Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-08-20

spectacle for the vast crowds of PEG
pie who packed the streets and every
point OF vantage along the line of
march. 1t was certainly one of the
nnest displays ever seen here. The
utmost enthusiasm prevailed among
the spectators.
Prominent Men in Line.
Sharp upon the appointed hour the
Dugle gave the signal to advance, and
the military, naval and civic organiza-
tons with Grand Marshal Colonel J.
u. Fuller in the lead, wheeled into
line at their appointed positions with
out the slightest disorder.
Among the dignitaries who rode in
the carriages following the federal
and state troops were Governor Par
dee, Generals Macarthur, Shafter and
Stewart and Mayor Schmitz. In Van
ness avenue the parade passed in re-
view before George Stone, chairman
of the executive committee of the ma
.tional encampment of the Grand Ar
my of the Republic.
Black the Favorite.
Sentim ent among all the prominent
delegations of Grand Army men here
is SO unanimously in favor of General
Black of Chicago for commander in
chief that his election is regarded as
assured on the first ballot.
AS it stands now there seems to be
little chance of any competitor in the
field. Certain influences here are work
ing for General Miles, and if he should
gain strength they might be able to
pass resolution censuring the admin
istration for it's treatment of Miles.
Gen. Miles himself has declared that
he will not oppose Black, but his
friends say that it will not be difficult
to persuade him to enter the contest.
Texas Delegates Divided.
In the department of Texas consid-
cradle ill feeling has been aroused ov-
er Gen. Miles. Some of the posts ia
vor him, but greater number favor
Black. Joseph A. Mower post passed
resolutions criticising President Roose-
welt for snubbing Miles and urging the
department commander and the dele
gates to the encampment to support
Miles.
Department Commander Bolton of
Texas is indignant over the action of
Mower post, and said: at is amazing
that Mower post, the smallest in the
department, having only ten members,
should arrogate to itself the right to
dictate to the department commander
and delegates how to vote. While we
admire Gen. Miles we cannot do other
wise than vote for Gen. Black"
Many Called On Gen. Miles.
Gen. Miles was busy all day greet
ing the hundreds of comrades who
called to see him. The general view
expressed by the majority of those
who saw him was that he looked ex-
ceedingly well and surprisingly
young.
Gen. Miles reiterates the statement
that he is not candidate for COM
mander in chief and says he will not
oppose Gen. Black in any way.
Gen. Black was likewise the cen
ter of enthusiastic groups of admir-
ers, who called at the headquarters
to congratulate him on the strength
of the sentiment in his favor.
Contest for Next Meeting.
The choice Of the next meeting
place seems next to the choice of the
commander to be the absorbing topic
ST. Louis and Salt Lake are the
chief competitors of Denver. All
three cities are making strong fights
but talks with many delegates indi-
Gates that st. Louis stands good
chance of capturing the prize.
Black, Then Miles.
It may be set down as certainty
that General John c. Black of Illinois
will succeed General Stewart as COM
mander in chief Of the Grand Army of
the Republic. All opposition to Black
has vanished with the announcement
by Lieutenant General Miles that he
will not oppose the Illinoisan's cleo
ton. "Black by reclamation" is ex-
pected and the same compliment for
Miles in 1904 is anticipated.
pIJpv MIME mi SloEpIA