The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-05-01

Comus, the god OF mirth, held sway IN
Alexandra yesterday.
Aided by President Taft and a score OF
distinguished men. the historic city
arose from its so-caIled lethargy and
awakened thar patriotism that once char
acterized it as the leading colonial port
Kindling that spirit which once marked
the city as the gateway Of the South. the
thousands Of visitors assisted the Alexsn-
driaas IN celebrating IN true Virginia
style the 10Th anniversary OF the inaugu-
ration Of George Washington
Dressed in holiday attire. the town
obeyed 70 the letter the proclamation Of
the mayor. and observed the festival
with monster parade. adding a touch
OF civic patriotism in the formal dedl-
cation OF George Washington Park, on
Shooters Hill
Gov. swanson Speaks.
Gov. swanson and his stan represented
the Commonwealth OF the Old Dominion
and helped stir the enthusiasm in an
eloquent speech incident 20 the dedication
of the corner stone.
Marching over the same ground COW
cred by Washington and his engineers
while laying out the District Of Columbia.
several hundred prominent citizens OF the
city escorted President Taft. and Of
fciaIly commenced the pageant at $50
O'Clock
The festivities were begun by the
townspeOple az dawn. when a salute stir
red TIE quiet waters Of the Potomac. The
10 s 5 Dolphin dropped anchor Of
King street before 3 o'clock, and with the
firing Of its guns. the ceremonies we're
opene6
Net Until long past midnight did the
round OF pleasure step The weeks fes-
tivities. which began Monday. were sp-
pareatly held 10 pave the way FOR the
gala celebration OF yesterday. The Pre-
cediEg ceremonies gave momentum 10
the affair. and although the week de-
voted 70 the "home-eomers" ends to-
night, the programme arranged for yes
terday served as a fitting climax for the
event
sun shines for President.
Threatening clouds hung over the city
all day, and while It seemed II. no way
20 dsmpen the ardor OF the patriotic citi-
zens. the sun managed to peep through
just as the President took his place in
the reviewing stand
All through the morning hours every
train. electric car. and steamboat thar
reached Alexandria brought its fun share
Of visitors. and by 3 o'clock the city held
the largest crowd anxious for the biggest
celebration the historic town had ever
seen.
Not only was King street and the other
thoroughfares decorated for the occasion.
but every shanty flung at least one Aag
TO the breeze. The visitors also came IN
carriages, and many entered the city
limits on horseback. Fairfax County
was well represented, and its sons took
an important place in the procession.
Utilizing every point Of vantage along
Washington street. in which the review
ing stand was located. hundreds Of ex-
pectant persons waited for several hours
for the arrival Of the President and his
party. Bands played the popular airs.
devoting most Of their energy 10 sounding
the strains Of Dixie
Although il was repeated a number OF
times BY each musical organization in
the line. il was always greeted with thUn-
derous applause The imposing array Of
military battslions caused the veterans
and oldest inhabitants 20 bark back 10
the days o. 81. when they marched away
10 defend the Southland
Cheers for the President.
TypicsIiy Southern. the crowds, how
ever. Joined hands with the visitors and
united in cheering for the President 'of
ali sections OF the United States" Al
most & mile long. the procession took
more than an hour and half 70 pass the
reviewing stand.
Col. Joseph Garrard. Of the Fifteenth
United States Cavalry. marshaled the
parade and led the small army through
the city. Detachments OF the Engineer
Corps. the Marine Corps. the Field and
Coast Artillery. cavalry. and sailors was
hind these came the District and Virginia
National Guard the Richmond HCWitzeTs.
the Richmond Blues. and the Washington
High School Cadets.
Fourteen Bands Play.
Distributed through the procession
were fourteen bands. whose patriotic
music kept the excited OnIookers con
stantly cheering. The second division
was made up Of Washington and Alex
ardria fremen. who passed in review Of
the President with military precision.
The latter organizations rode their ap-
paratus. and the changing Of the gong
was a signal OF delight 70 the small boys.
whose youthful shouts were In harmuny
with the pageant
Capt. r. NJ Latham was chief marshal
Of this division. III which the Confederate
veterans rode il open carriages. They
demonstrated their loyalty to the new
President by raising their hats and bow
Continued on Page o. Column 4.