The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1917-06-15
THE EDITOR WITH THE WEARERS
OF GRAY IN WASHINGTON

The gathering of the Grand Army
of the Republic was held in this city
the same as the gathering of the
United Confederate Veterans and
Sons of Confederate Veterans, and
those who have witnessed both dem
constructions say that the latter is the
larger, and have collected the larger
number OF visitors to the city, and
have aroused the larger amount of en-
thusiasm.
This is because the nation has been
called to arms and the military spirit
pervades the air, martial music, the
tread of marching men and the pa
triotic utterances that fall from elo-
quent lips giving a tinge of glory to
the gathered hosts.
Every room in every hotel is occu-
pied, and the parks and thorough
! fares are massed with human beings.
1t is a great scene, and at night
is one of dazzling and bewildering
beauty.
Balls were given at a number of the
hotels last night.
Our little delegation, chaperoned
by Mr.. and Mrs. Henry Marsh, now
residents of this city, went to the Ra-
leigh, and after struggling for a time
to get to the elevator, and finally Sc
curing standing space, when the ball
room was reached we found the doors
locked, and were told nothing do
ing" We were then taken by auto
got there in time to participate in the
grand march, Mrs. Marsh honoring
us as her partner.
These festivities were occurring In
ali parts of the city, and the maids
and sponsors and chaperones from
the various camps of the various
states presented picture of viva
ciousness and beauty that would chal-
lenge the world to equal.
uS Ou
made provision for feeding and sleep
ing four thousand, but the number
had swelled TO twelve thousand the
first day, and we were told that up TO
and including the noon meal yester-
day sixteen thousand tickets had been
issued.
We were told by one of the divis-
ion commanders, who is taking his
meals there. that the service is excel
lent, and the fare bountiful, and meas
ures up to the menu of most of the
hotels of the city.
There is but one sentiment, and
that is that Washington is giving hos
pitable entertainment
The fatted calf has been slaughter
ed and the veterans of the Lost
Cause" are now encamped under the
very shadow of the dome of the CAPT
toll.
1t is a sight that has touched the
soul of the nation, and makes the
heart-throbs of all sections beat as
one.
The eternal purpose seems to be
that but for its hallowed memories
and deeds for emulation, the past
shall be obliterated and swallowed up
in the present, for the reason that
the mighty arm of the nation shall be
strengthened in order that our form
of government shall endure, and that |
the autocratic government of kings, |
emperors and czars shall perish from
the earth. This is the though running !
through the presidents speech.
1t is the working of an Infinite and
Almighty God The civil war was as
a fiery furnace through which we
have passed, and the publication now
seen in the present fraternal spirit |
will make for strength to do and dare
that in the end shall come peace and
love and amity and good government
throughout the world.
Thousands failed to hear the presi-
dent. | was more fortunate. He !
spoke not in strong, but in a clear, |
penetrating voice. and was received /
with tremendous cheering.
The grandson of Lee spoke from
the same platform with him. and said |
that if his grandfather could speak
from the tomb he would give this
great gathering his benediction, and
would invoke for the Stars and |
Stripes the same measure of devotion
that they gave to the flag of the Con
federacy.
Love your country, and honor its
flag, j" he proclaimed was the domi.
nant thought that pervaded the soul
of Lee up to the hour of his death.
Last night the Tampa band honored
the Florida headquarters with a spir.
tied serenade. and General Aver re-
y al~l