National Republican (Washington City

THE DAY TO CELEBRATE

WASHINGTON'S SESQUI-CENTENNIAL DULY HONORED IN THIS CITY.

A Pilgrimage to Mount Vernon by the Continentals—Eloquence at the Old Homestead—Other Observances by Organizations—The Oldest Inhabitants' and Monument Society.

The patriotic sentiment of Americans is never better exemplified than in the celebration of the one hundred and fifty-fourth birthday of George Washington. A century and a half is a long time to pay tribute to the memory of any man, no matter how great, and in the present modern world but little time is found by the people to keep alive, even if they would such sentiment. The greatness of Washington left a profound impression in the minds of his fellow men, which will last forever, his good deeds are as familiar as nursery rhymes, and the average citizen always has time to sit down and discuss the great warrior and statesman's prowess in his country's service. For two years past the celebration has been quiet and with but few characteristics to distinguish it from any other holiday. The dedication of the monument a year ago revived the interest, and, as yesterday was a legal holiday and the weather and other circumstances favorable, the celebration was a worthy though disjointed one.

The sun came out bright and cheerful, throwing its welcome winter warmth through the wind clouds, and finally conquered, the wind dying down about noon. The people, freed from government offices and business houses, celebrated the event in many ways. Some went out of town. Others remained and were glad of it, for the parades and other celebrations furnished as much entertainment as could be desired. Some of the theaters held special matinees, but as the day was so pleasant people were inclined to remain on the streets, and so from noon until twilight a restless merry crowd surged up and down the broad avenue, finding amusement in watching each other, and studying the texture of their clothes and style of the fashions. The parades in the afternoon were very creditable and, altogether, the celebration was one of the largest and most successful held for some time.

THE MT. VERNON PILGRIMAGE.

Five hundred of the people who left town went to Mt. Vernon with the Washington Continentals. The Continentals had brushed up their antique though handsome uniforms and bought themselves nice new white neckties, forty-seven of which were of the same style. They got up very early, and before many people were on the streets they had met one another and were marching through some of the streets. It didn't take long for the people to come out when they heard the band, however, and the Continentals can justly claim the honor of being the first to inaugurate the celebration. Most of the Continentals' friends were there, and these brought other friends. The gallant representatives of the soldiers of '76 marched from their armory to the plateau opposite the patent office, where they and their friends looked into a camera and were rewarded by a 10x10 picture of themselves in a group.

Just then one of the brave soldiers who hadn't got up in time rushed up with a basket of flowers, which had the appearance and smell of being fresh and fragrant, and had a card on it. The card had this inscription:

From the President.

A very small lad in a miniature uniform was delegated to carry the basket, and he shared the honors of the day with his grandsire, who carried the flag. Then the march for the steamer Corcoran was begun, and at every point on the route the friends of the Continentals uttered words of encouragement. At the boat, which was slightly delayed on account of that big photo, they found that they were in great demand, and soon climbed aboard, followed by two more Continentals, who didn't have uniforms, bearing the overcoats of the Continentals, although everybody protested that he wasn't cold.

When everybody had been stowed away, and the boat started by a "Let her go" from Capt. Blake, the officers of the Continentals figured on the manifest about this way: Fifty-four Continentals, sixteen musicians, four hundred friends and some other people. The other people included Hon. Barnes Compton, of Maryland; Hon. G. C. Cabell, of Virginia; Hon. A. J. Warner, Lawrence Gardner, who did a great deal towards making the affair a success, and carried the basket sometimes; Hon. Binger Herman, and Ebenezer Burton Ball, who lives in Oregon now, but who has Washington blood in his veins, and remembers a great deal about his ancestors. Three or four stops were made and then the tolling of the vessel's bell announced the arrival at Mount Vernon.

Just at this juncture somebody asked where the Hon. John C. Black, commissioner of pensions, was keeping himself, as nobody had seen him. A search was made for the distinguished arbiter of the old soldiers' destinies, but, in the words of one of the hands, "He wer'n't thar."

When the committee on arrangements were appealed to, and several others asked, there seemed to be a unanimity of opinion that the Hon. John had slept too late, forgetting, it seems, that 9 o'clock is the usual hour fixed for being at the office. But being a holiday Mr. Black was excused.

People toiled up the hill leading to the tomb, where, by looking through the great iron gates of the mausoleum, one could see a solitary sprig of cedar resting on the sarcophagus containing the remains of Gen. Washington.

The Continentals arrived after a time and stood in a straight line before the tomb with uncovered heads, while the band played a very sad, though sweet requiem called "Tis Done." The music was very pretty, and for more than a moment everybody stood quiet, thinking a good deal about the grand man whose remains were reposing inside the tomb.

Then the Continentals put on their hats, which example everybody followed. The band then played "Nearer My God to Thee," and the Continentals went upon the lawn in front of the mansion, where Mr. Ball says George Washington used to play croquet, and had their pictures taken again, with the mansion for a background. After this a table, a pitcher and two glasses were brought out on the portico, and Chairman Lippard introduced Mr. Compton, who said that just a little lower down on the other side of the river he himself had also been born, and his grandfather had shaken hands with George Washington.

"We are on hallowed ground," said he, "and in the presence of the spirit of a just man. We come to-day as God-fearing, intelligent American citizens to pay our respects to the memory of that great man and to learn wisdom from the lesson which his precepts teach. Every country, ancient and modern, has its hero, and we Americans pay tribute to the memory of Randolph, Madison, and Washington. Look back at the time of the settlement of this country and see what he has done, making it as it is, the land of the free and home of the brave, which every man has the liberty of. It is because you stand by your home fires, the principles of the constitution, and the memory of this great man that will make you the greatest nation on earth."

The attache of the Japanese legation, who didn't understand much, clapped his hands enthusiastically, but stopped in time to allow Mr. Compton to say: "I hold in my hand a slight token that Grover Cleveland respects the memory of George Washington. He presented this basket of flowers to the Washington Continentals to place in the vault of his illustrious predecessor."

Representatives Cabell and Herman and Mr. Ball then spoke, each paying a high tribute to the memory of the first President and indorsing the action of the Continentals in making such pilgrimages.

Then the people went through the mansion, or took walks in the wood, until shortly after 2 o'clock, when the boat returned from her down trip, and two hours later most of the pilgrims were mingling with the other people on the avenue, watching the parade and telling each other what a good time they had spent.