The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-08-25

Pennsylvania Avenue. on their way 10
the train which conveyed them 10 ChlcB-
amauga Park as fine a volunteer reSl-
ment as was ever mustered into the ser
vice of the United States The grand OLD
avenue was thronged with relatives and
friends. who turned out by the tens OF
thousands TO do them honor.
..There was not the joyous enthusiasm
which usually attends parades upon that
avenue. Parents brothers, sisters and
loved ones knew that those soldiers were
destined TO face a desperate foe IN a ell
mate as dangerous as the Mauser Dull
lets of the Spaniards; and while they
were proud of the spirit which animated
those young heroes. there were more
tears than cheers as the regiment passed
out of their view.
81 need not refer 10 their stay at Camp
Thomas or at Tampa, except to state that
in the long and weary waiting they bore
themselves as men who were conscious
of the truth that in their care and keep
ing were the fair fame and the good re-
pute of the Capital City Of the United
States II In the idleness of camp life
there were serious breaches of discipline,
Wild debaucheries or defiance of author
fly that was not the record of the First
Regiment District Volunteers
AT last there came the order to en-
bark for Santiago. They knew what that
meant. They were intelligent men Yet
they went unfllnchingly forward TO face
the dangers of war and the horrors Of the
Cuban climate in midsummer.
''They landed at Siboney on July 10
They marched nearly all that night to
take their places in the trenches near
Santiago on July IL l am informed by
some persons recently from Santiago that
they started on that march with but two
their food sUnrlipS
were nearly exhausted on the i1th- and
that all members of the regiment were
upon scant food supply for the two fol-
lowing days. During those days they were
exposed to the fire of the enemy as they
lay in the trenches drenched to the skin.
"But there seems to be no doubt that
the presence of the District Regiment
helped to complete the environment of
Santiago and hastened the surrender of
the forces under Gen. ToraL
Now, these boys, weakened by disease
and by hardships of which fear we have
no adequate conception, may be expected
TO be in Washington in three or four
weeks.
What is our duty in the premises?
When the great conventions come to
Washington our people subscribe their
money literally TO show appropriate hon
or to the strangers within our gates, be-
cause they are American citizens and be-
cause this is the National Capital.
But when in the entire history of the
District was there such an appeal to the
great-hearted people of Washington?
THE men who will again pass in review
before the honored Chief Magistrate of a
victorious people, the men who will come
10 US weak and worn with disease and
with uniforms discolored by the soil
which they have helped to free from the
rule Of the Spaniard are our own people
They have risked their lives. endured
suffered for their country. They have
added to the dignity and have enhanced
the prestige of our beloved Washington
among the cities of the world.
Let US show TO them by actions more
eloquent than any words how a grateful
people can welcome their own returning
heroes.
'The sole object of this meeting. there
fore, is to crystallize into appropriate ac-
ton the sentiments Of pride and graft
tude which perVade this entire commu-
nifty. This great assembly of representa-
tive citizens shows that our people only
want TO know what is required of them in
the way of personal services or contri-
buttons OF money in order TO make the
proposed reception to our regiment the
most successful public demonstration
known in the entire history of the munich
pality.
'And now, fellow citizens, having stat
ed why the meeting has been called. /
win. with many thanks for your generous
attendance and patient attention. leave
further discussion of the matter in ADLER
hands"
The speaker was generously applauded
and the Marine Band followed with
Marching Through Georgia"
Chairman Ross then introduced Post
master General Charles Emory Smith.
The Postmaster General.
Postmaster General Charles Emor,
Smith was the next speaker. In part hs
said:
This Is q great and inspiring outpour