Evening star., 1898-05-30
EXERCISES AT ARLINGTON.
Addresses by senator Thurston, Mr.
John G. Clancy and Others.

John G. Clancy and Others.
Arlington national cemetery was the
scene Of the more important services of the
day. Crowds began arriving on the trains
and In vehicles early In the morning. They
came In a continuous stream up to the time
the ceremonies began, the dark and threat
ening clouds of the morning and the pcs
poets of drenching downpour having no
terrors for the patriots who gathered in
the beautiful metropolis overlooking the Po-
tomac.
The ladies of the Woman's Relief Corps
and Legion of Loyal Women and a num-
Der Of comrades of the Grand Army of the
Republic were early at the cemetery deco
rating the graves and tombs of the dead
soldiers and officers Not grave was
neglected, the most obscure one having a
pretty little American flag waving over it.
The Loyal Legion tent was up when the
nrst OF the crowds arrived. and coffee and
cool beverages were served throughout the
day by the members of the organization.
The Old Guard, under command of Captain
Edgar and Lieutenants Mahany and Fuss,
the buglers Of the Mount Pleasant Field
Band and the 4th Artillery Band were also
early at the cemetery and took part in
the program.
The Procession Forms.
At L. o'clock, the time set for the begin
ming of the memorial exercises, the skies
had cleared and the sun came out bright
~ promptly at the noon hour the process
sion. consisting of members of the G. A. r.
and w. X. c., L. l.. W., L. of G. A. R., L.
A. s., S. of ", ex-soldiers and sailors, in
vlted guests and the public, formed south
OF the mansion, headed by the 4th Artil-
lery Band, Prof. A. Buglione, leader.
Ihe procession marched to the tomb of
the Unknown" the band playing a dirge.
The already beautifully decorated tomb
was draped in additional flags. The band
rendered Nearer, My God, to Thee" the
lacies present singing the chorus. At the
conclusion of the decoration ceremonies
the procession disbanded, the band and a
majority of the organizations proceeding
to the amphttheater, while others adjourned
t. the Lee mansion, where the naval exer-
cises took place.
A Distinguished Group.
The program at the amphitheater was de-
layed until nearly l o'clock. On the plat
form was seated a distinguished assem-
blage.
President Mckinley occupied seat of
honor, surrounded by the Vice President
Mr.. Hobart, and members Of his cabinet,
including Secretary of War Alger. Secre-
tary of the Treasury Gage and Secretary
OF Agriculture Wilson. The Chinese minis
ter and Mime. Wu and the Corean minister.
Chin Pom Ye, and members of the lega-
tions were also present. Commissioner of
Pensions Evans, prominent members of the
q. A r., and men high in official life were
also among the guess on the platform.
The ampnitheater was prettily decorated
with flags and bunting and spread with an
immense awning.
Mr.. Arthur Hendricks, department COM
mander of the G. A. R., presided. The SER
vices began with the sounding of the as
sembly by buger, followed by a selection,
Dear Native Land" by the Artillery
Band. THE Artiilerst's Oath" was rem
dered by a quartet composed of Messrs.
R1rv ,orl
Beebe and George II. Lilebridge, Mrs. An
ME l.. Goodhue, accompanst. Mr.. Hend
ricks then called the assembly to order.
Commandcr's Remarks.
He said
You have been invited to participate with
the comrades of this department Of the
Grand Army Of the Republic in the observ-
ance of Memorial day, which was estab-
lished by our order thirty years ago, and to
join with them in honoring those who
fought in defense of the Union, whose
precious dust marks the spot where Glory
guards solemn round the bivouac of the
dead.
During the past twelve months more
than 100 turf-covered mounds have been
added to the many thousand in Arlington,
from this department alone, and each
year our comrades fall by the wayside they
take their places with those who died in
the abitrament Of war shoulder to shoulder,
in the days gone by, to answer to the
summons of the resurrection.
They lie entombed within the loving
arms of mother earth, beneath the o'cr-
arching sky, which, ofttimes their only
shelter, smiles benignly upon their
peaceful slumbers.
Their valor and patriotism are never
ending theme of praise, and their sacrifices
are an undying source of inspiration for
generations to come.
I'm the midst of our duties to them. in
ia Cpri mott nf 70 f,r1
Aowers. fiuttering banners and resounding
strains of music, We turn from the past
with its lessons learned SO dearly, and now
so constantly and wildly impressed upon
us, to meet the living present.
THE veteran of the late war, though he
wore the blue or gray, had hoped to pass
his remaining days in a well-earned and
gladly welcomed peace. In the face of i'm
pending danger he would take his place
in line, and, with the courage of his con-
victions. pick up the gage of battle and
follow to the death If need be the starry
tanner of freedom.
"Once more he sees the marshaled hosts
of war, and while halting steps would
quicken to the call of duty, enfeebled forms
and unhealed wounds proclaim that the
battles front Is not for him and so he
stnds his sons instead. The days of 'G1
to 'G5 are thus more than n memory,
again the youth of our country fight and
die in the cause of liberty.
FOR many weeks our ears have been
strained to catch the far-off sound of con-
f1ict which portends so much for the ad
vancement Of mankind. While with VIC
tory may come the cry of mourning, we
count no cost too dear which holds aloft
and ever presents the principles of equal
rights to all.
In the presence of these dead comrades
let all. while remembering the immortal
fame of the defenders of the republic
gather hope and courage; and when you
shall have listened to the eloquent words
of our distinguished friends who follow
you count q day well spent which
must enrich your minds and inspire to no
bier purposes.
Following a rendition Of "The Wayside
Chapel by ths band. Rev. Benjamin Swal-
low, past department chaplain, offered up
an invocation. asking blessing upon all the
people assembled throughout the country
today to honor the dead heroes Of the ma
ton. He also invoked Gods blessing upon
the sailors and soldiers Of the United States
now al the front and on the seas. The
quartet rendered memorial hymn by A. b.
Winch. Assistant Adjutant General L. Van
derhoef read the orders Of the day.
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