Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/362

 350 Southern Historical Society Papers.

the tickets for which were held by those in the procession, but the streets, the park, walkways, the porches, windows and yards of the residences fronting on the park were crowded. The decorations in the neighborhood were quite elaborate, and the community was in full sympathy with the spirit of the occasion. Everybody was light- hearted, buoyant and enthusiastic.

Refreshments were being served at the old Carrington house and on several of the street corners near by, thoughtful citizens had placed barrels of ice-water on the pavement with plenty of dippers and cups from which to drink, and the doors of most of those living on the streets bordering the park were thrown open to their friends. Messrs. D. C. Richardson, W. T. Hancock and others liberally kept open-house, and their hospitable homes were continually thronged.

Richmond never had a big celebration for which the preparations were more complete. Every detail seemed to have been carefully arranged.

The plan upon which the grand stand was constructed was as near perfect as possible. There was a special section in front for the ex- clusive use of representatives of the press. Next to this was the speakers' stand, decorated and covered with bunting, flags, shields and other Confederate emblems, and back of this was the large space for special guests. There were several broad entrances to this, and each was guarded by police and members of the committee to see that there was no rush and that only those who held tickets were admitted.

The stand did not fill up rapidly. People were anxious to get on there at first, but when rain begun to fall rather steadily the press for admittance ceased. General Lee and staff, Governor O'Ferrall and staff, the officers of the Monument Association, and others con- nected with the unveiling occupied seats in and near the speakers' division of the platform. The other front rows of seats were set apart for the ladies of the memorial bazaar and the memorial asso- ciations, but when their carriages arrived there was such a steady downpour that most of them remained in the vehicles. It was well that they did, as very few persons back of those who participated in the exercises could hear anything that was said.

PROMINENT PEOPLE.

Among those on the stand were General Fitz Lee, General Wil-