September 7, 1898


MILITARY DAY

The return of the Second Nebraska Regiment from the tropical countries of the
south gave occasion for a celebration in their honor, and the officers and men
received a royal welcome on the Exposition grounds as they appeared in uniform
in marching columns.  The regiment arrived at the 24th street entrance a little
after 10 o'clock and was met by Governor Holcomb, Adjutant General Barry and
Military Secretary Ayris who carried the Nebraska colors.  The Second Regiment
Band preceded the soldiers and was followed by Colonel C.J. Bills and staff and
the three marching battalions of the regiment in platoons.  After reaching the
plaza, the exercises incident to welcoming this regiment home again were held
from the band stand, and consisted of the following program:

Welcome   .    .    .    By Governor Silas A. Holcomb
Address of Welcome
By Mayor Frank E. Moore
Music
Omaha Concert Band
Address   .    .    .    By Colonel C.J. Bills
Address   .    .    .    G.W. Wattles

After the exercises were concluded the company stacked arms on the plaza and a
luncheon at the Markel Restaurant was served to the soldiers.  The remainder of
the day was spent by them in enjoying the sights of the Exposition, and in
meeting their friends and relatives who had come from all points of the state
to welcome them home.[SR]

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Alle Baba, one of the whirling and howling dervishes in the Streets of Cairo, was doing his contortion dance and had just driven a steel poniar through his flesh, when a nervous old lady, who claimed to be a chief of some society, rushed in and drew out t he poniard. She began to harangue the crowd regarding the horrors of such heathenish practices to a civilized audience. She was cheered lustily by the crowd, but Alle Baba said many curious things under his breath, evidently not complimentary to old ladie s and their societies. [WH]