The National tribune., 1902-10-09
CAMP ROOSEVELT.
Mondays Imposing Dedication Cere-
monies.

Under the bright skies of an ideal Octo-
Der day, faint breezes bringing the brisk
aroma and ozone of far-away forests and
the long rays of Il setting sun adding a
CLINT of softening rich color, came the
formal opening of the Washington En-
campment. South of the White House
stretches vast park to the snowy spire
of the Washington Monument, with an
elliptical speedway describing mighty
oval of yerdant green in its midst. In and
about this oval lies the city of white cam
vas, Camp Roosevelt, acres upon acres of
tents, and in its center was erected tenn
porary stand for the ceremonies, with
thousands of seats grouped about it. The
only decorations We're the flag. The as
semblage of comrades was enormous and
enthusiastic.
AT 4:30 assembly was sounded and the
Chaplain, the Rev. w. G. Davenport, pro-
nounced an invocation, followed by the
recital of the Lords Prayer by the multi
tude. Then the fine Fort Myer Band rem
dered medley of airs and the business
of the day began.
Commissioners of the District of Colum-
bia, was introduced by b. H. Warner,
Master Of Ceremonies, and welcomed the
Grand Army in the name of the city of
Washington and in the name of the
younger generation "who would learn of
you and of the statesmen and soldiers,
your comrades, who are here in spirit les
sens which we need for the Goth century"
He closed by introducing the speaker OF
the occasion, John Hay, once President
Lincoln's youthful Secretary, later the ad-
wiser of Mckinley and Roosevelt; "great
IN literature and greater in diplomacy, an
luxurious Secretary of State, whose Off
cial acts have blessed far-distant peoples
and made his name famous around the
world"
Secretary Hay spoke at length of the
great army which, its work done, "melted
away into the yaster body of the Nation,
as the foam-crested sunlit wave melts
back into the profound depths Of the ocean,
The great host of 1865 ceased to exist as
an armed force, but in every town and
hamlet of the land it lived as part Of the
body politic-a nucleus everywhere Of
courage, patriotism and self-sacrifice. This
was a new product the Republic might
proudly show the world, These be the
peaceable heroes l breed from great
wars"
Gen. Torrance was given rousing cheer
by the comrades, and spoke their appre-
citation Of their reception by Washington.
he was reminded by the setting sun that
while the day might close in this narrow
night in all of this Republic at the same
time. The sun shines bright on the Stars
and Stripes on the Pacific Coast when the
! folds of the beautiful banner are lighted
by the twinkling stars elsewhere"
The George Cook Zouave Drum Corps,
of Denver, 20 young men and boys dressed
| in bright Turkish uniforms. played a
spirited selection, and then Secretary
Moody. of the Navy. spoke In lieu Of Sec
| retary Root, unavoidably detained. Mr..
Moody voiced the part of the sailors in the
great war and told the influence which the
example Of Farragut's damn the tor
| pedOes-go ahead" exercised upon two of
his men, Clarke in his famous Oregon,
and Dewey at Manila. He expressed his
| regret that the great battleships of the
New Navy could not be brought to Wash
ington for the inspection of the veterans
| of the older organization which did its
glorious work in the rebellion, but 81 have
brought you the historic Hartford-now
engaged in the nnvy's noblest work; the
training of splendid young men for the
service"
! Secretaries Hay and Moody were
especially cordial in their welcome to the
comrades and there was no limit to the
good wishes they expressed for the sue
cess Of the Encampment.
Gov. Bliss. of Michigan. was introduced
by COmrade Warner as the man who was
instrumental in Gen. Alger's vindication, -
and he was received with hearty round
of applause. He said that he had come
as one of delegation of 1000 Michigan
men, and expressed his pleasure at meet
ing the Grand Army under such favorable
circumstances
Gen. Bingham greeted the Grand Army
in behalf of the comrades of Washington.
and then Col. John McElroy made the
concluding address, thanking the members
Of the Cabinet and the other officials of
the Government for the hearty support
and assistance they had given the En-
campment Committees, and assuring the
visitors that many Of the pleasant mem
cries which will attach to the Reunion
are due to the loyal cooperation given
the Grand Army by the Administration.
! As finale came an imposing ceremony.