The vessel which closed the procession was the Wiiuoose, restraining her speed like a greyhound in leash. It was altogether a great display, and one of which New York may ever be justly proud. "The queen of the western waves sat by her waters in glory and in light all day, proud of the past and hopeful of the future. " Space fails in which to print even a Hst of the notable water parades that have passed Manhattan Island. How many were the thousands of people that risked annihilation to catch even a glimpse of the warships that had made history under the guns of Spanish forts and aided in the destruction of the Spanish nav}^ Through what heat of sun, or bitterness of wind, or cheerless, driving rain, have not the population of New York stood, hour after hour, to see a fleet of marine monsters, with bunting streaming and yards manned, sweep by in glorious procession! As a race we appreciate spectacles: we love the gleam of metal, the concourse of people, the rolling of drums, and the fanfare of trumpets. We love a parade, and we fall into paroxysms of patriotism when a hero appears. We have only one limit: we do not wish our

Festivals and Pageants 53

enthusiasms to be remembered against us. When wc tell a hero that he is a demigod and can have the Presidency of the United States for the asking, we resent being taken too seriously.

"-^^""^^m

A TOW GOING OUT TO SEA