The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-11-27
SENTIMENT FOR ABlG PARADE
In Connection with the Proposed Pa.
triotic Ceremonies is Becoming
Quite General.
THE LADIES ENTHUSIASTIC
In Arranging for 1ntslligsnCsr Dod-
bridge Sword Fund Benefit
Entertainment.

The coming of Admiral Dewey on
washlngton's Birthday continues the
principal topic of conversation about
the city. and the interest is extending
to the surrounding country over a hum
dred miles radius. The Wheeling Pas
senger Committee is to meet soon and
discuss the matter Of railroad rates. 1t
is assured that at least one fare rate
for the round trip will be made. and
possibly one lower than this. A rail
road man estimated Saturday that 1OO.-
900 people would come to the city to see
Dewey, and said that 1t would be nee
essary for the railroads to make extra
ordinary preparations for the transpor-
tation Of so many people. Nest of
these visitors, Of course. would leave
the same night, SO their lodgLng-a
problem that could not be solved, prob
abIy-wlIl not have to be considered.
The serving of meals for so many peo-
pie will, in itself, be an undertaking of
tremendous proportions, and In this the
church organizations would do we'll to
follow the example already set by the
ladies of the First Presbyterian church,
who have announced that they will
serve meals in some building on Main
street. There cannot be too many such
undertake SIS II the number of visitors
approaches half the estimate made by
the railroad man quoted,
Although the Fort Henry tablet com
mIttee has not yet taken up the matte
OF preparing the programme for the
occasion, there is already demand on
the part Of the secret society people
that there shall be included monster
street parade. either before or after the
tablet setting and sword presentation,
and to be reviewed by Admiral Dewey
and any other distinguished visitors
who may be present. The IntellIgencer
was informed last night that members
of the Wheeling Immunes and OF the
First and Second West Virginia regl-
ments, which served in the late war,
would be very glad to receive invita-
lions to participate, and 1t is thought
the West Virginia National Guard COM
panles from wellsburg, Moundsvllle,
Parkersburg, F'alrmont and other towns
would take part. If an effort is made
along this line the greatest spectacular
affair Wheeling has ever known could
be realized.
Admiral Dewey presented to the In
telligencer representative the original
manuscript. in his own handwriting, of
the speech of thanks to the delegation
from this city which visited him last
week. The manuscript has been neatly
framed. and is now on exhibition in
Grubb's display window. where 1t has
attracted general interest.
on Saturday afternoon very enthu-
slastlc meeting Of the committee Of
ladies' in charge of the Intelllgencer
Doddridge Sword Fund benefit enter
tainment was held at 1. o. o. F. hall,
when the programme Of the concert was
partially outlined. 1t was decided to
hold the concert during the third week
Of December. 1t is known that the pro-
gramme will be of such attractIveness
that 1t will be well worth witnessing in
Itself, aside from the object It has IN
vlew-adding to the fund being raised
by the Intelligencer with which to pur-
chase a sword to be presented to the
only Wheeling boy who fought with Ad
mIraI Dewey at the battle Of Manila
Bay.
While the Wheeling committee was in
Washington Thursday, Senator SCOTS
private secretary. Mr.. John F. Steele,
was seen with reference to interviewing
the navy department officials relative
to receiving assurances that Lieutenant
Doddridge would be retained on Allan
tic coast duty until after February %,
and that he would be given leave TO at
tend the ceremonies here on tina. day.
Mr.. Steele promised to see Senator Ell
kIns' secretary. and that they would
wait on Secretary OF the Navy Long
for the purpose Indicated. Doubtless
they will experience no difficulties in
securing the assurances desired.
The Doddridge sword fund Is growing
steadily though rather slowly. Persons
desiring to contribute-no matter how
small the summary leave their dona-
tons at the Intelligencer counting
rooms, or mail to the IntellIgencer Pub
fishing Company. All contributions
will be acknowledged through these
columns Immediately upon their re-