Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-18

ASIDE from the chance to swell the crowds
along the avenue two weeks from tonight
and tomorrow. and to join in the chorus Of
| cheers in honor of Admiral Dewey, and TO
| contribute to the fireworks and the illu-
limitations and decoration on those occa-
sions, the people of Washington will have
opportunities to participate in the demon
STATIONS themselves. 1t Is to be hoped
| that large numbers will avail themselves of
these opportunities 1t is highly desirable
that in the public ceremonals and parades
the people of the capital should be largely
represented such, in addition to what
ever representation they may have the
committees.
Provision Is made for unique feature of
the escort on Tuesday of Admiral Dewey
to the Capitol to receive the sword voted by
Congress. In addition to the official party
in carriages this escort will consist ex-
clusiyely of mounted men, including gov
ernors of states, army and militia officers
and citizens of Washington. For represen-
tation in the last named class on this occa-
sion the first requisite is a handsome horse.
There are many fine saddle horses in this
city owned by representative citizens Of
Washington, which would add materially to
such a display. Doubtless the committee in
charge of this feature of the program would
welcome the proffer of services from those
who could thus swell the ranks. The re-
quirements as to dress are simple. There
will be no tawdry display. All will be In
keeping with the dignity of the occasion
The cavalcade will probably form of
the most striking spectacles ever witnessed
in this city. and it will rebound to the
credit of the capital if it be made a great
success largely through the cooperation OF
the riders of Washington.
Owing to the glare and noise of the illu-
limitations and the fireworks on Monday
night it is not desirable that very many
horses should be used in the parade on
that occasion. The greater part of the pro-
cession will be made up Of marching men
and bicyclists. 1t is anticipated that the
bicycle division will prove a notable addi-
ton to the affair. There are unlimited OPP
portunities for display and decoration.
Each rider will be expected to carry at
least one light and with many hundred
wheels in line in good order the spectacle
of the avenue while this division is pass
ing will be magnificent beyond description.
There are many thousands of wheels in
use in Washington. Their numbers have
been estimated as far above fifty thousand.
With a trifiing expense any one of this
army of wheel users could become an item
in the parade in honor of the admiral
Groups could readily form combinations to
present unique effects in illumination If
the matter were taken up vigorously in
season squads could be drilled to carry
their lights and move their wheels in such
a manner as to mark out in fire the name
of the returning hero or some appropriate
device suggested by the occasion. There is
practically limit to the decorative use
which wheel, a good rider and little
illumination will combine to permit in such
a connection. The bicycle parade might
easily be made sensationally successful
a feature of the demonstration as to be
pronounced the most pleasing item in the
whole affair.
There is a certain pleasure in personally
participating in any great enterprise, which
is quite apart from that of merely viewing
the participation of others. There Is the
inspiration of individuality contributing to
the spirit of the occasion. 1t is fortunate
that the plan and scope of this celebration
are such as to permit of an unusually
broad opportunity to the citizens without
regard to official position or membership IN
some particular organization.