Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1914-02-23

STREETS ARE PACKED.
Many Distinguished Visitors Mingle
With Our People and Pay Respect
to Washngton's Memory.

With salute Of cannon fired at
Gay break this morning, awakening
the city with ITS reVeberatins
echoes, another celebration, dedicated
to the memory Of the birthday OF
George Washington, the first pres:-
dent of the United States, by the de-
scendants of his fellow citizens, in
this historic old city, was ushercd in.
Alexandria, which has been the
scene Of some remarkable gatherings
of great men in its long history, has
rarely ever been the meeting place
Of so many distinguished guests as
are expected here this afternoon. The
President Of the United States, t..
Vice-P Presi2ent Of the United STATE
the Governor of Virginaa, the sccre-
tary OF War, scores Of distinguishe
Masons, scom all sections Of the Unit
ed States and hundreds OF men OF az,
fairs from Virginia, Maryland an"
SDistrict of Columbia have sisnifieG
their intention of being present Il
witness the tribute that the sons OF
Alexandria will pay to the memory OF
Washington.
Practically all Of the military forces
of the government in the vicinity Of
Washington have been ordered TO t.
part IN the parade and it is thought
that there will be more than 3,00C
men in line. The escort OF the Cover
nor of Virginia will be the famous
RichmonG Light Infantry BlueS, S0t
strong.
Animation was in evilence at al
early hour this morning Tie day was
a general holiday--everybody seemed
anxious to add his or her mite towards
making the occasion one long to oe re
membered The younger generation
was especially enthused. It has eve
heen to them sort Of Mardi GraS. o'
different nature than the Christmas
holiday. as it is devoid Of the noist
and ,sin or over-conviviality. OF tha
Gay.
King street is a, veritable bower o.
flags, streamers, festoons, ETC.. ant
pictures Of George Washington IRON
miniature buttons and medals to oth
ers of iife-size heing displayed in p:9
fusion. FLAGS fluttercd from tie 1T!
Hall and other public places and from
hundreds of business places and pr!
rate residences, while the Brad"acr
House, at present unoccupied, was
,caily decorated, and although silence
reicned IN that historic edilIec, III,
fact that George WashingtoC va
wont to visit it and that it was th'
scene of the memorable conference
between Washington and Genera
Rraddock before the latter met hi
death by being ambushed by !n9lans
ii appeared more interesting tina
ever to the great multitudes VINE
have passed it during the day.
Olt Christ Church and grounds, WIS
tied by Washington, seemed TO De
smiles, while Alexandria -Washngto
lod~e room, on the site OF the stru'
ture in which the honored deceasea
the first worshipful master OF III
lodge presided, joined as Vt were
the general rejoicing.
Throughout this mornins traif
have entered the city with passenger
crowd:ng the platforms. The electr
railway has been taxed to its grea
est capacity although trains nay
followed each other in rapid succe
sion. The steam trains have tran
porte: people from all this section
country 20 Alexandria, lwhiie the b
steam er St. Johns.s has lar3ed mar
persons 1t the foot of Cameron stree
The spirit of the celebration =
Washngton's birthday has spread t
ward all points Of the compass, al
visitors have come from every dire
ton.
Ry noon the floating population
IN. city about equa(led that of t,
number sf,s fixed residents. Old 4
exandrtans. now living in other pla,
avsiled themselves OF the oprortuni
:, visit the city of their birth. a
jes.d;al ersstinR have BEEN soins
SHs1ttsast6. Men sxs WOMEN wi,