Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-05
NATIONALS ROYAL WELCOME.
Monster Crowd Gave Players an ova-
ton Last Night.

One of the most remarkable demonstra-
tons ever seen in this city was developed
last night when the Washington base ball
club returned from its successful trip over
the eastern end of the American League
circuit. Fully $4,000 enthusiastic base ball
fans were outside the Pennsylvania sta
ton when the train carrying the players ar
rived at II o'clock, and a major portion of
this throng followed the two big automo-
bies up the avenue to the Regent Hotel.
Demonstrations of this sort can be looked
for in the smaller cities and towns, but that
staid old Washington could work itself into
such frenzy over base ball Is almost be-
You'd belief and demonstrates what hold
the national sport has on the people.
The joyous fans began collecting at the
railway station as early O'Clock, and
by the time the team arrived the street car
motormen found it difficult getting through
the throng. Major Sylvester had ordered
out big detachment of police, and the
bluecoats had their work cut out for them
in keeping back the excited boys. AS the
train rolled in at II o'clock the crowd began
cheering. and as the stalwart band of Ma
tionals passed through the gate tremen-
douS rush was made for the players, and
for time 1t seemed as IL somebody would
be crushed. The police were swept off their
feet and the players had difficulty in hold
ing on to their grips and keeping a foot
hold. Manager Stahl was the center of at
traction, and he certainly looked relieved
when he secured a seat in the big red auto
mobile. Everybody wanted to shake his
hand or slap him on the back, and as a re-
suit he was given mauling for a couple OF
minutes that must have reminded him of
his foot ball days. No one was forgotten.
AS player after player came into view he
was called by name and three cheers fol-
lowed The cheers were taken up by the
crowd on the outer edge, and they certainly
made Rome howl for the time being.
AS the big automobile swung into the
hn rl1p n c
magnitude of the crowd. A solid body or
shouting and yelling fans packed the
wide thoroughfare, and as lots of red nre
was in evidence, the scene was impressive
and picturesque. Joe Cassidy and Jack
Townsend were seated near The Star re-
porter. and both remarked that they had
witnessed enthusiastic crowds up in Penn
sylvania, but last nights demonstration
was the biggest outpouring they had run
across in their experience as ball playe
Manager Stahl and, in fact. every one OF
the players were greatly pleased over the
reception, even the veteran Kittredge smil-
ing with satisfd complacency.
AS the parade swept up the avenue, the
band playing Dixie" the crowd on the
sidewalk kept up continuous round OF
cheers and when the Regent Hotel was
reached another monster crowd was on
hand to welcome the boys home. The police
quickly made a passageway for the players
to the hotel and each player was greeted
with cheers as he passed up the line
Covers had been laid for forty people
in the large dining room of the hotel and
the players and their friends were quickly
seated around the f1oral-decorated table.
Col. Emmett Urell acted as POSTMASTER, and
on his right was President Tom c. Noyes,
and on his left Manager Garland Stahl OF
the Nationals. Appropriate speeches OF
welcome and praise Were delivered by
Messrs Urell, Noyes. Stahl, Raymond,
Brooks and Kittredge, and they tried to
make Joe Cassidy say something. but the
clever little fellow was too modest and beg
ged off. r. F. LeMat and Frank Mexican,
ring leaders in the big demonstration,
| brought forward a tremendous floral horse
shoe and presented it to Manager Stahl and
| his fellow players on behalf of w. F. GUIDE.
This was where Manager Stahl was pressed
| for a speech, and the big fellow responded
in a most happy manner, speaking of the
harmony of the team and making the pro-
phecy that the Nationals had given good
bye to the tail end position once for all
An honored guest at the banquet was the
little mascot Lucky" Manager Mexican
placed him at side table and he was given
every attention. At the conclusion of the
banquet Mr.. LeMat hired a hack and had
the little fellow taken home. He was about
the proudest boy in the District last night.
The banquet was not over until 1870 on
account of the numerous courses served,
and then everybody made bee line for
home to be ready for the great game
this afternoon. Manager Stahl will prob
ably pitch Hughes, while Henley or Plank
will do the twirling for the Athletics The
cool weather will probably hurt the at
tendance somewhat, but there will be tre-
mendous turnout, nevertheless.