The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1898-04-13
CEN. LEES ARRIVAL
Washington Turns Out En- MaSSe
10 Welcome Him.
is CHEERED TO THE ECHO
Americans Gather by Thousands at
the Depot and Follow Him TO the
State Department - Accompanied
by His Family-Trip From Tampa
an ovation.

an ovation.
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. the returning con-
sui general of Havana, was rendered an
enthusiastic reception by all Washington
when he arrived over the Pennsylvania
Railroad yesterday afternoon.
All along his flying journey from Tampa
through the Southern Coast States, he
was greeted with spontaneous outburst
OF patriotic enthusiasm but it remained
for the people of Washington TO cap the
climax. 1t was the march of triumph OF
a conquering hero returning to the land
of the people he loves to serve, and, con-
scious of this fact and the gallant man
ner in which he has defended American
honor in Havana. the people turned out
en- masse TO greet him.
The train arrived at 2:1S O'Clock, by
which time the depot and all the streets
approaching it were crowded with
mighty mass of people. 1t is conserva-
lively estimated that more than 1000 per-
sons were present.
The train was made up of three
coaches. The two Immediately In tho
rear of the engines tender were filled
with an escort of loyal Virginians from
all parts of the State. The rear coach
was occupied by the Lee party. This in
cluded Vice Consul Springer, and Consul
Walter Barker. from Sagua La Grande;
Gov. J. Hoge Tyler. of Virginia, and sew
eral members Of his staff
Mrs. Lee, Miss Lee, and Gen. Lees son
accompanied the party a part Of the way
on the train this side of Richmond and
then returned.
Welcomed Officially.
The train drew into the station at 2:1s
o'clock Chief Clerk Michael. of the State
Department, was present TO welcome him
on the part Of the Government, and Col.
Robert l. Fleming, president of the Con-
federate Veterans Association, and a
number of personal friends, including a
number of newspaper men, were waiting
for him on the platform.
When the train stopped there was a
rush Of friends TO board the rear coach
and i'm the crush Chief Clerk Michael was
left on the platform. Among those who
entered the coach were Col. Fleming
several newspaper men and a number Of
veterans of the Northern and Southern
armies of the rebellion. An informal re-
ception was held on the rear end of the
car. Mrs. Ayres, an intimate friend of
the family. presented the gallant general
with a beautiful bouquet of white roses
tied with bow of ribbons made up of
American and Confederate flags. Mrs.
Ayres chatted with Gen. Lee for several
minutes, saying that she was glad that
he had at last returned safely from the
treachery OF the land of the Havanese.
Chief Paris. Of the local fire depart
ment was the first to grasp the hand of
Gen. Lee when he stepped to the plat
form. Mr.. Michael was the next TO greet
him, and then there was such rush that
Lieut. Kelly, who was present with
squad OF blue-coats had TO ask the crowd
to stand back. as Gen. Lee had to re-
port to the State Department, the
President and the Senate Committee on
Foreign Affairs before o'clock, and any
delay would be unwise and ungracious.
The crowd moved back, but few per-
sons heard the request of Lieut. Kelly.
as there was a general desire to see the
hero OF the occasion. AS soon as Gen.
Lee was recognized on the rear plat
form Of the car some one in the crowd
cried. Three cheers for Gen Lee" and
there was deafening applause from this
moment until the party left the depot
Gen. Lee walked down the platform arm
I'm arm with Col. Fleming and Chief Clerk
Michael. The crowd was so great that
Lieut. Kelly and his men had to make an
opening. The people fell in behind and
followed the party and moved down the
platform to the inner gates of the depot
cheering all the while.
Warm Welcome.
drowned in the spontaneous outburst of
applause that began at the inner gates
where the thousands who were prevented
from going on the inner platform had
been forced 10 remain. The crowd surged
and pushed and crushed as the party pass
ed through the depot and enthusiasts
stood upon the benches and in the win
dows to catch a view of the short Vir-
ginian as he passed through the waiting
room.
Hats were lifted into the air, flags were
waved, hands outstretched. and cheer
after cheer poured out all the way
through the depot. Some shouted, Long
live Gen. Lee" others yelled "Hurrah for
our next President" and such expressions
as Hero of Havana were heard all
through the crowd whenever anyone
were in the crowd and almost every
other person wore a button with mezzo
photo Of Gen. Lee and the American and
Cuban colors displayed prominently
thereon. Cuban flags were very much in
evidence and they were waved with enthu-
siasm.
The crowd was even greater outside the
depot, and every approach was packed
with the cheering thousands. Secretary
Sherman's coach awaited the general and
chief Clerk Michael at the entrance to
the depot. A snapshot was taken as they
entered it, it was with greatest difficulty
that the coach was driven out of the
crowd. Once out, the steeds pranced and
started toward the State Department at
a lively gait, and for several blocks the
crowd followed until outdistanced by the
horses of the Secretary's team. The
cheering caused considerable commotion
all along the Avenue, and men and
clerks stepped to the doors of the shops
and Joined in the welcome
1t is interesting to note that Col John
]. McCook arrived at the depot too late to
greet the general as he left the train,
and was forced to follow him with the
general crowd as he left the station. Col
McCook was Immediately recognized by
several reporters. 1t was remarked that
he was too late to make any request of
the gallant Nirginian that he remain reti-
cent about the situation in Cuba.
Goes to the State House.
Gen. Lees reception at the State De-
partment and the White House was re-
markable demonstration of enthusiasm.
When word came that he had reached the
city and would come Immediately to the