Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-12-27
STANTON is READY.
Roster ofsHeroic Size Perched on Tri-
umphal Arch.

StduDCOn, Va, Lee. It.--1HSsL e"SoV
addition to the decorative trimmings
in Staunton for the celebration in
honor of Woodrow Wilson is Demo
cratic roster of heroic size, which Is
IN strutting posture on top of a large
triumphal arch at the Chesapeake and
Ohio depot. This emblem is made of
plaster of paris and stands three feet
high. The agent who shipped the
roster from Pittsburgh, Pa, who is
evidently something of wag, wrap
ped him comfortably in burlap pre-
sumably to keep off the wintry blasts,
and tied a can Of corn about his neck,
bearing this inscription: "Plaase feed
and water the bird.
y Atsfrst the entertainment commit.
tee was somewhat uneasy about ac-
combinations for the vast concourse
of people expected, but now there is
no doubt that all corners will be amply
provided for. Aside from the hotel
and. boarding house accommodations
and private enterprises, the committee
has procured rations for about 10000
people. Through the services of Con-
gresham Hay 500 military cots and
blankets have been procured as a loan
from the government. These will be
placed in such buildings as the public
schools, armories, store-rooms and ev-
cry other vacant space available. The
committee has provided shelter for
fully 1000 people by this means and
private assistance. Nearly every
housekeeper in the city has agreed to
throw her house open to the visitors
should this be necessary.
Democrats, Republicans and Pro-
gressives seem to have forgotten their
differences and are planning for a
genuine welcome to Mr.. Wilson.
Wilson is Staunton's son and all
Stanton seems equally proud of the
fact, regardless of political or de-
nomination. differences.
The snow which fell Tuesday is fast
disappearing and the forecasts all IN
dictate favorable weather for the last
of the week.
Senator Thomas S. Martin informs
the committee that he will be unable
to be- present, but Senator Claude A.
Swanson sends his acceptance to the
city's invitation. Senator Martin says
that his wife is i'll at Saranac Lake.
Congressman William A. Jones will be
here and will join the Wilson party at
Washington, accompanying the Presi-
dent-elect to Staunton by special in
vitation. Major Sylvester, chief Of
police of Washington, D. c., will be
here with 20 uniformed officers, be-
sides policemen in citizens dress.
These have been procured as a guard
against possible assault on the per-
son of Governor Wilson.
IN addition to the regular army
troops, companies of State militia
will be here from Lynchburg, Dapville,
Harrisonburg, Culpeper, and Char
lottesville. These. in addition to the
two Staunton companies, will be
formed into regiment of national
guardsmen to march in the big parade
Saturday at noon.
When Mr.. Wilson reaches Virginia
soil this evening, he will be greeted
by tremendous bon fires all along his
Journey to Staunton and when he
leaves the train another blaze Of glory
will welcome him in the form of a
double row of electric lights extend
ING from the station to the Presbyte-
rian manse.
Not in years has there been such a
home coming on the part Of the Staun-
tonians who make their abode in other
portions of the United States. The
Christmas season, combined with the
Wilson celebration, has already at
tracted hundreds to Staunton.
Precautions have been taken to
prevent the President-elect from
catching cold during the big parade
which he will review on Saturday. The
reviewing stand will be enclosed with
glass and heated. Mrs. Wilson will be
rendered reception Saturday after
noon by the local chapters of the
Daughters of the American Revolution
and the Daughters of the Confeder-
acy.