Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-10-07
In Connection With the
G. A. R. Encampment
at Capital.
AN IMMENSE CROWD
Thousands View the
Column as 1t Moves
Through Streets.

Washington, Oct. The bright
sunshine which ushered in the open
ing of the G. \. r. encampment yes
terday was succeeded today by
cloudy weather. But the change had
no effect on the spirits of the vast
crowd, which early swarmed into the
banner-decked streets and hurried to
PENNSYLVANIA avenue to take their
places for the big naval parade,
which was 10 be the big event of the
morning. Before 9 the roped-off side
walks were packed with blue-cOated
veterans and other visitors. while the
air was filled with the blare of bands
and the steady tramp of uniformed
soldiers, sailors and marines march
ing to their allotted places in the
line.
Great Number of Visitors
1t was estimated that over 100000
visitors were in the city. The parade
was under command of Gen. Hey
wood. commandant of the marine
corps, as marshal of the day, and
consisted of all the regular troops
located in and about Washington,
marines and jackies from the war
ships, the District of Columbia Ma
tional Guard, Spanish war veterans,
Sons of Veterans. High School ca
dets and the Association of EX-Pris
oners of War, acting as escorts for
the naval veterans.
Progress of Column.
The column started at 10 and
marched through the densely packed
Of II
most continuous cheers to the re-
viewing stand opposite the White
House, where the escorting bodies
halted and formed to review the ma
val veterans, which filed past and dis
banded near the state, war and navy
building
The Opening Day.
Washington. Oct. THE ceremonies
incident to the beginning of the thirty
sixth encampment of the Grand Army
of the Republic, which commenced
here yesterday, were varied in char
acter and mostly only semi-official
The only formal proceeding of the day
was the dedication of Camp Roosevelt,
the tent city on the White House
grounds which will be the headquar-
lcIS VI lllc ScNCIdl COTDS
during the week. The ceremonies
there consisted of number of ad-
dresses by men of national reputation
the chief speech being delivered by
Secretary Hay. For the rest the old
soldiers busted themselves largely in
renewing the acquaintances of forty
years ago and in manifesting their ap-
probation of the welcome extended to
them by the capital city.
Leading Outside Events
OF this welcome they found generous
evidence on every hand. The events
of the day outside the dedication cere-
monies at Camp Roosevelt included a
fine regatta on the Potomac. an attrac-
tive automobile parade. an interesting
procession by the Red Men of this city
and neighbOring cities, and campfires
in the evening. Commander-in-Chief
Torrance and his staff kept open house
all day at the Ebbitt House and re-
ceived many hundreds of callers
Many train loads of people have ar
rived, and it is now quite certain that
the anticipations of an exceptionally
large attendance will be realized.
Dedication of Camp Roosevelt.
Camp Roosevelt is on the White Lot
just west of the White House, and be-
tween that and the Washington
monument. 1t is a beautiful green
sward, located near the heart of the
city, and also is otherwise well adapted
to the purpose to which it is to be put
The dedication ceremonies We're pre-
sided over by the Hon. B. II. Warner
chairman of the citizens committee of
the District of Columbia, and We're
largely attended by the veterans and
by citizens of Washington, including
both ladies and gentlemen. The pro-
ceedings were bgun promptly at 4 80 p.
m. Colonel John McElroy, chairman of
the reunion committee, who called the
meeting to order and summoned War
ner to the stand
PROGRAMME OF THE DEDICATION