The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-09-06
'THE VETERANS PARADE
Twenty Thousand Grand Army He
roes March in Philadelphia.
REVIEWED BY THE PRESIDENT.

Tho Chief MAGISTRATE Of the Nation
Also Visited the War Vessels of the
| North Atlantic Squadron and Was
| Given an Enthusiastic Reception.
Philadelphia, Sept. Cot the $4,000
veterans Of the Grand Army Of the Re-
public now in this city 10000 partici.
pated in yesterdays parade, which was
reviewed by President Mckinley at tha
city hall. The parade was witnessed by
nearly hundred thousand people, who
lined the streets along the three and a
| half mile line of march and crowded
every window and other point of want
| age from which view Of the great
concpurse could be had. The people
were packed In such solid masses that
even breathing was difficult. AS a re-
| suit of the crush about 400 men, women
and children were overcome and taken
from the crowd to various hospitals.
With President Mckinley and Mayor
Ashbridge there were on the reviewing
stand Rear Admiral Melville, Rear Adj
miral Sampson and the officers of the
fleet now in the harbor, together with
Secretary of War Root, Secretary of
Agriculture Wilson, Jacob G. Schur-
man, Of the Philippine commission;
Presidential Secretary J.. Addison Por-
ter and Assistant Secretary George B.
Cortelyou.
The parade was six hours and ten
minutes passing the reviewing stand
After portion of the department Of
WV nj ho Hynf-
Grams bringing up the rear, the presi-
dent left to visit Admiral SIMPSONS
fleet, Governor Stone reviewing the re-
mainder Of the procession.
At the head Of each organization
marched military bands and drum
corps. and as the war SCARED veterans
moved proudly along the streets
tumultuous applause greeted them and
a sea of handkerchiefs and small flags
waved In admiration and welcome.
When the Ohio posts appeared the
aged paraders became wild with en-
thusiasm. One veteran broke ranks
and standing before his comrades
shouted: "Three cheers for the big
gest man on earth, Major William Nc
Kinley. of Ohio" This invitation for
cheers was followed by a mighty roar,
which was echoed and re-echoed
among the spectators for blocks.
AS the various posts passed In re-
view the president stood smiling and
bowling, and on numerous occasions
waved his hand to the more enthusi-
astic of the marchers When the torn
battle flags were dipped in salute he
Joined in the applause by clapping his
hands.
No feature Of the long parade in
spired half the enthusiasm in the ranks
of the marching veterans as did the
singing of patriotic airs by 5000 school
children, who occupied seats upon the
immense stand that faced the marching
hosts as they came down Broad street
to the public buildings. The children
attired in blue formed in huge outline
the letters G. A. r. Between these let
tiers those in red cloaks were seated in
the form of monster keystones, while
thousand or more who were attired in
which brought out the letters and the
stones In vivid relief.
As the head Of the parade appeared
in sight Enoch w. Pearson, director of
music in the public schools, who had
carefully trained the children, arose
and gave the signal. simultaneously
from the thousands of Threats came the
first strains of 'Auld Lang Syne." The
mighty chorus gained in volume until
the shrill echoes of the old air seemed
to ring from the roofs of the tall build
ings. As the head of the parade swung
around the Masonic Temple the song
was changed to Tramp, Tramp,
Tramp" and again to Marching
Through Georgia" 1.-THE Battle Cry |
Of Freedom, Guard the Flag" Gamer
lisa" Home, Sweet Home" Flag of
the Free" and Battle Hymn of the Re-
public" were all rendered in stirring
manner. The grim old veterans were
inspired by the youthful chorus, and
many of them passed the stand with |
uncovered heads and joined in tho
chorus.
Before the parade Of the old SOL |
diers president Mckinley and his staff,
together with Admiral Sampson and |
the Delaware, drove over the greater
part of the route. Though the hour
was early, there we're already many
people on the street, and the reception
accorded them was of that hearty and
enthusiastic character always accord
ed the president in Philadelphia.
After leaving the reviewing stand
the president was entertained at lun-
cheon in the rooms of the department
of public works.
The visit to the fleet was decided
upon yesterday morning when Admi-
raj Sampson called upon the president
at the Hotel Walton. 1t was the in
tention to have the chief executive to
the naval parade and visit the squad
ron. but the presidents desire to re-
turn to Washington last night caused
a Encouragement In the program. The
visit of the president to the squadron
proved to be the greatest marine spec
tacle ever seen here. It was the inten-
tion to have Mr. Mckinley visit only
the New York. but he grew so enthu-
siastc over the great fighters that he
suddenly made up his mind to in
spect oil Of them. Accordingly he
visited the flagship New York, cruiser
Brooklyn, and the battleships Indiana,
and Texas It was his
Intention to also visit the cruiser De-
Lroit. but much to his regret he was
unable to do so on account of lack of
line. There was almost continuous
roar Of guns during the one and three
quarters hours that 1t took to inspect
The vessels. In all 462 guns were fired
by the squadron in presidents salutes.
The return Of the president to the
shore was an Inspiring one. The Texas
was moored flirthest up the river, and
he presidential party had to pass each
If the great vessels on its return to
shore. The river was alive with craft
crowded to their utmost capacity. and
l great noise was being made. AS the
barge neared the flagship the signal
was given to salute. and six big ships
lgain belched forth terrific salute.
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Every man and officer on the ships
stood at attention. and the bands add
ed to the din by again playing Hail
to the Chief" The barge was stop
ped while tho salute was being fired.
nv,A l.. A.. |