The San Francisco call., 1908-05-31
RAIN DAUNTS NOT
GOTHAM VETERANS
Seven thousand Turn Out in
Parade Despite Inclefnent
Weather

NEW YORK, May 30.-Almost con-
slant rain, ranging from drizzle to a
downpour, made today's observation of
Memorial day only a shadow of the
elaborate event which had been
planned. The first shower came almost
. before the first of the thousands of
marchers and holiday makers had
stirred from their homes. From that
time until the day was ended there was
scarcely a moment when the rain was
not falling.
| Sporting events on every hand were
Cancelled, but the inciement weather
could not entirely danpen the ardor of
the gray haired veterans, who had
faced many storm In their years of
service nearly half a century ago, and
about 1000 of them turned out to
take part IN the parades in the greater
city.
\ Fortunately the showers were light
and infrequent during the early stages
of the big parade through Riverside
drive, but scarcely had the marchers
passed the reviewing stand at the SOL
diers' and sailors monument when the
clouds fairly opened and the rain came
down in torrents Governor Hughes
and staff We're on the stand They
withstood the downpour a few minutes,
in the hope that there would be a
cessation and that the program of exer-
cises which had been arranged could
be carried out but the rain continued
and the big gathering scattered Gov
ernor Hughes was one of the last to
leave. He went to the Hotel Regent,
where luncheon had been arranged in
after a few minutes to catch train
Tor Albany.
TALKS IN TOMB
Later in the day the rain almost pre-
vented the other big event of the day
the gathering at Grants tomb at which
Secretary of War Taft delivered the
principal address. 1t was decided
finally. however, to carry out the pro-
gram inside the tomb, and there the
secretary delivered his address in the
presence Of the small gathering that
could find protection from the rain.
Secretary Taft said. in part:
1t always gives force and emphasis to our
interest in memorials of this character il
we have in our minds the concrete con
eeptons of the persons who made the sacri-
age dee that we celebrate 4s6n II we we have relatives
we can reconsecrate each returning Decora ton
day. And to those of US who do not have this
of the war it gives personal touch and the
necessary concrete element TO take up and re-
struggle and learn from the Yicisstudes of
his career the makings of greatness and the
tests or pa atriotic devotion.
Ii is appropriate. therefore. for us TO gather
at this magnificent structure, dedicated to
the memory OF whose in the history
in the foundation and maintenance of this ma
ton's life will always be associated with those
of. Washington and Lincoln.
The character of Grant. as developed by the
war and as necessary to the result, was as
remarkable in it's way, considering his previous
history, that Of Lincoln.
The greatness of the man in his
willingness TO assume responsibilities and his
power of standing the strain when defeat and
disaster seemed to threaten the Of his
plans and to indicate their weakness. 1t was
then, having determined what his plan should
be- he stuck to 1t and pushed 1t through in the
face of all opposition and vindicated his judg-
ment By ultimate success. He was entirely
his own
The magnificent mauEoieum the grand site
upon the beautiful river furnishes such hero
fitting resting place. May 1t forever remain Ia
inspire his countrynen to patriotic thought aud
Efforts
One of the events of the day was the
dedication and unveiling by the Eighth
regiment Of bronze tablet marking
the location of the headquarters Of the
regiment at the outbreak of the civil
war and as a memorial to the members
of the regiment, which entered the
service in 1852 with $50 men and re-
turned home three years later with II
officers and rs enlisted men.
The parade In Brooklyn was only a
little smaller than that held in the
borough of Manhattan. The paraders
were reviewed there by Major Fred d.
/