The times., 1898-08-30
a congestion at once disagreeable an,
difficult 10 handle. -
The Line of March

Facilities exist for the disembarking OF
the regiment at Third Street and Virginia
Avenue southwest. Third Street is wide
well paved. and easily cleaned, affordine
an unobstructed and clear marching
ground to Pennsylvania Avenue. There
means viii be found for resting the va.
nous organizations which will partfcipa tt
in receiving the returning soldiers. and
the line or march could be easily taken ur
10 Pennsylvania Avenue.
From there the line of march TO Fif-
leenfh Street, up Fifteenth Street to
pennsylvania Avenue. and westward
wol-ad afford citizens on the streets and
fhose occupying the business houses ho-
tels, and residences along the route fine
view of the returning heroes and those
DONG them honor, as well as giving op-
portunity TO decorate in befftting man.
ner the premises a,ong the line of march
From Fifteenth to Eighteenth Streets,
winch includes the front of the Execu-
I'VE Mansion, ample space could be found
for resting the civic organizations In the
rear. the military to the front, the regi-
ment OF honor to be in position directly
beneath the reviewing stand to be tenn
porariiy erected in front of the White
House Grounds, from which stand a
carpeted way could lead TO the entrance
OF the Mansion. Over this wa X the Com
mander -in-Chief of the Army and Navy
of the United States. accompanied by his
CaIbina officers and invited friends,
could proceed TO the stand and face the
regiment of honor.
1T is proposed that the officers of the
seVeral comanies composing the COM.
mands shall be at the right and to the
front of the respective companies, the
colonel commanding and his staff 10 be
in the foreground.
Dispensing the Medals.
THE PISs dent would have an excellent
opportunity 10 address them as he might
be disposed, after which he icould receive
from ehis committee package for the
entire regiment, he in turn to present the
badges done up in separate packages for
each company. TO the colonel command
ing, who could deliver each company s
allotment TO the captain commanding.
Wreaths of Flowers.
"In conjunction with this program. pro-
vision win be made at the right and left
of the reviewing stand for chorus OF
school girls. attired in white, who, after
or during the rendition of appropriate
music could step to the front and encir-
Gle the officers with floral wreaths and
present TO each man in the regiment q
floral tribute.
This ceremony over, the regiment could
be marched down the avenue between the
Executive Mansion and the War Depart.
ment 10 the west gate of the Executive
Mansion grounds, there to enter and par
take of refreshments from tables placeG
south of the road, this latter feature tC
be preceded by prayer by the chaplain oi
the command.
Within this inclosure would be al.
mitted the relatives and friends of the
guests Of the District.
I'm addition TO the foregoing, / wouic
suggest that the grounds be canopied an6
that TO the north a grandsFand be occu-
pied by the Marine Band; that a proper
rostrum be erected for such reception as
may be deemed advisable TO prepare. The
committee on program might arrange fol
the same TO be interluded with popular
national airs by the chorus under compe-
tent leadership. This would not only
afford the President and Cabinet a bird $
eve view of the animated scene due tC
the commingling of the boys in blue anc
their friends and families, but Il wouic
relieve them of the pain and dlscomforts
incident to such occasions when held II
where the multitude has access.
May BE Bad Weather.
at occurred TO me that argument might
be raised against this proposition, in that
the weather might be unfavora5le The
erection of canop!es would afford protec-
ton under such circumstance, but If the
weather should be inclenent the march
would be deprived of the pleasure and en-
thusiasm which would prevail were any
other course pursued.
''rt Is not to be presumed that veterans
who have gone through the vicissitudes
of a terrible campaign on foreign shores
would be affected by a rain in this mild
climate. II Is necessary that this scheme
should be embellished, that there should
be decorations, that selected participants
should be appropriately attired. that the
medals should be made historic by pro-
duction from the hulk Of the ill-fated
Maine, of only sufficient intrinsic value
To make them souvenirs; that flags and
bunting should be flying; that the citi'
zens should be enlisted to decorate their
homes and places of business and display
their enthusiasm in such channels thai
tho expense would not be formidable, and
vet the object in view would be accom-
plished.
Erection of Arches.
..In furtherance of the scheme / would
suggest the erection along the line OF
march of one or more arches as this com.
mittee might determine. Some difficult
ties may be encountered in carrying into
execution this plan, but in my opinion
and after some advising l feel certain il
can he done. 1t now becomes my duty
If Z,
tee. whose office is that of an executive
committee. 1t should consist OF a chair
man. two vice chairmen, and a secre-
tary.
.sThe chairman of the finance commit
fee / think, could act as treasurer. The
chairman of this committee. agreeable tt
the request of the chairman of the re-
cent mass meeting, should appoint the
chairman of all subcommittee, they il
turn TO select those who are TO aid in the
work.
HE should also be empowered to ere
ate and appoint additional subcommittee
The committee should have entire super
vision of all matters pertaining to the re
ception and entertainment of the First
Regiment should define the respective
duties of the subcommittees, and modif,
the same as may be required. All sub
committees appointed should be approved
by the executive committee.
The Expenditures
"All contracts, appropriations and ex
penditures should be authorized and ap
proved by the executive committee.
Contracts should be signed by the
chairman of the subcommittee, to be ap
proved by the chairman of the executive
committee, in duplicate each retaining {
COPY. Between the sessions of the execu
tive committee, its chairman, when neces
sary. should be authorized to exercise
discretionary powers and authority OF