The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-06-03
AT Raleigh of a Unique
Character.
SOUTHERN VETERANS
compose the Chief Audience OF the
orator of h Day-Elaborate Deco
r~uohs from Various Sections Of the
Country Placed on Ensign Ba-ley..
Grave-Confederate Decoration DAY
AZ Observation-Disclosures Nckinley..
Letter Of Regret.

Raleigh, n. c., May 3~0.-Decoration
day was observed here in a manner
absolutely unique. The ceremonies
were held at the national cemetery.
but a rain caused a change Of part Of
the arrangements. The 1900 graves
were decorated with flags and a de-
tachment Of sixty men from the Sec
regiment of volunteers. under
command of Donald MacRae, fired a
salute over the grave of Private Ar
thur Watson, of hat regiment. who
died in camp here last week.
AT this stage of the ceremonies
heavy ain began to fall and the ex-
ercises We're concluded at the chapel
Of the confederate soldiers home near
by. There, for the first time, was
presented tht spectacle of Colonel
Charles F. Meserve. a federal soldier,
orator of the day, addressing an au-
dience mainly composed of ex-con-
federate soldiers. Colonel Meserve
dwelt pon the death of Ensign Worth
Bagley and declared thai it forever
sealed the death of se~ctionalism.
Miss Minnie May Curtis read an
original poem.
S. D. Wait was master of ceremon-
les. These concluded, a procession
made its way to lakewood cemetery.
where the grave of Ensign Bagley was
| decorated with flags and flowers. The
New York World had deliberately deco
rated the grave with flowers, and
branches of pine and palm. Governor
Russell, Mayor Russ and the COM
mander of the local post of the Grand
Army of the Republic placed at the
head of the grave a memorial wreath
of immortelles sent by Meade Post No.
l, of Philadelphia. Other memorials
were sent by the Woman's Loyal Leg
ion, of Washington, D. c.; Ensign AL
fred Mckitland, executive officer OF
the hospital ship Solace, and Rev. Mr..
Tryon, of B~attleborO, Mass. The choir
sang America at the grave. Rev.
A. w. Curtis prayed and Rev. DR.. /.
NICK. Pittinger pronounced the bene-
diction.
Richmond, Va, May 30.-The observ-
ance here today of Hollywood memoir
ial day will long be remembered. De-
spite the threatening weather, the or
CARNATIONS announced to take part as
Sembled at a central point in the city,
They included the several confederate
memorial associations of the city. The
confederate camps, the Sons of Veter-
ans, Daughters of the ~COnfederacy
and seventeen Of the companies OF
volunteers now at Camp Lee.
The march to Hollywood was made
in a drenching rain, and after the cere
mony of decorating the graves, the
organizations returned to the city, and
the programme was concluded at the
Second Presbyterian church. Prayer
was offered by Rev. DR.. Hoge, and
then Mr.. Joseph Bryan introduced the
ortaor of the day.
After the Grafton the assemblage
was dismissed with a benediction.
Before introducing Governor Tyler
Mr.. Bryan read the following letter
nor:
Executive Mansion,
"Washington, May %, 1898.
Dear Governor Tyler have you!
favor of the 25th instant. The kline
invitation which you have so cOurte-
ously extended me in behalf of the la
dies of Hollywood Memorial Associa'
ton, and personally, is cordially ap.
preciated and I am very sorry that
cannot send an acceptance, but 1T 1!
impossible for me to leave Washing
ton just now. The observance Of me
mortal day is a fitting way attrlbu.
table to our dead. Every citizen shouic
consider it a privilege to take part II
these ceremonies. The splendid pa
triotism exhibited in every part OF on
common country exalts the American
name and the spectacle of the nortf
and the south marching under the ole
flag, at the nations call. fills all heart:
with pride and gratitude.
Thanking you heartily for you
gracious offer of the hospitality o
your home, believe me,
Respectfully yours,
civilian M'KINLEY."