Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-10-12

and the dispatch boat Dolphin
had been tastlully arrayed lie flags, and
the steam launches from these vessels
were speeding to and fro carrying
visitors aboard and bringing them
ashore.
The store windows have been filed
with pictures of Washington from the
smallest vignettes to large portraits,
and the display of souvenir spoons,
s4ncers, &c., has been large.
Thu curt of honor (remindinG one OF
the Rlalto in Venice uas ben tie CEN
ire of attraction. Four columns have
been erected and electric bulbs stretch
ed at this point prince and Washington
streets) toward every point of the COM
psss. Washington street, Alexandria's
Champs Elysee, has undergone a
complete metamorphosis, and bunting,
electric lights, &c, are in the greatest
profuson. The grand stand at the
northeast intersection with Prince
street is commodious, as are those al
other places. Washington and Prince
streets at their intersection have wit
messed many interesting scenes n con-
UHCLIOu Will oISAaLOiid
Washington himself appeared here as
young surveyor, country gentleman,
Commander 10 Chief of the Continental
,rmy and President of the United
States. General Lafayette was the
central figure in one of Alexandria's
greatest turnouts at the same place; it
has been the greatest parade ground #
Twenly-second of February turnonts
here sincs the beginning of the century
and it was here that the Alexandriaos
who Cast their lot with the Southern
Confederacy. in 1861, left their native
homes aud where the depete d ranks oil
those who returned gathered in 1889 to
| dedicate statue to the memory OF
those who never returned. The lone
soldier, with dotted hat and Bonded
! head, stood today silent spectator of
the joyous scenes being enacted around
| him.
Almost at the break of day the
various committees renewed their la
,ors, and as it advanced the animation
Ia the streets became more pronounced.
The visiting organizations as they ar
rived were met by the reception COM
mittees and escorted to the following
places, where they were entertained
10 a very suitable manner Sol
diers and sailors, Armory Hall; officers
of army and navy and other distin
guished guests at Lyceum Hall; Junior
Order of American Mechanics, at Odd
Fellows Hall; Uniform Rank, Knights
oi Pgthas, at Sarepta Hall; Columbia
Lodge of Mechanics and Pattern
Makers Association at Schuler's Hal;
members of the press, at Bachelor Clut;
former Alexandrians at Sodality Ly-
ceum Hall.
The streets by this time had become
shronged by large multitude and
King street especially was moving
mass of humanity. People were elbow
ing their way through the dense throDgs
ADD street fakirs were imporluning
Dassersby to purchase medals, badges,
cheap jewelry, toy ballons, &c. Wash
lngton street-that is the greater part Of
twas also busy scene, and around
the sesqui-centennial headquarters peo'
pie we're surging in compact masses.
Some time before - o'clock large
numbers had gathered on the wharfs
! and hills overlooking the river for the
purpose of witnessing the firing of the
salutes from the war vessels in
the stream. At noon precisely the
national salute of twenty-one guns
was fired. It created the great
est enthusiasm and the vessel was
heartily cheered. During the firing Of
the salute the bells of the city were
ringing. While the bells were pealing
forth and the cannons laundering the
widest EXPLANATIONS of delight were
uttered, especially by the younger
generation. In fact it seemed as though
the brute creation were partaking in
the patriotism displayed, and horses
pranced merrily with their riders.
The time for forming the parade was
now drawing close and interest became
more intense every minute. The float.
log population of the city had been in.
creased by thousands and all were
gradually massing on Washington
street. By one o'clock carriages mad
drawn up in front of the City Hall for
the purpose of conveying the city Off.
Gals to the scene of the formation of
the parade. BY this time sea of heads
was on Washington street, while parts
OF King, Prince and Cameron were well
filled. Windows were crowded with
people and every inch OF SPACE OF door
steps was occupied by eager sigbtseers
Marshals and aides on horses were gal
Looping to and fro as the final arrange
ments for the celebration were being
made. To the intense joy OF all, about
hslf.past IL o'clock old Sol parted the
curtain of mist which had been hiding
his lace all the morning aud shed forth
his beams upon the scene.
By two o'clock the sun shone bright.
ly and as the different commands, so.
cieties. &c bt gan to gather in front of
Christ Church The crowd begen to pack
heavily. It was almost impossible to pass
on the pavements, and the temperature
being high some inconvenience was ex
p-rienced, especially by those on the
grand stand, where the sun shone
| 6ercest.
About a quarter to three o'clock the
chief marshal and his aides had succeed
cd in forming the line aod few minutes
later the grand march began in the fol
lowing order:
OFFICIAL PROGRAMME.
The following was the official pro-
gramme of the sesqui.centennial cele-
bralion:
- %. Salute by United States Navy.
on n