The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-10-10

washington, october THE veterans
of the Grand Army of the Republic and
their friends were entertained today
by parade given in honor of the naval
veterans and by a number of reunions
held in the big assembly tents at Camp
Roosevelt. The attendance has steadi-
ly increased during the day, and tonight
the city is crowded as it has been only
on very rare occasions.
The naval parade of the forenoon was
not as large as many that have been
seen in Washington, but it was in every
way interesting. The veterans of the
navy, each appeared to be an embodi-
ment of much of the nations recent his
tory, and every squad of them was an
object of interested observation. They
were generally old men and many bore
evidences of wounds received in battle
In striking contrast to them, We're the
young men of all the branches of the
present service, who marched with
them. They included Representatives of
both the land and naval forces and elic-
tied much favorable comment for their
fine appearance as men, as they did for
their excellent discipline.
The parade was reviewed from the
stand in front of the White House oy
Admiral Dewey and commander-in-
chief, Torrance. With them were Sec
retaries Moody and Root, Admiral Tay-
lor and most Of the members of the dip
lomatlc corps now in the city. Admiral
Dewey was in full uniform and was ac-
companied by two aides.
All day long a constant stream of
visitors and veterans moved by the
temporary White House and looked up
at the window of the room on the sec
Ond floor which is occupied by the pres
ident. At times several hundred people
were collected on the side walk opposite.
Many of the veterans ascended the steps
and inquired concerning the presidents
condition.
During the day the Sons of Veterans
began their encampment. A monument
to the late General Horatio G. Wright,
one time commander of the Sixth Army
corps, was unveiled at Arlington.
During the day there were a number
of reunions of regiments, divisions,
corps and armies. All of them were
held in the large tents at Camp Roose-
welt. The tent which has been given
the name Of General Phillip Sheridan
was crowded during the afternoon
The principal speakers were Secretary
Root, Governor Bliss, of Michigan;
General J. H. Wilson and Captain Will
liam Potter, of the Ninth Pennsylvania
cavalry, president OF the SOlQleTS anu
sailors rights league.
Governor Bliss spoke of his recent ap-
pointment to the senate of eX-Secretary
Alger saying that it was vindication
Of an ex-soldier who had been much viii
lifted.
General Wilson referred to the propo-
sal to erect a monument to General
Robert E. Lee, saying that our monu-
mentS should be to men who had as
sisted in keeping the flag flying and not
to those who would have pulled 1t down,
If they could have done so. Captain
Potter endorsed General Wilson's senti-
ments. He said he had been present
when Joe Johnston surrendered to Cen
eral Sherman and then had heard Gener
al Wade Hampton, in command of the
would lead the cavalry to Mexico before
it should capitulate. 'Our SOIL" said
the speaker, ''is too pure to be used for
the erection of a monument to any
rebel.
Speeches were made at both the fourth
army corps and Spanish veterans re-
unions by General Jacob H. Smith and
General o. 0. Howard. General Smith
declared that the success of our arms
in Cuba and the Philippines had been
largely due to the influence Of the vet
erans Of 1861, and was greatly applaud
ed. General Howard spoke Of visiting,
during the Spanish war, the camps in
our own southern states and he said
the effect Of the second war had been
largely to obliterate the traces of the
old war.