Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1900-09-13

Battle-stained and battle-scarred,
tanned by the southern sun and fresh
from the fields of victory, 100000 yeter-
ans of the triumphant armies of Grant
and Sherman passed along Pennsylva-
MIA avenue in Washington May % and
"a. 1865, in the grand review which
marked the close of the long and tragic
civil war.
But the veterans were not exultant
They we're happy in their mighty victo-
RIGS Of arms, but happier in their
mighty victory of peace. With Lincoln
slain only month before, the tide OF
Joy was checked. 1t was a solemn oc-
casion, but its solmenity added to its
impressiveness. Curiously enough, it
was the first spectacle of the kind the
country had ever witnessed. rhe ma
ton had had its wars, but no pageant
had marked their successful termina-
ton. TIE flag had been planted upon
the heights of Mexico, and then the
various divisions Of the United States
army had gone home separately. AT
the close of the war of 1912 the con-
quering forces melted away and dis
dVDtdItu WlLuOub ulopidJs Jul IOlC-
fathers, after wrestling the colonies
from England's grasp, returned to their
farms with no greater ceremony than
Washington's farewell.
At the close of the long war OF the
rebellion, however, 1t was thought fit
ting that the defenders of the union
should pass in review before their vic
ANr nd nd no urafnfI1
people.
This was the first parade of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and al
though II was before the fraternity
wasformally organized by DR.. Stephen
son, it has always been considered the
first parade of the order. That was
thirty-five years ago, and before the
honored veterans respond to the last
muster may two-score years have
passed.
At the close of the civil war the two
great armies were in and near the cap
ital city. All of the soldiers compos-
ing them dwelt at the north, and
Washington was a better place than
any other for their dispersion. The
in which they had borne so brave a
part deserved commemoration. and out
of this sentiment grew the march
which is repeated yearly.
At the time OF the review the coun-
try In general, and the city of Wash
ington in particular, had just passed
through stirring scenes. The fall of
Richmond had been received there
with jubilant demonstrations, the de-
partment employees pouring out into
the streets to cheer and shout; the sur
render OF Lee had added to the general
rejoicing; the foul assassination of
President Lincoln had rudely checked
the tide of JOY, and feverish excitement
had taken the place of joyous congrat-
ulations. As the days wore on, how
ever, the public mind became calmer
and when the day of the parade ar
rived the wheels of government had
already recovered their equilibrium.
The interest In tho eview was intense.
Announcement by Secretary OF War
Stanton that the armies would be re-
viewed directed the tide OF travel to
Washington. Extra trains, carrying
double and treble the number usually
borne. arrived in quick succession at
the depot the steamers from AleXan-
dria and points along the river were
loaded down and the roads leading to
the city were thronged by country
people from far and near Day by day
the concourse swelled, until on the
night preceding the first days review
thousands were turned away from the
hotels and hundreds spent the night in
the open air.
Nor was their patience and patriotic
curiosity unrewarded. For six hours
Tuesday the bronzed heroes Of the
Army of the Potomac. marching
twenty abreast along the wide and
beautiful Pennsylvania avenue, poured
through the city $4,000 strong. The
scene was one 70 thrill the coolest
heart. while nature herself seemed 10
have eonspired TO make the day MEM
orable The trees which fyinged the
avenue with their verdure had been
washed in the rains of previous days.
and were brilliantly green; the sky
was exquisitely blue. with just enough
OF Nnlte nodtluG ciouus W uScpSh Tvs
loneliness; the air was fresh and balmy
and light breeze famed the guidons
and banners. As the rolling mass OF
cavalry, preceded by the conquering
generals. each surrounded by his nu-
merous and brilliant stan, swept past,
and the futtering of silken banners,
the PARKWAY CLEAN OF 10000 bright
bayonets rising and sinking in the I'M
dulations of the marching column. the
roll of the artillery. the swelling
strains OF exultant music, and the
shouts OF the throngs upon the pave
ments and housetops burst upon the
ear or startled the eye, the effect was
one which made an indelible impress
sion on the one who had the good for
tune TO be present.