The Washington weekly post., 1899-10-17

up face to face with the present, and in
commemorating them Alexandra has add
ed another chapter to her eventful his
tory. The spectacle which the city pre-
sented yesterday has never had parallel
since its foundations were laid, and the
success which attended the undertaking
is a monument TO the energy, enterprise
and capabilities of the citizens who have
been tireless in their efforts to bring
about the celebration.
With the firing Of the national salute
from the gunboats which lay at anchor in
her harbor, with brilliant pageants by
day and by night. with concerts, banquets.
gorgeous decorations and general rejoic-
ing and merriment was the both anniver-
sary of the founding of the present city
of Alexandria cOmmemorated. When il
was all over no one was sorry that the
task, great though il was, had been un-
dertaken, for in the hearts of all there
is the conviction that il marks the be-
ginning of new period of growth pros
perity and development for the city 1t
was for this reason, and in reverence Of
the past, and in memory of the men aid
events which have made it historic, that
the celebration was planned.
Perfect Day.
The day dawned with lowering clouds
and prospects for unfavorable weather.
which caused the hearts of those who had
labored so diligently 10 bring success 20
sink, but as the morning hours passed.
the sun penetrated the yapors and ap-
peared with shining face in all his glory.
Hope then grew into the realization of an
ideal day for the festivities. Nature
seemed 10 partake of the inspiration
which filled the heart of every Alexan-
drian. The autumnal breezes futtered the
myriads of hags and banners bedecking al
most every structure in the town and
floating from many a housetop. above
the heads of the throngs which lined The
streets.
The sights and scenes OF the sesaui-
centennial were impressive. King street.
frcm the wharf to the utmost limits of
the city, stretching out in one long, un-
broken thoroughfare, was a continuous
line of streaming banners, flags, and
bunting. The decorations were elaborate
not business house that did not vie with
It's neighbor 10 present the most attrac-
tive appearance. Not alone on King
street, the main avenue of activity, but
throughout the entire town, there were
artistic decorations clothing old Alexan-
drIa in a gGTb OF rare beauty. The spirit
of enthusiasm and good cheer was ey-
eTyWhere prevalent. IL was exhibited in
the tremendous outpOurlng of the citizens
10 participate in the festivities, in their
efforts 10 make the city beautiful. in their
expenditures to entertain the multitude
OF visitors from neighbOring cities and
towns. and in general 10 add TO the pleas
Cres of the day.
For weeks past a committee OF the lead
ing citizens Of the town had been bend
ing their utmost entrgies 10 promote the
celebration; they were Unsparing in the
expenditure OF their time and money TO
Hake the occasion one worthy OF the 10th
al niyersary of the citys natal day. The
result OF the undertaking was an ample
reward for their exhaustive labors Moth
ing that could have been done was for
gotten. The celebration was a testimonial
10 the enterprise and thrift of the peO-
pie OF this famous old Virginia town
il exhibited 70 those unacqUainted with
the conditions the fact that Alexandria
does not rely alone Tpon her history and
the monuments TO past events which il
contains foT Ler distinction. but showed
that she is likewise deserving OF credit
for What she is doing to-day 10 add to
the wealth and prosperity OF the country.
Thousands OF visitors from all portions
OF the Old Dominion. from Mary and and
the District were witnesses 10 he brill
liant pageants OF the afternoon and the
spectacular parade in the evening. Ii has
been many years since upon a single day
the city has had within her gates such
a vast assemblage OF visitors. yet all
were entertained with that idead hosrI-
telily for which her citizens are Justly
famed.
From Washington the electric trains
and ferryboats transported thousands
Trainloads also came from Baltimore 10
attend the sesqui-centeAnial VI tbs city