The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-09
This Mark of Interest on the Part OF
the Executive Is Very Much Appre-
eiatcd by the Old Soldiers.
SCENES IN THE PROCESSION
DISPLAYS AND INSIGNIA CARRIED
BY THE MARCHERS.
Campfres I'm the Evening-NavaI Vet
erans Elect Omcers-Other Fea-
lures OF the Encampment.

WASHINGTON, Oct S.-For more than
six hours to-day the people in Washing
ton hummed the chorus of the civil war
song, Tramp, Tramp. the Boys Are March
Ing" and for an equal time the veterans
constituting the Grand Army of the Re
public made good the claim. The parade
was the climax OF the thirty-sixth encamp-
ment OF their order. The occasion was in
every way worthy OF the Grand Army, and
the parade did not fail appropriately TO de-
lineate the spirit OF the war and the men,
ory of glorious achievements the army
seeks 70 keep green in the minds of the
American people.
Beginning at a few minutes past 10
o'clock, when the head of the column
moved from its station at the Capitol. it
was almost 5 o'clock when the last squad
in the line had passed the place of dis
Andment west of the White House None
OF the soldiers was marching any great part
of the time, for the entire line of march
did not exceed two and a half miles in
length. but those who composed the rear
detachments were on their feet practically
all day. much of the time being consumed
in waiting to take their places i'm the line.
The route of the parade was up historic
Pennsylvania avenue, along which many
of them marched as raw recruits in going
to the war in 1861 and 1862, and many others
on the occasion of the grand review after
the close of the war in 1866. The partici-
pants in the imposing pageant entered with
life and vigor into the spirit OF the oc-
casion. Each countenance bore evidence
OF the Joy ard the experience brought to
the individual, but il was plainly evident
that there was in the occasion much of the
restoration of youth for most of them.
The 'old boys" for the time being evidently
were reliving the days of their youth. Not
many Of them exhibited traces of age in
their marching. Almost without exception
they walked along with alacrity and kept
step with precision.
If the veterans had needed any spur to
their enjoyment they would have found II
easily in the crowds that thronged their
pathway and in the smile which Providence
bestowed upon them, for the weather was
perfect
The spectators were limited in NUMBERS
only by the capacity OF the broad side
walks. the stands, the parks, the windows
and the house tops along the line of march
to hold them. The government depart
ments and the schools were closed for the
day. and practically the entire population
of Washington turned out to do honor to
the veterans, along with the hundred thou
sand visitors to the city. The crowd was
enthusiastic and outspoken In admiration,
greeting every division of the procession
with cheers and dismissing 1t with a God
speed" that had in it both praise and feel
ing.
The President of the United States also
lent his energies to the entertainment of
the capitals guests. Unable to endure the
strain of reviewing the column from a
stand. he rose from his reclining chair and
had himself driven up and down the line
The unusual interest thus manifested was
appreciated by the old soldiers, and the
President was everywhere received by them
with loud applause.
More than fve hours time was con-
sumed by the procession in passing the re-
viewing stand In front of the White House.
There were at least $500 men in line, and
the estimate OF Commander-in-chief Tor
rance ran as high as 10000 men.
Tonight the veterans held camp fires in
the big tents on the White Lot