The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1903-08-15
READY FOR
VETERANS
Many Granddaughter
Now at Frisco.
BIG ATTENDANCE Is EXPECTED
One of the Chief Features Will Be
the Monster Parade-Rich Deco
BIG ATTENDANCE IS EXPECTED


Visitors are pouring into San Francis
co by hundreds preliminary to the
opening Of the national encampment
or the Grand Army of the Republic
and the annual meetings of the Sew
eral affiliated organizations Veter-
ans who attended former national
seen a larger attendance prior to the
opening Of encampment week. All
railways have extra trains which are
heavily loaded Many of the big del
egatiOnS from the east and middle
west will not put in an appearance
until tomorrow. having stopped at
intermediate points for the purpose of
sightseeing. 1t is estimated, however
that nearly 10000 visitors are already
here, and throughout the day the Cal
ifornia posts have been busy escort
ing visiting comrades from the sta
tions to their headquarters.
The decorations may have been
richer in triumphal arches and other
designs at one or two other encamp-
ments, but at none was a city more
profusely or generally decorated
with American flags than is San
Francisco today. On every hand
may be seen a bewildering array Of
bunting. flags and streamers, until the
eye is stated with the varied display.
Not only are business streets and the
houses on the line Of parade decorat-
ed, but in all parts of the city. even
in the suburbs and across the bay,
may be seen beautiful evidence OF
the patriotism of the citizens.
The work of the committee in the
matter of illumination will attract
much attention. The most imposing
feature of the general design is the
great court of honor that has been
constructed at the intersection OF
Market and Kearney streets. Two
immense arches stretch from corner
to corner, intersecting each other
and crowned by dome composed OF
hundreds of electric globes and Amer
ican flags From the top Of the dome
to a central point are strings or
lights and from the bottom OF the
central circle immense lanterns are
SUSPENDED. The arches are covered
with plaster and ornamented with
figures. The entire scheme is IN
white. presenting a pretty appear
ance in the daytime and a blaze OF
brilliancy at night.
Among the veterans already on the
field warm discussion is heard re-
garding the contest for commander
in-chief. The fight is one of the most
spirited the organization has seen for
a number of years. The two leading
asnirants for the honor are General
John C. Black Of Illinois, who has the
solid support of the middle west,
and former Governor Bulkeley Of Con-
necticut In case Of deadlock be-
tween the supporters of the two lead
ers in the race it is possible that
dark horse may win.
The entire week will be given over
TO the business of the encampment
and the entertainment of the veter-
ans and their friends. One OF the
most distinctive features will be the
big parade. In ranks will be all
the veterans associations in con-
vention here. the Grand Army OF the
Republic, the Associated Veterans OF
rho Mexican War, Spanish-Amerlcan
War Veterans. National Associations
Of Civil War Musicians, Sons OF Vet
Grams and all kindred and auxiliary
societies of the Grand Army
This parade will take place Tues
day. It will form at Union Square
and march through the principal
streets of the city.
On the following day there will be
a procession of veterans alone. IN
the narade will march the forty-five
,1enartments of the Grand Army in
the order of seniority. General Ed
ward s. Salmon, chairman of the pa
rade committee is assured there will
hs between 10000 and $4,000 veter-