St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-10-05
THE FIGHTING SIX HUNDRED.

Portsmouth Honors the Brave Heroes Of Guam
tanamo.-A Memorable Day for riarInes, Sol
dlers and Citizens.
Ideal September weather greeted the
returned heroes on the day of the mag.
ni6cent parade. The heat OF the sun was
lessened by light floating clouds. and sea
breezes were most refreshing and CRATE
full. The celebration had been DELAYED
until the departure of the Spanish pris-
oners, that the battalion in charge of
them might participant.
The procession included the 1st Bat
talon of United States marines, the I'd
Battalion OF United States marines, Bat
talon from United States steamships
Lancaster and Annapolis, Battery K, I'd
United States Artillery, Company A, LIST
New Hampshire Volunteers, Kearsarge
Association OF Naval Veterans. The ma
rines from Fort Constitution, who were
stationed there early in the war to de.
lend the harbor, also had position in the
ranks. The sailors from the two cruis-
ers were led by Boatswain Montague,
who was with Hobson, and formed
most interesting feature of the process
sion. The troops have been at Chicka-
manga ever since leaving New Hamp-
shire, and during the week were given
public reception. All were equally well
coined and honored, but this occasion
was specially intended to honor the bat
talon that fought at Guantanamo. As
usual, the police moved first; marshals,
city officials with the mayor, officers
from the navy yard, among whom were
Admiral Carpenter and Commodore
Remey. were all assigned their appropri-
ate positions in the line OF march. All
branches but two of the fighting forces
of the United States were represented by
those from the army, navy, marine
corps, volunteers and veterans. Thou
sands of people filled the streets, and
afterward appeared at Pierce's Island,
where further ceremonies took place.
The line was formed on the Parade,
the Guantanamo or LIST Battalion
taking the place OF onor in the pro-
cession. The Haverhill City band es.
corted the marines and sailors to their
places. Company A marched to posi-
ton, led by the Laconia band. The APP
pearance Of the marines is greatly i'm
proved since their arrival few weeks
since at Camp Haywood. They are well
and strong, and look the gallant fighters
they are. They expect shortly to be
mustered out, as battalion, and will
be ordered elsewhere, as they are regu-
lars in for FIVE years. The I'd Battalion
had charge of the Spanish camp, and
many of them served under Sampson,
and talk with enthusiasm of the battle
with Cervera, never failing to give all
credit to Schley. The New Hampshire
Volunteers, who never left Chickamauga
until their return here, show painfully
their experiences. Some of the company
are lying dangerously i'll at home, and in
hospital, while. those in line, some in car
riages, emphatically show that they
have been in charge Of the notorious war
department.
The city was gay with flags and other
decorations. Schools and all business
places were closed, and the native popu-
lation was augmented by many visitors
from neigtboring towns. At halfpast
IL O'Clock the parade started. From
the beginning to the end of the days
proceedings the cheering was continuous.
The marching was very fine and elected
enthusiastic applause. After the ex-
tended march over town, through the
suburbs, over two long bridges, Pierce's
Island was reached about 2 o'clock. Ten
long tables were set close to the pit for
the clam bake. Sweet potatoes, boiled
corn, rolls, cake, Holsters and cooling
drinks were. served in addition to the
clans, the city people serving the guests
of honor. Every man had place at the
tables. At the:head of each table stood
great boilersof hot coffee. The COLA
tion was great delight to all. The re-
marks OF the marines were numerous and
complimentary, many declaring it was
the first good. coffee they had had for
five months"
While presenting few cigars after the
feast, the writer had the honor of tasting
the clans and lobster, served by high pri-
Yates in the service of the United States.
The marines are not only overwhelming
fighters, but without single exception
are courteous and chivalrous to a de
gree, and most appreciative of the small
est favor. from civilians, declaring that a
kind, encouraging word is more to the
soldier than money" More than once
tears have glistened in brave, honest
eyes, proving hearts as tender as they
are invincible. One OF them said yester'
day, IF all the prayers of the marines
for YOU are answered you won't 60 to