The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-06-18
VETERANS MAKE 4
FINE SHOWING
IN PARADE
INCLUDING THE ESCORT NEARLY
1000 MEN ARE IN lINE-AMBU-
LANcEs STATIONED ALONG
LINE OF MARCH.

Through streets gay with the ma
tional colors. tapping and swaytng In
the summer breeze. some 100 veter-
ans OF the civil war. a scattered rem
nant OF the gallant host that went to
the front from Michigan and adjoin-
ing states In 81. tramped Wednesday
afternoon. headed by an imposing es-
cort Old Glory Haunted its folds
proudly al close intervals down the
line OF blue. and stirring martial
strains OF fife and drum, mingled with
the blare OF brass, inspiring marchers
and watchers alike with patriotic rev.
erence for the national banners and
the brave boys who fought for IL. In.
GLIDING the escort more than 1000
men were In line.
At the head of the column rode Po-
lice Capt John T. Spillane and two
platoons Of mounted police. followed
by Brig.-Gen. G. A. Coolidge, chief
marshal OF the parade. and his aides.
Then came Gov. Warner and staff. the
Detroit Light guard. the Detroit Light
infantry and troop B. Of the local
volunteer cavalry.
The Grand Army division was led
by the Michigan Post Next in line
were the O. N. Poe and the Fairbanks
posts, both of Detroit. and next the
700 delegates to the encamp-
ment. representing every section
Of the state. Following the delegates
We're Grand Army posts from Pontiac,
| Flint, Wayne. and other towns out Ia
the state. and some OF them made a
remarkably good showing
| Detroit post. G. A. r., one OF the
most famous In the country. brought
up In the rear. the members choosing
this position so that they might have
| plenty OF room for their fancy evolu-
tons, which excited wonder and ap-
pfause all along the line OF march,
which was from the Grand Circus
down Woodward to Jefferson, to Beau
bien. TO Congress and thence to the
Light infantry armory. where the en-
campment again went into session,
Weather conditions were ideal for
the parade. The sun was warm. but
an east breeze served to counterfeit
its effects. Ambulances were sta
toned at frequent intervals along the
line, with doctors In charge to render
aid in case their services were need
ed.
The officers declare that there il no
possibility OF this, however, as the
rules OF the Grand Army prevent any
action savoring of politics. That the
speech has hurt Taft among the
Grand Army men, at least among
those In attendance at the conven-
ton. Is quite apparent, yet there are
many who defend It and refuse to
regard Tafts blunt references to
Grant early life as an intentional af
front to his memory.
IF Grant was able by his strength
OF will To overcome early weaknesses
and rise TO the high position he finally
attained 1t was all the more credit to
. him and believe that is the way Taft
looked at it," said G. A. r. officer In
the Normandie, Wednesday.
Ladies of the Woman's Relief Corps
and the ladies of the G. A. r., who are
also In convention here. witnessed the
parade from reviewing stand on
Woodward-ave Just in front of the
Palmer fountain. Here also several
old soldiers who were unable TO stand
the strain OF the march were accom-
modated.
The opening business session OF the
encampment was held in Light Infan-
try armory Wednesday morning, when
reports were received from the vari-
Gus officers. Department Commander
Jibb, Of Adrian, presided.
Secretary of War Taft's Memorial
; day speech at Grants tomb has been
subject OF much discussion among
the veterans ever since the encamp-
ment began and there have been ru-
mors to the effect that the encamp.
ment might take official cognizance
of II.
The election OF officers may be made
special order for Thursday morning
at this afternoons session. The fight
for commander seems to be between
Parker and Foote. with the odds a
trifle In favor of the former. Detroit
veterans have started a boom for Capt.
John T. Spillane for commander in
1909. and II has assumed quite pre-
tentious proportions.
The Ladies OF the G.. A. p. and the
Woman's Relief Corps held business
sessions In the fuller and Cadillac re-
spectively, Wednesday morning.