Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 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 celebration at Newburg, N. Y., of the anniversary of' Washington's farArell 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. Pyrotechnics and social reunions closed the events of the day. A correspondent at Newburg furnishes the following account 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. The 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 the answer that for the past ten years the 18th of October had been clear arid bright, and that a benediction of sunshine was expected. Great crowds of people arrived by boats and trains last night and thronged the down-town streets. Many persons could not find lodgings, so crowded 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. The bay was illuminated by electric lights along the river front, and a large number of vessels, including yachts, steamboats and Ltaited States war ships, riding at anchor, made a picturesque scene. Brass bands and the hfe and drum seemed not to be still during the night. Mayor Ward'held a reception In honor of the distinguished guests, At sunrise to-day five 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. The New York Central and local roads were also, pouring into town masses of people. Farmers’ families wefe coming In all sorts of vehicles, and farm hands were along afoot. The lawn nt Washington's headquarters was thronged long before the hour of beginning the expreises. Two hundred New York policemen j-.ided the local force in preserving qrder. 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 thtf veteran corps, arrived by special train. The |Twenty-thffd and Thirteenth Brooklyn regiments arrived on the steamers Grand Republic and Columbia. Owing to the late arrival pt the State, troops, the parade was not even forming at the time appointed for the march. The Putnam Phalanx was a notable body, pnd looked as if a band of “old Put's” toldiers 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, the 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 the national flags, streamers and bunting, and the residences on the opposite side of the street bear the arms of Massachusetts and Virginia. Gov. Cleveland and staff arrived from Albany on the West Shore train at 10:30. The train bad eighteen coaches crowded with passengers. President Arthur sent a letter of regret. 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 their 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., which made the pfdce?siqn four miles long. It marched in .five divisions, with five bands of music in each division. The line yas 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 the head of the procession reached the grand stand, there was great enthusiasm among the people. The Governors of the different States, Senator 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 ‘‘march 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 plage. -After .the introductory overture by the fine band of tbeSev* enth regiment. Mayor Ward called the assemblage to order, and Dr. 8. Iranaeus Prime offered prayer. The “Te Deum," for 500 voices and the band followed, and then Senator Bayard was introduced as the President of the celebration exercises. The Senator delivered an eloquent address and was frequently applauded. “Hail Columbia” by the nluwn« pnrl hand, an original poem by Wallace Bruce, and a grand chorus, “No King but God,” followed. Senator Baj ard then presented the orator of the day, the Hon. Wm. M. Evarts,* who received a most cordial welcome, and delivered an oration with “ Washington” for his inspiration, which was much appreciated by the multitude of hearers. The hallelujah chorus was given after the oration, and Bishop Coxe pronounced the benediction. The great crowd then scattered to a march by the band. The ;>eople enjoyed themselves in their own way throughout the afternoon. In the evening there was a fine pyrotechnic display. Salutes were fired and ships were dressed, and there were many social reunions. - 1