Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-02-22
wAsHINGroN's BIRTHDAY.
Imposing Pageant-City ThroDRed
with Visitors-Ideal Weather.

this year OF the anniversary OF OeOlSo
Washington's birthday have been real
lied, and it is generally admitted that
the event of 1906 has been one OF the
most notable that has occurred in the
history of AIexadnria. The affair had
been well-conceived and. IS far as posi-
bic, the programme has been enacted
even in The most minute details.
The 22d of February, almost from the
time Washington was gathered TO his
fathers, he's been peculiarly an Alexan-
andria holiday. The reason for this is
apparent-it was Washington's city, in
whose welfare he was always interested
aud toward the enhancement of which
he labored in many ways. This genera
ton, inheriting the true instinct of pa
iriotism, vie in perpetuating his memo
ny, and year after year arouse COM
mendatle spirit in the old city whose
streets Washington trod and where he
was so generally known by the progeni-
tors of Alexandrians of the present day.
Some anxiety had been manifested
Yesterday as TO the meteorological con-
ditions of today. There were light rains
at times, followed by heavy downpours
early in the night. The wind, however,
had 10 the meantime changed 10 the
northwest--a clearing-up qusrter-the
temperature began to fall and there were
indications that the forecast of The
Weather Bureau-clesriDg and colder
would prevail on the morrow.
AT daybreak this morning it was seen
that the proguosticstion had materi-
allied. The heavens were clear and a
crisp northwest wind was rapidly drying
the streets. These conditions sent thrills
of delights throughout the entire com
munity. The decorations on the vari-
Gus buildings were swaying, old Sol was
shedding his beams upon the scene and
nature was, as it we're, smiling. That
propitiOus weather would prevail
throughout the day was assured, and the
final preparations for the parade were
entered into with a will.
Housekeepers we're up and at work
early preparing for expected guests,
while little ones armed with wooden
and paper hatchets and waving dimin-
utive flags were as happy as on Christ
mas morn.
As the day advanced visitors began to
reach the city. The ferry steamer
Woodbury. brought large crowds from
Washington while trains on the electric
railway were running in sections. There
were ample transportation accommoda-
tons. The Woodbury. made hourly
trips aud the electric trains followed so
closely in the wake of each other tina!
nu time was lost in passing between the
two cities. The steam trains also brought
many visitors to Alexsndria from the
surrounding country.
The various organizations from other
places which had been invited to partic-
ipate in the parade began to reach the
city shortly before noon, and as soon as
they landed we're met by members of the
reception committee.
1t was about one o'clock ia the after
noon when the Norfolk steamer Wash
ington arrived with the last detachment
of the military from Washington. BY
this time the preparations for the forms
ton of the parade had about been com
pleted.
The crowds in the streets had been
increasing in he meantime to a great
extent. King street, which was pro-
fuseiy decorated, was thronged with
people throughout its entire length,
while numbers were being massed on
Duke and Fairfax streets, the point
where the procession formed
The United States dispatch steamer
Dolphin, which anchored of the city
Yesterday, was bedecked with flags from
stern to stern aud made fine appear
ance, aud many national and other en-
blems appeared on the river front and
hoated from buildings throughout the
city. AT ~ O'Clock the Dolphin fred a
salute of q guns.
About one O'Clock the various orga-
nizalions began assembling along the
streets in the southeastern section OF the
city ready TO take the places assigned
them in the line.
Shortly before o'clock everything
was well in hand. Major w. VI. Smith,
chief marshal, and his staff OF aides had
anticipated everything in connection
with the formation of the procession,
and when the hour arrived for it to move
the various organizations formed in line
with alacrity and perfection. The pa
geant was soon moving. followed by
thousands while equally as many more
were viewing the procession from
windows and doors With the greatest
manifestations of delight.
The formation OF the parade was
as follows;
Platoon mountel police. commanded by Lieu
tenant James Smith.
Chief Marshal, Maj. w. NJ. Smith.
Chief of staff, Marshall l.. King.
Military Aide, Capt. T. q. Cochran; Civic
Aide, Lieut.. J. Y. Williams; Fire De-
partment Aide, John IL. Trimyer
Secret Organization Aide,
William MacA. Green.
Members Of staff from Alexandria city, COM
manded by Hon. Park Agnew.
Members Of Staff from Fairfax county, COM
manded by Capt. George K. Pickett.
Distinguished guests in carriages and officers
ofthe Washington Birth lay Celebra
tion Association.
City Council and other city officers in car
riages.
LIST Division-Engineers Band, U. 5. A;
battalion engineers. U. $. A.; United States
Marine Band; battalion marines, U. :.
NJ. c.; Navy Band; company of sailors bat
terry artillery, Fort Myer; mounted band
Fort Myer: one squadron-two troops of
cavalry from Fort Myer; d. c. National
Guard Band; LIST regiment d. {. National