Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-08-30
THE C. A. R. REUNION.
Patriotic and Sacred Song Service
at Coliseum Last Night.
VETERANS 1ENTIyC IN LINCOLN PARK


Chicago, Aug. 27.-Despite a rain,
which fell at times with the energy OF
q stream from a garden hose and de-
generated periodically into a cold,
soaking drizzle, the grand patriotic
and sacred song service at the Coli
scum last night was attended by a
throng which taxed the capacity OF
the immense building to the utmost.
After musical selection had been
rendered by the band the vast audi
ence Joined in the Lords prayer, be-
ing led by Rev. Frank Gunsaulus, OF
Chicago, and then Bishop Fallows ex-
tended warm and eloquent welcome
to the visiting veterans. A respon-
sive reading was led by Rev. j. D. Sew
eringhaus, Of Chicago, and Bishop Fal-
lows then introduced Commander-in-
Chief Shaw, who spoke at some length
upon "True Patriotism" He dwelt
upon the services which had been rem
dered to this nation in particular and
to the world at large by the members
OF the Grand Army, and pointed out
the need of training the coming gen.
erations in the duties which patriot
ism demands Of the nations citizens.
Rev. +. G. Hirsch delivered patriot
ic address, and Rev. r. D. Wallace pro-
nounced the benediction. Between
the address musical numbers were
given by the band Of 100 pieces and
vocal selections were given by soloists,
quartettes and the chorus, all of them
applauded frantically by the audience,
which was in an intensely patriotic
frame of mind.
During the afternoon a service for
Children was given at the Coliseum,
which was attended by fully 10000
people. Addresses were made by Com
mander-in-Chief Shaw, Bishop Fallows
and Rev. D. W. Arnet, Of WILDER
force, 0.
Veterans and visitors to the en-
campment came in by the thousands
yesterday, every incoming passenger
train being packed to the doors.
Railroad officials estimated that fully
$4,000 people arrived during the day,
of which number $4,000 were mem
bers of the G. A. II. Forty-hye thou
sand strangers had arrived previously,
over 1900 Of whom were veterans,
n total of $4,000 already in the city
and reports from the railroads and
from G. A. II. headquarters indicate
that to-day's arrivals will swell the
number to record-breaking total
Reception committees were at all the
railroad stations to direct the veterans
to their hotels and lodging houses
They were "tentng on the old camp
grounds in Lincoln park last night.
In spite of the steady DRILLING rain
and the water-soakcd ground the
pale light of lanterns glimmered
Through the walls of white tents
along the lake shore drive and
group of old soldiers sat under shel.
ter tent around ruddy camp fire. and
sang Marching Through Georgia"
and told stories of the fighting for
the union.
Seventy members Of the Allegheny
City post, No, lss, arrived in Chicago
yesterday and marched to Lincoln
park, where, in the midst of a heavy
downpour from the gray skies, they
went into camp. With them were
large number Of veterans from Penn
sylvania and other eastern states, to-
gether with many friends of the old
soldiers. The entire body, numbering
400, took up quarters In the IS tents
that have been pitched in sight of the
lake at the southern end Of the park,
Unless the unexpected happens, 1t
is probable that Maj. Leo Raisseur, OF
St. Louis, will be elected commander
in-chief of the Grand Army of the
Republic for the coming year at the
business session Wednesday, Gen.
John c. Black, Of Illinois, who had
been prominently mentioned for the
Office and who, although he had made
no canvass, had developed consider
able strength among the veterans of
the western and northwestern states,
declined to be q candidate This APP
parenty leaves Il clear field for Maj,
Raisseur, as no other name has so
far been mentioned by the veterans
already in the city and Indications
point to his unanimous selection at
Wednesdays business meeting.
The programme for to-day includes
the dedication of the naval arch in
Michigan avenue at nine a. M, the
parade of the naval veterans, parade
Of government vessels and private
yachts on Lake Michigan, the course
being from opposite the lake front
park to off the center of Lincoln park,
distance by water Of about three
miles, a naval battle off Lincoln park,
and in the evening the meeting of
the Society of Prisoners 81 War will
be held in the Coliseum.
It is expected that about 1000 of
the naval veterans will be in line for
their parade, which is to start at 1O.3O
a. IN. They will be escorted by the
veterans of the Spanish-Ainerican
a. AZ "a