MONDAY.
Memorial Day was observed by Ellsworth Post, G. A. R., with the same order of exercises as has been usual on former years. The response to the invitation of the Post by the citizens of Ames and the surrounding country was most hearty, making the aggregate attendance much larger than that of any former year. The students of the college added materially to the interest of the occasion—their fine band—uniformed and armed battalion of cadets, together with the novel but attractive and well drilled brigade of young ladies, were features that received well merited praise from all observers. Frank Bently Post, of Gilbert, was present in fine form, and J. L. Geddes Camp, Sons of Veterans turned out fifty members and a more manly body of young men would be hard to find in any town. The Parade was formed on Onondaga street in the following order:
1. College Band.
2. Battalion of Cadets—Major W. B. Hunter.
3. Ellsworth Post, G. A. R.—Com. Loughran.
4. Frank Bently Post, G. A. R.—Com. McFARLAND.
5. Drum Corps.
6. J. L. Geddes Camp, Sons of Veterans—Capt. J. H. Pickett.
7. Spear Brigade (Ladies)—Capt. J. Rush Lincoln.
8. College Artillery with piece.
9. Orator of the day, in carriage.
10. Citizens in general.
In this order the column marched to the cemetery where a hollow square was formed and the appropriate ritual of the G. A. R. was conducted by the Ellsworth Post.
The decoration of the graves was performed by Officer of the Day, T. J. Miller with detail, assisted by sixteen misses-daughters of soldiers. The young ladies deposited the flowers and flags, and rendered an appropriate song at each grave. Responses were made at the graves by comrades Christman, McMichael, Wilson, Moulton and Cramblet. The column then reformed and proceeding to Condit's Grove participated in the program- as previously published.
Very general satisfaction was felt with all the exercises at the grove and each deserves special mention but we lack space to particularize.
The overture by the college band was finely executed and each selection of vocal music was new, of a high order and finely rendered. Com. Tilden welcomed the citizens as follows:
Friends, as commander of Ellsworth Post, I welcome you to this public service. It is dear to every soldier. Decorating the graves of our departed comrades is an outward act, but calling to mind their lives and the scenes through which they passed is of much deeper significance. Let the day lose none of its present features, but let it become more and more a season of memories. This day