Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 October 1883 — A HUNDRED YEARS AGO. [ARTICLE]

A HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

Commemorating the Disbandment of the Victorious Revolutionary Armies. Thousands of People Unite in the Ceremonies at Newburg, N. Y. , Fifty thousand people attended the oelebrar tion at Newburg, N. Y., of the anniversary of Washington’s farewell to his army. The streets were gayly decorated, and the procession was four miles in length. Senator Bayard, of Delaware, was President of the day, and ex-Secretary Evarts was orator, both gentlemen delivering eloquent addresses, the first speaker sketching the scenes of Revolutionary times, and Mr. Evarts eulogizing Washington as the patriot, soldier and statesman. Pyrotechnios and social reunions closed the events of the day. A correspondent at Newburg furnishes the following acoount of the ceremonies: The day was one of the loveliest imaginable. The sun shone brightly, and the temperature was all that could have been asked. Tho confidence of the people in the glorious sunshine of the 18th of October has had its vindication. During the preparations for this centennial celebration of Washington disbanding and taking leave of his victorious army, all questions about possible rain were met with M the answer that for the past ten years the lfth of October had been clear and bright, and chat a benediction of sunshine wus expected. Great crowds of people arrived byboats and trains last night and thronged the down-town streets. Many persons could not find lodgings, so orowded were the hotels and dwellings of the city and towns roundabout. A torchlight procession, firemen's displays, fireworks and much enthusiasm were the preparations last night for to-day. Tho bay was illuminated by electric lights along the river front, and a large number of vessels. Including yachts, steamboats and United States war ships, riding at anchor, made a picturesque scene. Brass bands and the fife aud drum seemed not to be still during the night. Mayor Ward held a reception in honor of the distinguished guests. At sunrise to-day live navy vessels fired salutes, which were responded to from shore by cannon planted at Washington’s headquarters and elsewhere on both sides of the river, and by the ringing of all the church bells. There were immense throngs of people on the streets. One train on the West Shore railroad arrived in four sections with 1,500 passengers. One Erie train, with two engines, had nineteen cars packed with people, and the platforms were also crowded. Tho New York Central and local roads wore also pouring into town {nassos of people. Farmers’ families woro coming in all sorts of vehicles, and farm hands were trudging along afoot. The lawn (it Washington’s headquarters was thronged Jong before the hour of beginning the exercises. Two hundred New York policemen (tided the local force in preserving ordor. The city never presented so fine a display. Flags floated everywhere, and there was an unclouded sky. At noon scores of steamboats arrived, bringing military and excursion parties. The Seventh regiment, of New York, with the veteran corps, arrived by special train. Tho Twenty-third and Thirteenth Brooklyn regiments arrived on the steamers Grand Republic and Columbia. Owing to the late arrival of the State troops, the parude was not even forming at the time appointed for the march. The Putnam Phalanx was a notablo body, and looked as if a band of “old Put’s” soldiers had come again upon earth with their uniform, step, and tactics of Revolutionary days. Although at 12:30 there was no appearance of the parade, tho scene around the reviewing stand was inspiring. Spectators crowded every vantage spot and enthusiastically cheered the various organizations on their marches to the rendezvous. The court-house was decorated with tho national flags, streamers and bunting, and the residences on the opposite side of tho street bear the arms of Massachusetts and yirginia. Gov. Cleveland and staff arrived from Albany on the West Shore train at 10:30. The train had eighteen coaches crowded with passengers. President Artjnir sent a letter of rogret. Ex-Senator Conkling was also invited, but could not come. The procession started at 12:15, an hour and a quarter late. The Governors and (heir staffs, the Generals and their staffs, and the marines, soldiers and favorite troops of the State made an imposing display, while Joined with these were the visiting troops of veterans, civic societies, etc., wljicli made the {>rocession four miles long. It marched n five divisions, with five bands of musio in each division. The line was much crowded with people, who applauded enthusiastically. The windows and steps everywhere were filled with ladies, who clapped their hands or waved their handkerchiefs as the troops marched past. As tho head of the procession reached the grand stand, there was great enthusiasm among the pooplo. The Governors of the different States, Sonator Bayard, the chaplain, orator, poet and others, who had special parts assigned them in ’the exercises, wheeled from the ranks to the receiving stand. The “mareh past” took place to enlivening music, and the parade was dismissed. The people then hastened to the lawn in front of Washington’s headquarters, where the exercises took place. After the introductory overture by the fine band of tho Seventh regiment, Mayor Wurd called tho assemblage "to order, and Dr. S. Irauaeus Prime,offered prayer. Tho “Te Deura," for 500 voices and the band followed, and then Senator Bayard was introduced as the President of tho celebration exercises. Tim Senator delivered an eloquent address and was frequently applauded. “Hail Columbia” by the chorus and band, an original poem by Wallace Bruce, and a. grand chorus, “No King but God,” followed. Sonator Bayard then presented tho orator of the day, the Hon. Wm. M. Evarts, who received a most cordial welcomo, and delivered an oration with “ Washington” for his inspiration, which was much appreciated by tho multitude of hearers. The hallelujah chorus was given after tho oration, and Bishop Coxe prououncod the benediction. , The great crowd then scattered to a march py the band. Tho people enjoyed themselves in their own way throughout tho afternoonIn the evening there was a fine pyroteclmio display. Salutes were fired and ships woro dressed, and there were many social reunions.