Evening journal., 1915-09-29
PRESIDENT WEEPS As
HE Reviews Vets
Reunion Parade of Boys OF
'6l Proves Capitals Most
Inspiring Scene
CHEER THE SILVER
HEADED MARCHERS

L
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29-Presidont
| Wilson wept as he reviewed the
parade of the Grand Army veterans
( today. Tears gathered in his eyes
lime and again and unashamed, he
! brushed them away.
He was not alone in his emotion, as
the government officials. the thous-
ands from the city of Washington and
the 100000 visitors who lined the
streets watched the broken ranks.
there were few dry eyes.
II was probably the most inspiring
and the most pathetic scene the capi-
! tai has ever witnessed.
The President stood on the exact
spot where fifty years ago President
Andrew Johnson stood and saw these
same men, then beardless youths and
stalwart soldiers in their prime, pass
in close ranks up the avenue to be
disbanded after their four years of
bloody struggle.
The reviewing stand was a brilliant
scene. With the White House for
a background, it formed one side of
an imposing court Of honor The
President himself stood on a small
balcony which projected out from the
main stand. Above him. as a canopy
was the Union Jack with It's forty
eight stars on a field of blue. With
him were the cabinet members, jus
tices OF the supreme court, the French
and British ambassadors, other diplO-
mats and officers of the army and
navy in brilliant uniform. Their color
formed a deep contrast to the faded
blue uniforms and tattered battle
standards which waved past in ragged
lines.
AS the advance platoon OF mounted
police swung around from Fifteenth
street into Pennsylvania avenue a
sudden hush fell upon the crowd.
The President rose to his feet and
as the first of the marchers swung
into the court OF honor with Lieuten-
ant General Nelson A. Miles, q. s A..
at their head. the crowds on the
stands followed the President eA-
ample. Diplomats We'd with Supreme
Court Justices in the burst of ap-
plause that greeted General Miles,
and in the excitement the silk hat
Of the French ambassador was knock
ed off and feel to the floor az the
feet of the President, who STOPPING
picked il up and returned il 70 the
embarrassed diplomat.
Suddenly from the little balconies
to either side of those on which the
President stood, little silk flags be-
gan to futter excitedly. Those way
ing them we're sweetfaced old ladies'
wearing badges 10 show that during
the Civil War they served in the field
hospitals as nurses. One OF these.
little lady with white ringlets and
lace cap. was Miss c. Hancock of
Atlantic City, who explained proudly
that she had served during the wal
and had sat on the reviewing stand
with President Johnson fifty years
ago.
Immediately after passing the Pres
ident, General Miles descended from
his horse and took his place at the
left of President Wilson As this
sturdy old warrior appeared on the
platform in his brilliant uniform. the
crowds roared and the President
turning to greet General Miles. grasp
ed him by both hands and shook them
vigorously
As the vanguard OF the parade
passed. the President was smiling con-
tinuOusly. for those in the ranks were
the sturdy youngsters of the regular
army, the bluejackets. and militia
These latter the crowds on the Pres
ident's stand greeted vocifernusly. and
the President applauded with the rest
Just then one Of the Red Cross
ambulances which had been passing
up and down continually. dashed by
with the form Of afworn-out veteran
! lying in the stretch inside. Craninf
/. his neck to get a look. the President
81 80.
ed concern as to the ability Of the
older veterans to stand the march.
AS Commanderin-Chief Palmer. al
the head of the vets, rode before the
reviewing stand there was another
burst of applause which increased il
volume as the old soldier dismountet
from his horse and joined the Presi
dent. The latter greeted him effusive
ly. Just then an aged colorbearer
who had also mounted the stand
came to the front with his banner
I The folds of the flag swept over tn,
I face Of the French ambassador ant
again M. Jusserand's hat went TO thl
floor, TO be recovered this time b,
9 the British ambassador.
: The veterans themselves were nov
- passing. The President was on hi
I feet with his head uncovered. Tit
3 crowds in the stands cheered madl,
as the silver headed marchers passed
One veteran older apparently thar
:. any OF the others in his company, hi
g. white hair waving, stumbled as h
u came abreast of the President II wa
81 then that the President first gavl
e.. way to his emotions. His eyes fillei
re and as he groped for a handkerchie
vs. his head was bowed.
N Others in the stand seemed to catcl
- the Presidents feelings and gradual,
N all voices were hushed II was thu
- most impressive moment OF the re
= view.
re- The silence was only momentar,
n for the spirit of the veterans them
4 selves was buoyant as they marche,
4, past the stand, their hats off in salut
no 10 the President. There was a burs
m Of good natured laughter. as march
~ ing at the tail-end of the veteran
came a hoary figure in ancient uni
y - form and tattered knapsack From
the hayonet fixed to the old riff
=, which the lone marcher carried wa
80 a sign bearing the inscription: "A
~ I marched fifty years ago" The oil
't' soldier brought his gun to 'presen
'' arms" and the President returne
the salute with enthusiasm
During the entire time of the parad
and until the last had passed, IN
Is President remained in his plac,
standing erect, saluting each detach
J. ment as IL went by. And after !