New-York tribune., 1901-05-31
OBsERvANCEs AT WASHINGTON.
GRAVES AT ARLINGTON AND OTHER GENIE
TERIES DECORATED.

Washington. May S6-MemoriaI Day was observed
in Washington with the usual ceremonies. The
weather which has been stormy for the last week.
was delightful and the exercises the cemeteries
where soldiers buried were largely attended.
Not only there many contributions of flowers
and greens from individuals for the purpose of
decorating the graves of the soldier dead, but the
resources of the National Government were added
to these and all Of the rich spring blooms of the
botanical gardens. the parks and the other govern
nent Conservatives were freely placed at the dis
posal of the decorating committees. The public
monuments about the city, most Of them statues of
heroes of the Civil War, were handsomely draped
with a combination OF the national colcrs and
mourning. The colors few at halfmast from the
executive buildings and from many private flag
staffs.
The Grand Army OF the Republic through its
local posts. in general charge of the cere-
monies. and while conscientious distribution was
made of the forces Of this organization among
the various cemeteries. Arlington as usual, was
the point of central interest. Israel W. Stone the
department commander was in charge here, and
the ceremonies We're interesting and affecting The
veterans had their usual short parade before taking
the electric for Arlington. Arriving Airing
ton. the procession formed at the principal gate
way, while the 4th Artillery fired the national
Lutte The posts marched directly TO the soldiers
graves. going first TO the tomb of the unknown
dead. where the band played a dirge and special
committees composed Of delegates from the Sons Of
Veterans Union Veteran Legion. Spanish War Vet
Grams and women's auXiliaries decorated the tomb
with flowers. The graves OF the known dead were
strewn with beautiful garlands. and the ceremonies
then began at the amphtheatre. There music
by the Marine Band and a special memorial choir.
Commander Stone called the assemblage order.
and Department Chaplain Stevens offered prayer.
Colonel John A Joyce recited a poem, Beyond
the Gates Of Paradise" and Colonel Carroll D.
Wright. Commissioner of labor delivered the
ton of the day. Miss Eta Stone read Lincolns
Gettysburg address. and James A. Frear of Hud-
son. Wis, delivered address entitled "A Heri-
tage"
Although on a less elabora,e scale, impressive
and beautiful exercises conducted other
cerneter in this neighbOrhood where soldiers
buried. This particularly of the Soldiers
Home cemetery where the governor of the home,
Acknowledgment George d. Ruggles, delivered the
principal address
At the Congressional Cemetery. Farragut Post
conducted the exercises. and the Rev. Page Milburn
delivered the OratiOn. There were also
ceremonies at Glenwood. Prospect Hill St Mary's
Oak ifill. Rock Creek. Mount Olivet and Holy Rood
cemeteries. as well at St. EliZabeths and Fort
Stevens Al the last named place Assistant Secre-
r7ry Brigham and General Thomas II Vincent
were the orators Members of the Grand Army
I from Washington also paid special visits to the
battefelds of Fredericksburg and Culpeper and
i.lTeld exercises there.