New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-05-31
CHEE'RED BY THOUSANDS.
THE PRESIDENTS WORDS EVOKE GREAT
ENTHUSIASM-MEMO DAY
AT THE CAPITAL.
IRY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

IBY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNEl
Washington May 30-The Memorial Day cee-
bration at the national capital was in every
way memorable marked as it was by more
general participation than usual In the services
at the tombs of soldiers and sailors which are
more numerous here than anywhere else in the
country. and by the inspiring Grafton of Presi-
dent Roosevelt at the nations great cemetery
on the Virginia hills just across the Potomac,
More lavish display of the flag throughout the
city than to-day has never been known. The
monuments in all the parks and at all the in
tersectons of the avenues were draped, and
many including those Of Lafayette and Ro
chambeau, were half hidden with floral offerings
Veterans of the Civil and Spanish wars. the
former in thinner ranks than heretofore, and
contrasting pathetically with those who re-
sponded the call of four years ago, marched
up Pennsylvania ave. past the scene of their
historic homecoming reviews and proceeded to
the various cemeteries. Many went to the SOL
diers' home and the battle-ground cemetery,
but the greatest number to Arlington, where
nearly thirty thousand persons gathered TO hear
the President and the commander in chief Of the
Grand Army of the Republic At the gates of
Arlington a national salute fired by the
4th Artillery as the procession entered and
marched to the tomb of the III unknown dead,
where, after impressive services, loose flowers
and a small American flag were placed each
Of the thousands of graves, including those OF
the Names dead, of the Confederates who lie
in one section and of those recently brought
from the Philippines.
While the decoration in progress a vast
crowd gathered in and about the amphitheatre.
where President Roosevelt arrived at l o'clock,
escorted by the general and staff Of the District
Militia. His appearance on the platform was
the signal for a great outburst of applause,
which continued for some time after he had
taken a seat. He accompanied by Secretary
Corteiyou, Secretary Root Postmaster General
Payne Commander Cowles Miss Alice ROose-
welt Miss Carow. and his children. Ethel and
Kermit. Behind the Presidents party sat Gen
eral and Mrs. Corbin, Senator and Mrs Hawley,
Senator and Mrs. Cullom, Representatives Lacey
and Butler and General Terrence commander
in chief OF the Grand Army of the Republic.
After prayers and hymn. and the reading of
Lineoln's Gettysburg address, the first Grafton
OF President of the United States at Arlington
was delivered. His predecessors had frequently
attended the ceremonies at this spot, Mckinley
an address, The scene was exceedingly pictur-
esque The amphitheatre was crowded with old
soldiers, and the rolling hills far the eye
could reach were thickly covered with people,
many of them beyond shot but attentive.
The President frequently interrupted with
apprecative demonstrations, and when he closed
there was prolonged applause. AS he took his
seat some in the crowd cried out, Three
cheers for brave President" whereupOn
mighty shout went up from the threats Of the
thousands who had crowded into every available
space 10 hear him.