Evening star., 1898-08-25

part in making the arrangements for
hearty welcome for the homecoming SOL
der heroes.
Commissioner Ross presided and named
E. b. Hay secretary of the mee ting.
Letters of regret at their inability to at
tend the meeting were read from President
Mckinley, SECRETARY of War Atger and
other distinguished men in public life, and
eloquent addresses appropriate to the oc-
casicn were delivered by osImaster Cen
eral Charles Emory Smith, Rev D. J.
Stafford and Corporal James Tanner. The
meeting concluded by the singing of
the Star Spangled Banner by Mrs. Thom-
as c. Noyes, the audience joining in sing
ing the chorus at the end OF each stanZa.
The inspiring patriotic song, sung with
magnificent effect, thrilled the vast audi
cree and called forth an outburst of pat
riCtic applause.
The Marine Band was present through
out the evening under the leadership of
Professor Santelmann, and was stationed
in the rear of the stage, its renditons of
patriotic music keeping the audience in
constant ferment of patriotic demonstra-
ton. The band blended Dixie" and Yam
kee Doodle" and the audience, catching
the idea OF a closer union of north and
south, burst into prolonged applause.
The boxes were occupied by ladies of
patriotic societies. which assisting in
making the Homecoming of the soldiers
memorable occasion.
At the end of the meeting the following
was adopted unanimously:
Resolved, j nat the CHAIRMAN or this
mass meeting be, and he is hereby, author
lied to appoint committees on finance and
arrangements. and the chairmen thereof,
and such other committees and chairmen
as may be necessary to make the proposed
welcome to the District regiment COM
plete success, and the chairnen of said
committees are authorized to add such
names to their respective committees as
they may deem proper"
The President and Others.
The meeting was called to order by Com
missioner Ross, VINO announced that e. B.
Hay had been selected as secretary of the
meeting, and Mr.. Hay proceeded to read
letters Of regret from the President and
others. The Presidents letter follows:
"EXECUTIVE MANSION.
Washington, August 22, 1895.
Hon John W Ross, Chairman Citizens
Meeting.
My Dear Mr.. Ross: The purposes of the
meeting called to arrange for a suitable re-
ception to the 1st District of Columbia
Volunteers appeal strongly to my SYM
pathy and | have sincere pleasure in assur-
ing you of my deep interest in every effort
to honor these brave men who promptly
responded to their country's call. l re-
member with pride and qualification the
splendid showing they made when reviewed
on the way to their field of duty. Their
homecoming should be the occasion of
notable demonstration of the gratitude of
our people.
-" hile my pubic duties prevent an ac-
ceptance of the courteous invitation to be
present on Wednesday evening, | shall be
glad upon the regiments return to join the
citizens of the District in their tribute to
its devoted patriotism. Congra tulatin you
and your associates upon the public spirit
evidenced by the proposed meeting, and
with best wishes for it's complete success
believe me.
VERY Sincerely Yours,
civilian MCKINLEY"
Secretary Alger's letter was as follows:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, August %, 1898.
My Dear Sir:
II had fully intended TO be present with
you on the occasion of the citizens meet
ing to arrange for the reception Of the Dis
trict troops, but found at the last moment
that my enforced absence from the CITY
would make this impossible. However /
cannot refrain from improving this oppor-
tunity to tell you that my heart Is in the
movement and ii is a source of great re-
gret that cannot be with you. ! remem-
ber well the afternoon in 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 appearance impressed me much
| hope however. that it will be possible for
me to take an active part in assisting you
in giving them the glorious welcome that
they deserve after undergoing so cheerfullv
the hardships of a campaign never before
eqUaled in the history of the army. They