Page:The history and achievements of the Fort Sheridan officers' training camps.djvu/230

 228 THE FORT SHERIDAN ASSOCIATION

The parade started practically on the minute. Ten o'clock was the scheduled time, and exactly at 10:10 the troops from Fort Sheridan swung out of Grant Park at Van Buren street and entered Michigan avenue to march north until reaching Randolph street.

A mighty cheer went up as the khaki-clad student officers started up the avenue. There w^as a ripple of flags on the side-lines as far as one could see. The cheers had the effect of a tonic on the men. Heads up, chests out, they marched in perfect unison.

The troops approached the reviewing stand at the Art Institute. Everywhere there w^as shouting and flag waving. At times the music of the bands could hardly be heard. Hats came off in salute to the colors.

Colors of America and her allies w^ere everyw^here. On the front of the Art Institute the American and Russian flags w^ere entw^ined. Everywhere else the flags of all nations fighting for liberty w^ere displayed. Nearly every spectator carried a flag or w^ore the colors.

In the review^ing stand stood Maj.-Gen. Thomas H. Barry, com- manding the Central Department, U. S. A., members of the Russian com- mission, representatives of the civic organizations that organized the big demonstration, and relatives of the "258's."

After an escort of motorcycle and mounted police had passsed, the student officers, led by Col. W. J. Nicholson, their commander, who was grand marshal as well, came even w^ith the review^ing stand the cheering grew^ deafening. General Barry w^atched the troops go swinging by. His face lighted and he clapped his hands.

"Wonderful, wonderful, and in three months, too," he said.

Four thousand one hundred of the student officers passed the stand.

"What a w^onderful performance for only three months of training! " exclaimed General Barry, his face w^reathed in smiles of satisfaction, as he turned to the head of the Russian mission. Ambassador Boris H. Bakhmetieff.

"That shows, ' he added, clapping his hands vigorously, "what Americans can do w^hen the heart is right."

And the eminent Russian, his gaze riveted upon the marchers, their heads erect, their steps in splendid unison, could not restrain his enthusiasm.

"It is the finest body of men I ever saw!" he said. "The men are remarkably drilled. It is an inspiring sight!"

Ambassador Bakhmetieff of the Russian mission gave vent to his feelings with applause, then turned to say:

"What an inspiring sight. Such a demonstration as this gives me further confidence for the world-wide success of democracy

Meanwhile, the Great Lakes Naval Training Station band, divided into two sections, played continuously the war hymns of America and her allies.

Then came detachments of policemen and firemen. There was a separate detachment of the men in the two services who are subject to service in the National Army. The crowds applauded them, too. First Deputy Chief Westbrook and Capt. John B. Alcock led the policemen, and Battalion Chiefs Edward F. McGurn and Michael Corrigan led the firemen.

Suddenly the cheering became earsplitting. The noise became one great roar. The National Army men were coming!

�� �