-
ceptance Of the courteous invitation to
We present on w GuutSudy evening, L shall
be glad upon the regiments return to join
the citizens of the district in their tribute
10 It's devoted patriotism.
"Congratuaung you and your associates
upon the public spirit evinced by the pro-
posed meeting and with best wishes for
its complete success, believe me, very sin
cerely yours, William Mckinley"
Secretary Ayers letter was as follows
War Department, Washington. Aug g.
My Dear Sir: L had fully intended to be
present with you on the occasion of the
citizens meeting to arrange for the recep-
tion of the District troops, but found at
the last moment that my enforced absence
for the city would make this impossible
However, l cannot refrain from improving
TINS opportunity to tell you that my heart
is in the movement, and it is a source of
great regret that 1 cannot be with you.
i remember weR the afternoon on
which the brave District boys marched
past the White House portico to go to
Cuba. some of them never to return.
Their manly bearing and military ap-
pearance impressed me much I hope
however that it will be possible for me
10 take an active part in assisting you In
giving them the glorious welcome they de-
serve after undergoing so cheerfully hard
snips of a campaign never before equaIled
IN the history of the army. They are a
credit TO the capital of the nation and the
nag they represent Very sincerely yours,
"R. A Alger."
The meeting closed with the singing of
Ihe Star-Spangled Banner by Mrs.
Ihomas c. Noyes Of this city, the immense
aud'ence rising and joining in the chorus.