Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-25
CITIZENS ALL ASTlR
Washington Turns Out En- Masse to Witness
the Military Parade.
Brown-Hafted Men of the National
Guard Cheered on Their Way
Street Scenes.


pioyed in the business houses did not have
the streets and street cars to themselves
as usual between $50 and o'clock this
morning. Scores of other people, who sell
dom move out doors until an hour or two
later were early astir. and by o'clock
there were lines of blue-coated. brown
hated and brown-Ieggined men, young.
lusty, vigorous and expectant striding
sturdily in the direction of National Guard
headquarters at Center market They
went in couples and threes and more but
large number of them were accompanied
by their mothers or sisters. wives or sweet
hearts. the anxious faces of the latter
showing in strong contrast to their loved
ones eager countenances. When the part
ing place came at the bridge leading to the
armory there We're many tears shed and
many kisses exchanged, but each brave
fellow went over with a load of good
wishes and loving counsels to cheer him
on the way.
There was an immense crowd present
when the various columns of the guard
turned out. and as they filed away-pictures
OF real war seen before in the capital city
by few now living-cheers went up spon-
taneously.
VTOuhhy NreeteO.
The crowds were generous in their greet
ings. but, of course the scoffers and unbe-
levers were there.
"Dey luks mighty putty now" said a
doleful sore Of an old darkey, with a por-
tentous shake of his head. but dey aim
gwineter be so bootiful when dey bin out
Gar er chawin' hard tack an er drinkin'
puddle water bout two er tree munts"
had
of the late war in his minds eye
You fellows ought to be out there in
line" said slick-looking young man with
an unmistakable southern accent, address,
ing the old darkey. There's a chance for
you now to pay the debt you owe for your
freedom"
HUH" calculated the other. Freed m.
Shuh. man, I'd jist glib my rite ahm ter
hab dem slab'ry times back erginv'
With this unanswerable argument the de-
bate closed.
The crowds followed the soldiers along
up the avenue. and when the halt was
made and the soldiers turned back there
were all sorts Of surmises as to the cause.
John Fitz, the irrepressible ex-king of the
newsboys, cooked his eye knowingly at a
crowd of the curious.
Shure." he remarked paternally, don't
We know phwat's dthe matther? whoi, ole
Gin'l Roosle Algy don't want dthe b'ys t
git witt
This humorous explanation seemed to be
contagious. and the tendency to fun on
that account was pretty widespread. But
even those VINO INDUCED in it were loud in
tLeir praises of the way the District
Guardsmen bore themselves.
NO play soldiers in that crowd" said an
old
eye over the column. They look business
from head to foot, every one Of them
The Recruiting Station.
The turn out Of tho guard inspired mar
tial desires in many hearts. and perhaps to
this was due the increase in inquiries at the
recruiting Office Of the 9Th Regiment of Viz
ginia Volunteers. This is located in Cos
tello's Hall. on G street opposite the city
a -the-old-town-tonigh sort of
following:
''Wari War! warl
Volunteers
Wanted.
It'll Reg. Virginia VOL Inf.
Col Geo. Pickett.
Remember
The Manner
A crowd Of boys and men loitered near
the door. before which paced a man clad in
uniform with form bent forward out Of the
true military line. The reason for this was
evident when he turned in his stride and
displayed, hanging from his cartridge belt
in front of him, In a black holster an i'm
mense pistol.
The Virginia Volunteers will go over to
Virginia to be mustered In, so inquirers
were informed.