The Washington herald., 1915-09-30

ians constituted the citizens escort of
honor. The delegation was divided into
| two sections, the members of the first
| wearing frock coats and silk hats, and
those of the second wearing dark coats
and derby hats.
Eyes Left" Is Command.
| The United States bluejackets. more
| than 5000 strong, made an impressive
sight. In company front they marched
by the reviewing stand, their lines as
| straight as though ruled. In their suits
of blue and their white trimmings they
| furnished picture full of color.
Eyes left" came the command from
| the officers as the companies successfully
came before the reviewing stand Like
clockwork every head turned to the left
and every eye looked straight at the
President.
The District National Guard. under the
command of Brig. Gen. William E. Har-
vey. was in the procession more than
1.008 strong. The regiment Of infantry.
the coast artillery company. the Signal
Corps company. the army pack mule de-
tachment and the Hospital Corps all
made an excellent showing.
The official escort was the Sons OF
Veterans, headed by a drum and fife
corps composed Of 100 grandsons Of
civil war soldiers. Their uniforms of
light blue added to the attractiveness
of the company Of youngsters. many of
whom were hardly big enough to carry
the drums upon which they played.
In their full dress uniforms Of GRIM
son hue the United States Marine Band
drew forth strong applause of the
honor escort, members of U. S. Grant
Post. No. 237. Department of New
York. These veterans appeared not
the least fatigued by the walk of
mile and a half. Without exception
thye are remarkably well-preserven
men David J. Palmer, commander
in-chief of the G. A. r.. came next.
In response to the cheers Of the
crowds he repeatedly DOTTED his broad
brimmed hat. After passing the re-
viewing stand. he dismounted and
Wilson, As had previously done Gen.
Miles.
In the parade were many OF the vet
eran musicians Of the civil war days.
Some were organized in bands. Others
marched BY themselves or in groups OF
two or three, beating drums. piping
shYill fifes. or playing family on bu
giles. The largest band OF these vet
eran musicians was from Syracuse. N.
r. the members belonging to Root
Post Of the q. A. r.
The Old and the New.
Behind this band andt marching
alone was a veteran who brought out
in striking manner the contrast be-
tween the civil war days and the pres
ent He was garbed in the same uni
form he wore during the days Of serv-
ice for his country. It was rumpled.
impressed, ragged uniform of blue. On
his back was a big knapsack and
haversack. and at the back Of his neck
was rolled a blanket. On his shoulder
he carried an old musket with bayoner
fixed. And from this bayonet hung
a little piece of pasteboard on which
were printed in letters of black these
impressive words:
"As I marched nifty years ago.
The delegates from Illinois. Wiscon-
sin. Pennsylvania ana Ohio In particu-
lar were exceedingly large and took
up considerable part of the process
sion.
The Wisconsin delegation carried
large stuffed eagle. perched on tree
branch. attracting wide attention.
One Of the posts from Philadelphia
was picturesque in attire and received
much applause. The members wore
cream-coiored coats. blue trousers. and
high fur hats.
Nearly every department of the G.
A. R. represented in the parade car
ried Q half dozen or more battle-torn
flags that had been in the heat Of the
civil war conflict and that bore sad
evidences Of the experience. 1t was
like the passing Of a sacred ark. There
was something about these old ban
ners that inspired the people with
reverence and awe. AS they passed
the spectators solemnly roses and un-
covered their heads. And there were
may eyes that were flled with tears.
Some OF these old flags were furled
about their staffs. Others were flying
In the breeze. showing their torn and
tattered and shell-pierced fragments.
Mingled with the veterans who
saved the Union were not a few Of the
Boys In Gray. There was no feeling
of bitterness in their hearts. They
walked side by side with those whom
they fought against fifty years ago
a silent symbol of the eradication Of
sectional feeling and the unihcation Of
the nation. These Boys In Gray cheer
ed the flag when It passed them and
they In turn were cheered Justify by
the crowds.
One Of these Boys In Gray was with
the Pennsylvania delegation. On either
side Of him marched . Boy In Blue.