The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-24
WILSON'S TRIBUTE TO
WASHINGTON'S DEEDS
He Reviews Patriotic Parade in
Alexandria From a Glass
Enclosed Stand.
TOWN HAS 10000 VISITORS
Fire Company and Masonic
Lodge First President Be-
lOnged To Entertain.

ALEXANDRIA. Va. Feb. 23.--President
Wilson Joined with thousands Of other ma
tive born virGinians here to-day In ceie-
brating the anniversary OF the birth Of
George Washington. Forgetful Of his re-
cent Illness the President bravcd the worst
snowstorm OF the year here to review the
annual parade In this little town, which
10 the seat Of Washingtons home county
OF Fairfax.
Everybody keeps open house to former
Alexandrlans who make this homecom-
ing day. business stops entirely. and the
Friendship Fire Association. OF which
Washington was a member. vies with the
Masonic lodge which also lays claim to
Washington as n member, for the APP
plause Of the crowd All Fairfax county
gives over the day to dancing and every
other kind OF merrymaking within the
Imagination Of Colonial Virginia town
which never has outgrown itself.
To-day's celebration added something to
the traditions OF previous occasions. There
were nearly 10000 persons In town. and
at least 10000 American flags were fut-
tering In the snowstorm. The parade was
as brilliant as could be. and then the cele-
bration gained Importance In the mlnds Of
all the participants because the President
Of the United States who took part was,
after a lapse OF many years, once more
Virginian.
wilson ArPtve0 On BO0t.
The President came to Alexandria on
the Government yacht Sylph. At his d.
rection the vessel hove TO OF the vir-
ginia dock until q few minutes before
the time when he vas scheduled to re-
view the parade. This conficted with
the plans OF the Alexandria arrangements
committee for a reception to the Presi-
dent at the home of Representative Carlin
and visit to some OF the points OF his
toric interest. places which were asso-
ciated with Washing,on's life.
Escorted by a troop OF cavalry from
Fort Myer the President rode from the
Sylph to the reviewing stand In a closed
automobile. With him were his military
aid. Col Harris: his naval aid. Surgeon
Cary T. Grayson. and his private secre-
tary. Joseph p. Tumulty.
In the reviewing stand he was Joined
by Secretary Of war Garrison and AS
sistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt
The reviewing stand was enclosed with
glass and the President was fairly COM
Portable throughout the hour In which
the paraders were marching through the
snow.
The section which consisted OF fire com
panies was by far the most interesting.
In the lead were the stan. band, Fire
Commissioners OF the city Council. Chief
r. +. Groneau Of the District FIRE de-
partment. members OF the Friend
Washington was a member and which was
organized In 1T14.
There came next the members OF the
company. including James Jarvis, the old
est member and one Of the oldest cit
liens of Virginia. They rode in carriages
behind their ancient hand engine. which
was drawn by two horses.
Eyes for Only One Company.
The Relief Hook and Ladder Company.
the Columbia Fire Engine Company and
the Reliance Steam Fire Engine Company
trailed along disconsolately. Everybody
company. The fire fighters insisted on
saluting the President as they passed
the reviewing stand.
Gov. Henry c. Stuart OF Virginia, re-
Gently inaugurated. was cheered heartily
by the crowd as he took OF his hat to the
President. He was escorted by the smart
Richmond Light Artillery Blues. There
were many other military bodies In the
parade. including militia from Culpeper
county and Fredericksburg. and United
States artillerymen. cavairymen and ma
rines.
A third division was made up OF fra
ternal organizations.
Prominent among the guests OF the
town was Nice-P President Marshall. He
went TO Mount Vernon 10 place n wreath
came to Alexandria, but when he did ar
rive he entered into the full spirit Of the
celebration.
The President returned 10 Washington
on the Sylph az soon as he had finished
reviewing the parade. but the Vice Presl.
dent stayed until late In the night as
the guest Of honor at a big reception.