Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-04
G, A. R. VETERANS
Flocking Into Philadelphia for
Annual Encampment.
City Gaily Decorated -President Will
Attend, tuesday and Wednesday.
North Atlantic Squadron Arrives Thousands
Of Veterans En- Route.

Philadelphia, Sept. 3.-The 35rd Ma
tional encampment of the Grand Army
of the Republic will begin here, tomor-
row. The vanguard of the veterans
has already reached this city and
found the people with outstretched
arms of welcome. Never again, per-
haps. will Philadelphia be the scene of
a national cncampment. OF the valiant
men who defended the cause of the
Union, there remains but a remnant,
and with the depletion of the ranks
the welcome is the more heartfelt and
enthusiastic
The city is crowded with strangers
while the incoming trains from all sec
tions are bringing in thousands upon
thousands to help swell the throng.
In anticipation of the coming of the
host of visitors and in recognition of
the patriotism of the veterans who
freely offered their lives in the defence
of the Union. Mayor Ashbridge issued
a proclamation in which he recon-
mended the events to the loyal and
patriotic interest of the people urg-
ing the decoration of stores and dwell
ings in every street in the city.
The city has borne its share of the
work and the citizens of Philadelphia
by contributions of cash and in well
coming banners. have shown their in
terest in the reunion.
A feature of the encampment not to
be overlooked is the gathering of vari-
Gus organizations of patriotic women,
closely allied to the G. A. r. The Ma
tional Association of Army Nurses of
the Civil War will meet and elect Off
GERS, and the ladies of the G. a. +.
will take similar action.
The naval veterans will enjoy the
distinction of giving the first street
parade during the encampment.
Theirs will take place, tomorrow af-
ternoon, and will be a unique feature
of the demonstration. The old salts
who fought under Farragut will tramp
shoulder to shoulder with the younger
veterans of the Spanish
war.
Next Friday, the naval parade will
take place. Admiral SIMPSONS fleet
will be anchored in the Delaware river
opposite the city and a long line of
vessels will pass around the fighting
ships. President Mckinley and cabi
net officers will review the Warshps
from the revenue cutter Gresham.
Members of the commission of the
Imperial Russian navy stationed
experimenting the building of a bat
tleship and a cruiser will participate
in the naval pageant.
Elaborate preparations have been made
for the entertainment Of President ana
Mrs. Mckinley. The front rooms of an
entire floor have been set apart for their
accommodation at the Hotel Walton and
nothing has been left undOne that will
add to their comfort.
The President will take part in the big
reception at the Academy Of Music, Tues
day evening. and after reviewing the big
parade will he entertained at lunch in
City hall
Although this was Sunday, the entirH
day was given to sightseeing by the cItI
zens and visitors There were three great
centers Of interest to which people tocked
by the tens Of thousands TIE greatest
crowd was gathered along the Delaware
river front to watch the arrival of the
warShipS.
The North Atlantic squadron composed
of the flagship New York, cruiser Brook
Ign. battleshipS Indiana. Massachusetts,
and Texas, under command of Rear Al.
miral Sampson. arrived off the center of
the city. at 40 this afternoon.
From Chester to this city, a distance OF
II miles, the fleet was rendered almost
continuous ovation. The squadron pre-
scented magnificent appearance as il
slowly steamed up the river
Neither Admiral Sampson nor any IF
the other officers of the fleet came ashore,
today.
Next in interest to the arrival of the
fleet was the tented city in Paramount
park. There are over 1900 tents erected or
the slope at that place ana will accOmmo-
date over 10000 veterans. The camp is
conducted strictly according to military
rules. reveillc and taps being sounded for
the veterans just as they We're in tho
early COS. A full regiment of Sons Of
Veterans is constantly on duty. The camp
is only partially filed up but by tomOr-
row night there will he little if any room
left.
With the exception Of the Centennial! IN
1876 which was held near the site Of the
camp. a larger crowd never visited ina
part of the great pleasure ground. From
early morning to late this evening.
crowds wendell their way to the Big
camp. The Avenue of Fame also had
its quota of the crowds. Being located in
the center Of the city. 1t was densely