The Washington times., 1902-10-07

|
brightly beneath a starry canopy OF
Old Glory at Convention Hall last night
when assembled, hosts of the Grand
Army held their big campfire and fought
once more in song and story the con-
| ilicts OF I'll.
| It was the first event OF the encamp-
ment, and in a tremendous burst oil
patriotism which shook the streamers OF
bunting hung in the lofty ceiling the
veterans testified their approval of the
scheme of reunion and indorsed it in
cheer after cheer of appreciation. Ma
tional pride and good fellowship ran
riot, seizing upon the mammoth audi
ence which filled the great nall to the
doors. and for nearly three hours sway
ing the boys in blue and their friends.
while impassioned orators from the line
and rank of the Federal army of forty
years ago recalled to them deeds of
valor, tales of hardship. and acts of
courage and heroism.
Among the military speakers-and all
of the speakers were military-was
Gen. Jake Smith. of Samar fame. who
told the grizzled warriors that war in
the Philippines is childs play compared
to the life on the firing line as it ex-
listed in the COS" This sentiment
caused cheering and shouting among the
veterans such as might have been heard
on the day Richmond fell.
When General Smith was introduced
by the chairman as "a great soldier
his popularity among the Union fight
ers was evinced at once. His ntroduc-
ton was the signal for continued ap-
plause. General Smith gave the boys
the kind of campfire talk that suited
them, and they were not backward in
expressing their approval.
Camp Fire Is Lighted.
When dusk fell at s o'clock, and the
camp fire was lighted, a distinguished
gathering of soldiers of the Northern
army was assembled on the bannered
platform. General Torrance, command
chief of the G. A. r, was the
guest of honor, while surrounding him
were others of the military class. and
many prominent citizens of Washington
whose efforts contributed to the success
of the encampment.
Convention Hall was a solid mass of
waving, fiuttering flags and banners.
The peaked roof was covered by cur
ain OF bunting. The rafters were hid
len under red. white, and blue stream
srs, while enormous American flags
clothed the walls. Smaller |
he national emblem greeted the eye in |
every direction. The speakers plat |
orm. arranged at the west side of the |
zig hall. was lavishly decorated Around |
III sides OF the room yNere the coats
If arms of TIE various States and Ter
itories of the Union. The shield of
iermont hung beside the State crest OF |
Georgia in harmony and peace.
The seating capacity of the audi
orium was taxed, and people stood in
he ais!es. Each conlrade about the |
amp fire was given a small American
ag. When these were simultaneously
iaved-and frequent occa sions were
iven for such demcnstrations-the ef-
eci vas unique.
Medley by Marine Band.
The program was begun by medley
f patriotic songs by the Marine Band
4 full dress uniform. The Assembly
'as then sounded, when the camp fire
'as called to order by Comrade S. e
aunce, past department commander. c.
. R.
Rev. Henry Couden. the blind chap
lin of the House, pronounced the in
Dcation. and the battle hymn of the
epublic was sung by trained octet,
} the accompaniment OF. the Maine
and. The octet was composed of the
flowing George H. Liilebridge. leader,
ella w. Beebe, David H. Clarke, Will
am d. Mcfarland, William E. G.. Pen
:, Charles f. Rice, DR.. Frederick X.
vett, DR.. Francis a. Woodman.
The impressive ceremony Of saluting
e flag, by a detachment of the OH
Continued on Fourth Page.)