Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1907-09-19
THEYMARCHA AGAIN
Remnant Of a Once Victorious Army
Braved Driving Storm to
Follow the Flag.
TEN THOUSAND WERE IAt1NE
The National Eneampment GRAND
Army Of the Republic viii
Now Transact Business
and Elect Officers.

Saratoga, N. Y, Sept. 12.-Tht
Grand Army Of the Republic held III
parade Wednesday; it's fOrty-frst, In
memory OF the days Of war Ter
thousand veterans, the remnant of the
once victorious army whose scores Of
thousands passed In review at, the
national capital when the war was
over, braved q driving storm to march
again beneath their battle flags. I'm.
mindful OF the stress Of storm, as In
the days Of "sixty-pne," those that
were left passed in review over a
measured mile through village streets,
a distance suited to their gathering
years. For an hour and more the
veterans walked between lines Of
cheering people, keeping step to the
music, which again and again right
cheerily played How Dry am" and
wait till the Sun Shines, Nellie"
Governor Charles e. Hughes, his
military staff, the National officers
Of the Grand Army and distinguished
visitors stood on the reviewing stand
all the while, sheltered from the driv-
ing storm only by flimsy covering
of cloth through which the rain swept
almost unchecked. 1t was not a
cheerful day, nor good one for men
burdened with the weight of years.
II have never seen anything so in
spring or so pathetic" said Governor
Hughes, when the last tagging, drip
ping veteran had passed the stand.
when the serious consequences of
the march through the rain to many
of the veterans are considered, 1t is
revelation of the courage and de-
termination of the American people
seldom seen. 1t should serve as an
inspiration and an encouragement to
us all. 1t was splendid, magnificent.
Thirty-six veterans are in the local
hospital, the condition of none OF
whom, however, is serious.
One of the features of the parade
was the presence of a big flag which
covered the body Of Gen. Grant on its
way from Mt, McGregor to the tomb.
In custody Of the Grenadier Guard,
commanded by Col. A. s. Fowler OF
Little Rock, Ark, of which every man
was over feet tall and each repre-
senting one of the As departments OF
the G. A. R., this old flag brought up
the extreme rear, escorted by the
whole parade and being carried at
last along the whole line of review.
AS planned, the national officers In
carriages with Gov. Charles E. Hughes
of this state, led the line, the chief of
staff in command being j. Cary Win
ans of Toledo. The department of
New York state, although entitled by
seniority to fifth place, selected as
hosts the left of the line, which In
Guided a representation Of every de-
including Alaska, and Of
every branch of the service. The pa
-ade was reviewed by Gov. Hughes
Ind the national officers of the G. A. r.
The days programme began with a
reception at Congress hall, the New
fork state headquarters, in honor of
4ov. Hughes at 1880 o'clock. At
$3.50 luncheon was served by the de-
,artment of New York to the COVER
Tor, Commander in Chief Robert B.
brown and his star, past national Of
Icers, department commanders and
he other distinguished guests. Mean
While theer had been reunions of the
ari0us organizations.
"Wednesday night there was mus
ering.in service, conducted by Me-
norial post of Cleveland, O., with a
tereopticon exhibition in the Conyen-
lon hall.
The real business of the convention
Jilr begin Thursday with the annual
ddress of retiring Commander Brown,
eports OF officers and committees and
ossibly election of officers. The lat
Or, however, may be postponed until
'riday. The place Of the next nation
| encampment is still in doubt, prob
billy lying between Topeka, Kan. and
'oledo, o.