Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-14
OLD MEN 10 MOURN
PASSING OF LINCOLN
Loyal Legion Members From
Many States to Commence
rate Death Of Martyred
President Here Tomorrow.

Fifty years ago today Lincoln was shot
Fifty years ago tomorrow he died. an,
on that same day, April i6, 1865, a few
Union army officers gathered in Phila
delphia as the news Of the Presidents
death was spreading sorrow through tn,
nation and founded the Military order o
the Loyal Legion of the United States
The legion thus was the first monument
III such 1t may be called-raised in Lin.
coins memory.
Today marks the Informal opening, to-
morrow will witness the formal opening
and Friday will see the closing of the
three days celebration in this city of
the 50th anniversary of the founding of
the Loyal Legion.
Commanderles from 2i States are plan
ming to meet in Philadelphia today or
tomorrow in anticipation of the event
and thousands of members. or "compan-
IONS" as they are called, are here or
are coming from over the country; that
is, from all sections north of the Mason
and Dixon line.
Reservations have been made at many
of the local hotels, and the committees
in charge and Philadelphia individually
are making every effort to welcome the
members, many of whom are far ad-
vanced In years.
The Loyal Legion is composed of Of
ficers and honorably discharged officers
of the Union Army, Navy and Marine
corps who saw service in the Civil War
The direct male descendants are also
eligible to membership. About 1000 of the
original companions remain, most of
them having been captains or lieutenants
a1.a..
% years OF age, and many are nearing
the 50 mark
Unheralded and unannounced. but
easily recognized by the nonforfeitable
military bearing and especially by the
enviable tricolored rosette, many gray
haired, dignified Loyal Legion members
slipped Into town this morning to meet
old friends, to link arms and talk over
old times. and especially to wait for to-
morrow.
Tomorrow will be the great day. The
real anniversary celebration will be to-
morrow at the Academy of Music. Ad-
dresses will be made by Brevet Brigader
General Thomas II. Hubbard, COM
mander-in-chlef of the order, and by
Colonel Henry s. Huidekoper. Music
Will be furnished by the United States
Marine Band The program will include
the inspiring salute to the colors and the
singing of the Battle Hymn of the Re
public and other well-known war songs.
The United States Marine Band also
will give a special concert for members
and their friends at the Union League on
Friday afternoon.
Communicates from Boston and Wash
ington will arrive tomorrow morning at
10 o'clock. They will make their head
quarters at the Hotel Walton. General
Nelson A Miles, General Joseph S.
Smith and General John c. Black have
written to the Walton for accommoda-
tions.
Some of the Companions of the order
have been in town for some time in an
ticipation of the celebration. Among
them is Major General w. II. Upham,
former Governor of Wisconsin, who was
one OF the first men reported killed at
the battle of Bull Run. His funeral SER
mon was preached in his home town
while he was lingering in Libby Prison.
His friends and relatives had given him
up for dead.
On Friday. reception will be held at
the Academy of the Fine Arts.