The Washington times., 1905-05-30
WASHINGTON PAYS
TRIBUTE To ITS
SLEEPING HEROES
Impressive Memorial Ex-
ercises in Thirteen
Cemeteries.
VETERANS JOIN PARADE
Oratory, Poetry, and Song
Sound Praises of Brave
Dead.
VETERANS JOIN PARADE

Washington die homage to its
soldier dead today.
In the thirteen cemeteries where
sleep the brave who fought for the
unity of the United States Of Ameri-
ca in the war of the rebellion exer-
cIses under the direction of the De-
partment OF the Potomac. Grand
Army OF the Republic. were held in
the presence of thousands. 0ratory
song and military display expressed
the Capitals and the country's undy-
ing debt TO the men who wore the
blue during the dark days OF the
sixties.
The day was one of the most graft
flying OF its kind. To tnose who have
for years stood around the graves of
the departed heroes the songs of
praise sounded sweeter, the voices
portraying the heroism and the les
sons of the past rang stronger. and
the pleas for love between all Sec
tions of the united country seemed
more powerful than ever before.
The parade in the city and at Ar
lington passed off with military pre-
cision, recalling the grandeur Of those
same men who, hall q century ago,
marched with unbcoxen front against
the enemies of their country and their
convictions. Rank eAl rank of vet
erans fled through the streets, and al
though their tread may not have
been so firm nor their hair SO dark
as when the battles occurred, their
hearts were filed with that same
love of country and devotion to duty
that carried the Stars and Stripes to
victory in the South.
The Day at Cemeteries.
OF stirring oratory there was much.
Senator Foraker himself a captain in
the war, addressed his fellow-hghters
at Arlington. recalling with telling
phrase ana heartfelt words the scenes
through which they passed 10 win the
great fight. At the other cemeteries
were heard such finished speakers as
the Rev Abram Simon. William Z. An
drews. Col Robert E. Doan. and the
Rev. George Bailey
Music and Poetry.
All the musical talent Of the city help
ed 10 make the day beautiful, soloists,
choira and bands swelling the general
chorus cf Thanksgiving for the present
and admiration for The past. Poems of
military exploits and heroic deeds OF
battle were recited and every prayer
offered beneath the trees of the ceme-
feries told of the country's debt OF graf
itude TO those who defended Washing
ton and the country from the armies OF
the South.
But the main feature of the day, the
picture that stood outlined against the
background of the nations praise was
the band of veterans, the minority for
whom the Great Visitor will call to take
them IN their turn to their comrades
who have already gone 10 the great be-
yond. Gathered IN groups. they again
told the stories OF the days OF battle
they had seen.
Here they spoke OF the battle OF the
wilderness as if it had been yesterday.
There one told OF the long Siege OF
Richmond, ending in splendid victory.
One by one. they reviewed the fights at
Harper's Ferry, Cold Harbor, Winches-
ter. Charlottesville, Petersburg and
SHOR dNbTHs iOI ali the vet
Grams in Washington fought in the Army
OF the Potomac, that organization which
stood the brunt Of the whole bitter con-
fiict.
Reviewed EarIy's Raid.
At tine battle-ground National Gene
terry there were those who told how the
soldiers and citizens fought off Early
stack on Washington. s atching the
city from the very jaws of disaster by
one OF the most heroic defenses on
record.
AT Arlington. Soldiers Home. Con.
gressional. Oak Hill, Holy Rood. Mt
Slivet, Glenwood. Prospect Hill, ST
Mary's, St. Elizabeths s Asylum, Rock
Greek and Harmony cemeteries. these
stories and Ecenes were repeated On
every tongue were words telling of al
the Federal armies accomplished and
sxuIaining to a people who already
knew by heart the value of the soldiers
services.
fContfnDed on Fourth Page.)