Mg<4. A(7 9 1. 1-, I 7k-. _. X 0.a.?, wr4 ~J 1, i~ I-1Q a iYI r;-I ~h 1:-ii.9`;/ P i;~ i.i u t - r " i- ~-ir; 9" r;~ F ~1-.,9x; ~.-~;;1 U -i; ifx~i '" Rs;:-Bg_~it aB Ik. ~-"-e Ft; iTa:I%% -. .:~Ea I;~nii;ti -i. i i ~,kZ Is 5.a lii-l:.: C,-..,tam -i (- 1. J i p ~-I I;~ili D~:: _ -li~$; ")-V ii~ d.,.i r I.. -OPf THI Aj.,, '~, Stf......... r AN~~RM: * ^ **.l '^ /:.,; *1 *,,r-:;;: l. ' -: *. *:* r l. * '" - *;.; * *B t;~ '": '.^ 'I i"^ -- "":'".:;'% - '];:^',;t,.. A^^ ' ^*::* ^.i'" ^ \ ' ^ i. './ ' " ' * ^ *?'' *. fl~ v' ia^.;l * j* -T E..; 111.^ ^ ' *: j ~ ";' -d-~. i'( ifi' i-;I " i' r i -~~ 1 g.* .iii )i kr-"i" v;~,,~,j6";r I; i-, i r.i;e;;;;i `,P ~ i i * i ' A 1 *: t ii ~"- '..;;; i ""'".i ~ v ";;1- 7- ii. -.: 1:1 "-^, N. ' T.,. f~ ~,,,R,.. i BsX8 n #1 * i S ' e 4;d:9^^~^^~'::'^..r: ' I..f'. ' };:,,:' /^".^^^^.~^ 0 i 't '^ 1-^,' '.^^ 'y '*-e ii;,^, 5 t 1,y,-' l t *S kb'4 i, C:^ 5' * ' -i r ' f $ 7I f 3 ". -~- ifs C X 0*;- ev a=8 M t; 5>. s 0 v ' i' t S j. <...X 0 '<. t 1 4 ;~ ~s,~:~ r i i i? -i- ~; R 1;g n:^ "?i o xj!;~ i, *A. I, j I i c L r r. — "-i*Li; r i':rs~ r..... ' * ii - *. 'C: ~i i,; t -?? :~ II J* -A,:: 74~.e - PU:BLSHSO BV f~lt N A. N. t n, -i F,.. II 0:' '.._- -f fiti.t' 0`~~' ) ~i ~:S., e r '~;U, \:" ii s~ V; _ t tHISTORY OF THE i I f " I GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLI ODE TO FRATERNITY, CHARITY AND LOYALTY.,- ' -..., v, 1, VTEmlRAN band, our Army Grand, before our draming eyes ye stand Twisting with a firm, strong hand the three-fold cord of Unity 4. - - 1. r I. First, ye choose a fibre dyed In your common heart's-blood's tide, Type of man to man alliedThe bright RED strand, Fraternity. Next, a fibre spotless, clear, Bond of sacrifice sincere, Type of love that conquers fear — - The pure WHITE strand of Charity. - ~'; ~ ~;rY, i,' ~:~ ~;.r x:I~r rIE~' i;:Fi ~t:Il ~~i P I Last, the thread we glorify,;: Tinted like a summer's sky,:. Color for which heroes die —; The true BLUE strand of oyalty. t ' I. f' i: ". i' r. Long may your-triune motto shine, long live its sentiments divine, Long may the triple cable twine to bind the land's integrity ~..:: ~ i ": I 'j ';r~;l:i,~~ ', '-~ - 6:, ~C ~;~~;r —~.:~~ '';' s.L.C: "` f;:Cb ipli: CI?;;_ ~-::~r"- -~~YrP -'."';4Pt-' 't ~';: '% 'v.;~... I~,f ::. *: — i ";*p-~;.: i.-: ~: 'F. i'_': Is~_:y 1,1 i~. ' ' 4 i- EIST OF THE GRAND ARMY di? TH RPj - IiHE American passion for organizing," and "appointing.a.; i ommittee," manifests itself under all varieties of circusnstances. Any phase of things is a sufficient pretext for the |E America n citizen to call a meeting for some specific pur pose not hitherto provided for. E One might suppose that the severely methodical conditions of amy life might ha e satisfied thing of the most enthusiastic "organ, ^ izer who happened to be subjected to its stern requirements; but even under these conditions the national impulse to confer, deliberate and resolve, possessed the citizen-soldiers. During the later months of the civil war and for several years thereafter numerous societies wer forfrom somed, all from motive of co-operation or commemoration... THIRD ARMY CORPS UNION. I;The first of these societies was the Third Army Corps Union, organthe First Division. An exigency, not met by the army regulations: — called for this co-operative movement on the art of the officers of the I; -rn The f irst of these societies was te Tird Arm Corps Urvniro, norganJ rjJ.a. ~LJadLJ J.JrAr.IrLAJ;TE UJ. V ~ ~ 1;~, (A~ U~ ULLT;~ 'dne VLL~,V A~ I. 'V.V1J J\LJ i -. _Jlt. - JAVIL aI- IU JLI E V i, oa t U V IteVs W ~ j t~V 1W V u t DIDa a UV send home for burial the remains of officers in the corps who were killed in battle, or who died in camp or hospital; a motive that no: doubt appealed strongly to every man among them as he dwelt on i ' th ie possibility of dying in the enemy's country and filling a nameless |? grave. It is interesting to note that this first social aim of the soldierse i:i:::nimons was one allied to the most tender and sacred feelings for home nd friends, and one that had in mind not only the natural wish of I: the soldier to sleep his last sleep by the side of his friends in peace, i i:but also the kindly purpose to mitigate the sorrow of those left to |:i j::mourn by giving them the sad comfort of weeping over their precious i: - dead before he was hidden from their sight forever. The bond of ' " friendship thus solemnly sealed has never been broken. - SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. r c: '; "~_:iW ~::.:~ P; I 1,. c:., ~1L I ~,!,~~~:1:.:;; r:~ ~.?-I ~. :. 3 i: i; r i e t I ~ i t " t i 1 r 1 The second organization during the war period was the Society of the Army of the Tennesee. This society was formed shortly beforethe disbanding of the army, but in anticipation of the final muster-: out. Naturally, its leading idea was patriotic commemoration, and its stated objects, as far as they went, were identical with those that: afterward became the platform of that universal brotherhood of vet-;erans —te Grand Army of the Republic. Several names conspicunua *.. i,..... I.. 11 -Y! O...... -.. OTE' _. ''; -; KEYNOTE 03F~ IT;'EMSN~ tf, ehitory of the rd Army of the Republic through 0mrv events I ful year -otably thes nam hes of Generals Logan and -nrlblt, 'a; of' t composed of officers only. The rank and file while still in the field;.:are the. accredited founders of the Grand Army of the Republic, and t:: i: all admit that to Major Stephens on' s enthusiasm theorder owes its first organization. But perhaps it would not be correct to say that in I I anysone spot alone are to be found theo germs ofthe idea a senti-v i i 'toment so general sprang into life in various ways all through the army., Sometimes it was narrowed within the compass of a small group of:: personal acquaintances; sometimes the circle of sympathy expanded f ar enough to include a whole division or corps...d '-, *. a _....:;HELPFULNESS THE KEYNOTE OF VETERANS' SOCIETIES. -::.Usually, the central idea that inspired these unions was the memory i: i i; of a certain battle, or campaign, that had distinguished these men from thei r fellow-soldiers and with the memory arose the ermfeeling -!:?',that those who had suffered so much in common should, in after years,, j:'?'*:^::bhave as large a measure of mutual recompense as it was possible to;:' M,. -;secure by standing shoulder to shoulder in peaceful projects, as they.,, ghad marched together on warlike expeditions: - "'..-;::Inall these veteran societies, the keynote was this spirit of helpful-:i;:: i n e:sneassentiment that had been developed by the "inductive process", pe,,. iuring the years of daring and suffering. In emergencies o f danger and privation and sorrow each soldier had learned, as neverbere I^:ii' th t:?iow dependent is every one upon his fellow-men. Independence 'in: I: "the personal sense, is an iusion of prosperity In reality, there is no i'" 'such thing as independence, but when one is in comfortable circumof: i stances and surroundings he easily fdncies that he h nothing to ask:'of any other man. It is trouble or peril that sends hirto some one i f-else; and'then is made the unconscious confession of weaknessthe h. tacit admission that all his arrogant assumption of self-sufficiengy has been an empty boast. -::. --: This experience of a mutual dependenc e was one of the most startling i;rv elations to many of e s those who oos e te great Union' army. ~1 Never 17,r-~,ll IC n C C: a d I ~ -' - i? ' - -;-!.!.!-....., SlTO'R^ *THIE GRAND ARMY OF MTHE REPUBLIC,.: THE.'.- -:.: Men who at home had known only the elegant comforts of refined living, found themselves placed where not merely comfort but even. relief from grievous hardships could be secured only through a gene ~ outs comradery with others. Men, who at home would have turred away in disgust atthe idea of drinking from a cut-glass goblet, after; some one else, now, on the dusty march, gratefully accepted a draught from the gray canteen proffered by another weary soldier. Sturdy men, who 'had been accustomed thoughtlessly to appropriate all the E comforts of a well-appointed home, now stripped off their army blankets to wrap them around some slender fellow whose patriotism and bravery could not ward off the ague-fever. Some thought of the lads at home, scarcely younger than this stripling soldier, may have impelled the bearded man to care for somebody else's boy, ashe would have wished somebody else to care for his, had their circumstances I been reversed..:. And then, in the lllls of strife, when the regiment camped for days in monotonous dread and speculation, how the boxes used to comefrom the north and the east and the west, with their store of:homemade delicacies! And then the royal generosity of the favored soldier, as he unpacked his treasures! The roll of fresh butter that one loving mother had sent to her boy was shared with a score of other I mothers' boys, until it melted away "as a morning dew." And the:: box of "ginger-snaps" that became a Mecca for everybody as long as I. they lasted!-while the soldiers exchanged jolly reminiscences of the big stone jar that used to travel, like a planet, from shelf to shelf, and pantry to pantry, upstairs and down-cellar, in the fruitless effort to:.; -elude the discovery of the small boy. How the blue-coated warriors I. Ilaughed to recall those youthful foraging expeditions, when they werewont to commit the one crime that a boy always expects to be for: I given without repentance-the pilfering of his grandmother's irresistible " cookies." Or, Hal's mother had sent him several pairs of warm socks, and: a:) Hal shared them with Jim, who had no "folks" to send him anything. And so it went on, until the box was empty; but the hearts were full-for the whole company had shared- the sweet thoughtfulness of one patriotic home where "the soldiers" were never for one moment out of mind. I EARTS JOINED BY MUTUAL SORROW- AND DANGER.; Then, there were sombre hours, when the battle line was rolling. mercilessly nearer a nd nearer; an en whose reticent-silence had never before been broken looked into each other's eyes, and each -- ., -...~~ ~ ~., 1 — j -!71, last c T ~, 7: UE|flT J ED: BY, MhUTUAL SOBROW AN 'Ae l^; A)A R f'mmitted histsolemn heart-secrets to the other's keeping as th.: - prOMlsed that if either one fell in battle that day, the other should>,tae eom his beast-pocliet the picture, and the lock of hair, and' t. |I'' tl'-itetter already dwritten and addressed, and send them with gentlest |- words of sympathy tone who, hundreds of miles away, was keepi I e a heart-watch over the career of her brave darling. And they sealed |' 'this compact with one last strong clasp of hands; for the set lips;; dared not speak lest they should quiver, and the eyes gazed away to; the blue hills, because a soldier must not shed tears. With many, it was a last farewell on earth; but each went through Gethsemane to i- meet his cross the stronger for the silent eloquence of wordless sympathy.: Strange were: these friendships between men who, but for the war, I would never have known of each other's existence-each in his faraway home-but here joined by ties peculiarly binding and singularly: i: unlik the attachments of peaceful and uneventful life. |; What wonder that after all these experiences of mutual reliance,,: the thought of separation was swiftly followed by the thought of reI union. Could these men go back to their several homes and forget those who had been thus strangely associated with them for this brief,: terrible season of danger and daring? Or would the muster of war be replaced by a muster of patriotic veterans, who might reassemble at stated intervals to keep one another reminded of what they had enjoyed or suffered together; to renew their allegiance to the principles that had actuated them, in their righteous conflict; to keep sacred the m: emory of comrades whose lives had sealed their bond of loyalty; I more yet, to give practical proof of the sincerity of this veteran spirit! by making material provision for the comfort and support of the::': families bereft by these sacrifices; and to cultivate in the hearts, aMd '.' livesof the veterans themselves those tender and generous sentiment' j: ' which the brutalities of war were so calculated to kill out, and which::,,each: one must revive and cherish lest he should suffer that worst result of battle-strife-that retrograde step in the progress of civiliza-:''? tion-a deadening of the finer sensibilities of his nature. Should the p::atriots of the Union repeat the history of other nations, demoralized by war, or should sweet 'charity and brotherly kindness successfully Xcombat these perils, and the nation become purer for the baptism of fire that" had consecrated her anew? Such anxious questions filled the minds of thoughtful people as they pondered the issues of the war. And from every quarter of the army came the significant answer to the question, as everywhere knots of soldiers planned for future meetings of their respective regiments or 4ivision. f i-r *i —.. Ih It it le may different bands of veterans were projectiOng- r ion I developed into the -omradery of the Grand Army of the Republic. They were the budding shoots from which the interlacing branches of the strong forest were ultimately to grow. e X::;POLITICAL EXIGENCIES DEMAND ORGANIZATION.: - -.a It is impossible to surmise wheat might have been the trend and growth of this veteran spirit, but for President Lincoln's untimely ' death. This terrible event caused a violent agitation of public sentimerit, and especially in that vast army then about to be dispersed to their civilian occupations. Antagonisms that had been gradually yielding to the soothing influences of victory and assured piece were i roused to a bitte r spiri of e aggreand the generous impulse that before had been leaning toward a magnanimous amnesty for repentant: rebels was checked by a renewed distrust. The effect on the veterans' societies was to strengthen the patriotic bond that held them together, w at whil e at the same time to make them more jealous of any possible foe to the principles that they had defended. The policy of President Johnson was calculated to strengthen this bitterness;p and in through the rancorous spirit aroused by the acts of:. that administrateion, and the debate s in Congress during that period, the veterans-who had organized as a harmonious brotherhood devotedn: - to sacred memories of the past and peaceful pursuits for the future — und themsel ves fored int a r new warfare. The battle smoke had: rolled away from the harbors, and the dread rumble of cannonading: 3::0:o longer sounded from the wilderness; but from the national capital came the sound of discordant opinions, that were echoed from ever: rostrum and everypress in the land, while men in t he shops and men in the counting-rooms, and even men in the pulpits took up the mour ' -murof debate. - eThi s peace-this longed-for, prayed-for, joyfully-welcomed peace-fu was it better or worse than the war it had supplanted? Or, ind-eed was it not merely a lull in the storm, before a darker cloud should:come than-had before rolled over? So thought many:desponding ones; and the soldiers, albeit their rifles were once more stacked in the armories, fought their battles over again each day as they read the morning papers. -.The November elections in 1866 found a large proportion of:the : poitical grievances which so many of them resented, th erewereper.:: 'i;: -:- sonal and material. reasons why the veterans realized the need for ' i:',- eme definite action on their part. They had come home to take up.:!! 0' the broken thread of their occupations, after months or years of I: absence-in many cases to find another hand busy at their loom, and ' another web prosperously progressing where they had hoped to resume their own. Boys had grown up into a precocious band of workers, ' and able-bodied "stay-at-homes" had comfortably grown fat on the unprecedented business opportunities growing out of the necessity for. maintaining an army; but where was the niche for the returned. ' soldier? Nowhere-except in rare instances-unless he fought for it, and not then, if he fought single-handed. Several years of experience in the kind of effort put forth by organized masses may have emphasized, in the mind of the soldier, the motto "United we stand, divided i we fall! At all events, the veterans found it to their advantage to me i_: stand by one another, politically, in 1866-their specific purpose being. not merely the sustaining of the principles of federal government, but also the securing of fair play for ex-soldiers in the political and business life of the nation that the y could ustly claim to have preserved. Various political clubs of veterans were formed, some representing local interests, and some in preparation for the presidential campaign of '68; and always they were recognized as an influential exponent of the trend of political opinion amon g the veterans of the civil war. And what of the fraternal re-unions tatt had been so cordially agreed i pon by so many comrades while still in the field?::y at their lo:-.,. - This political warfare had not entered into the scheme of the soldiers,::who had imagined a future filled with the peaceable fruits of loyal: n devotion. They did r r ot foresee the tragedy that began with the assassination of their beloved President, and continued through what a; n seemed like the insidious murder of a nation tbut just savd fromhits open foes. Instead of being permitted to carry out the ideal plan of patriotic commemoration originally devised, they met the more salient naecessity for continuing the defensive attitude of a nation's bulwark.di Tohe most uriousl complicated result of t is unlooked-fo r political upheaval was the effect that it had o n the progres s ofthe Gra nd Artny of the Republic. No wonder that the dream of a gloriously cgenerous and peaceful society was broken, and that the need for some sterling and unyielding platform for this veteran army was recognized. While evidently there was an earnest effort on the part of the leaders-to keep the original idea unchanged, yet they did not hide the indignant feelings that had been developed since the war by provocations in T1 ing: ofthe Grand Army of the Reublic —the Springfield convention, Ineffect the resolutions expressed than the sentimeng of that was firing the brain of every loyal veteran, and plainly conveyed a rebuke to the existing administration. Everyone knew who and what were meant by "we wi ll make it ever our care that no known enemy of the country shall wield pow er in the resolutions adopted at th fiation s - rash admissionf the Grand Army of the Rep ose who wield conve ationc ~I _July 12, 1866 -pants in rebellion," etc. An ominous shake of the head seemsthat was firing t accompaniment to every clause. brain f every loyal veteran, as d plainly conveyed a rebuke to the mosting administration Everfiantly willing to ignore it. Mowereover, the g e willresolutions was diplomatic;make it ever our care that no known enem of the Ij was so vague, and withal so patriotic in a general way, that the most L cautious could take no exception to it; while at the same time, it eant as much as te m ost radical partisan cho werse to interpret it to mean. This latitude of interpretation possibly accounts for the wide I pantsge of opinrebellion," reached as to the political designs of the Grheaand seems a fittingrmy accompaniment to every clause. If there was quite probable suggestion of is intense though vaguely expressed purpos conservatvllenge and defiance for awilling to ignore it Morseded all oeoverthe l phrasing of the resolutions was diplomatic; " make it ever our care "was so vague, and withal so patriotic in a general way, that the most at cautious could take no exception to it; while at the same time, it motives. Loyalty demanded so much that fraternity and chse to interpret it to were somewhis latituovershadowed interpretation possibly accounts for the wide nf the of opinion reached as t trying years immediately designs of the Grad Ar of tlose of the war. It-seems quite probable that this intense though vaguely expressed purpose of challenge and defiance for a time superseded all other i-: motives. Loyalty demanded so mueh that fraternity and charity0 - — vere somewhat -overshadowed in the immediate purpose and action - of~ t~he veterans, duinrr the trying years immediately following tbe - 0: - -doseof -the war.. Nor is this a matter for adverse criticism. It would have been little to the credit of tie Union soldier if he had remained unmoved under: the insult offered to every veteran by a policy that unchecked would ',_ — have nullified the results of the war. In the face of existing facts, conservatism was little better than treason, and the hot-headed ones were ready even to suspect the loyalty of anyone who could keep cool. - While perhaps some were indiscreet in words, and over-zealous in action, still the soldierly spirit with which the veterans met this emergency was cheered to the echo by all loyal citizens.. POLITICS CHECK THE GROWTH OF THE ORDER. But right at this point arose the complication that so seriously interfered with the organization of the Grand Army. Each veteran was two separate characters; the same soldier was one moment a fraternal 8 ;1: i/ iii RE!: = s:T i!~' i ~~..... Ci --. ''.l::LITIC)S.CHECK THE GROWTH OF THE ORD1. -:i,::-'. omrade, the next instant a belligerent "Boy in Blue.": The veteran i who one evening attended' the meeting of the Grand Army Post, the:; next evening shouted himself hoarse at a mass-meeting to cheer the candidate of his choice; and people reasoned this way: "The Grand Army men are managing this caucus, and therefore the Grand Army is a political scheme for controlling elections; and whereas the candidates thus urged for nominations are Republicans, therefore be it resolved that the Grand Army is a partisan club devoted to the interests of the Republican ring.". The ingenious sophistry of this reasoning beguiled a great many people usually capable of logical judgment; and un-subdued rebels, and never-subdued -because- always - skulking "rebel sympathizers" used this artful argument to prejudice the unthinking, and many veterans who belonged to the Democratic party declined to have anything to do with the Grand Army. Also, on the ground that a secret political society was a menace to free institutions, many men of all parties opposed the Grand Army, believing it to be identical with the political clubs of veterans. Even the veterans themselves did not always remember to make the distinction, and so the general public may be excused for not realizing the difference. In vain the leaders of the Grand Army protested that it was not a political club, still less a partisan club. People persisted in regarding it in that light-for were not some of the most aggressive politicians of the day Grand Army men?-and did not certain Posts cause it to be Qunderstood that they would support certain candidates and none others? Was not this sufficient proof of their partisan character? And so the reckless and unauthorized action of the indiscreet few militated against the interests of the order that they were all the while anxious to glorify. i The Grand Army of the Republic had been fairly established in several of the western states in the spring of 1866, and before the most troublous political complications developed; but even there, where it might have been supposed to be least misunderstood, it suffered by reason of this confusion of ideas as to the motives of the organization. At the east no Posts had been chartered until after the formation of the political clubs before referred to-that by their very titles were known to be composed of recently returned soldiers; and it seemed doubly difficult for the representatives of the Grand Army to secure a fair hearing in the face of the prejudice that existed. Still, the work of establishing Posts and Departments went on; and year after year, at the annual encampments, the delegates vehemently I E:TORY OF IE GyRAN ARMY OF THE.EPBLIC.:reiterated the assertion that the Grand Army of the Republic was not: a political organization, and did not permit the discussion of partisan:i measures, etc., etc.; and finally, in 1869, the encampment incorporated in its rules and regulations a definite article to this effect, which v served the double purpose of assuring the public, and of placing the - members of the Grand Army, themselves, under a stricter law in regard to the matter. i- TRIUMPHING OVER DIFFICULTIES. Since that time the progress of the order has been interrupted here and there, more or less, by the same old question and doubt In the reports of the annual encampments frequent reference is made to this; and it was not until 1876, that the Commander-in-Chief was able to say with assurance: "The tender twig which for years past required so much nourish. i iment andarand care, and which so often bent to the storms of prejudice and adverse criticism, has stretched its roots so widely and deeply, and has become so firm and strong, that it no longer needs that ceaseless t watchfulness, exercised by former Commanders, to protect it from a public opinion without, or weakness from within." And of late years the Commanders-in-Chief have referred to this question only to congratulate the Grand Army on the fact that the charge of partisanship preferred against the order has happily become a thing of the past. Still, every presidential campaign, and many a local election, are attended with peculiar conflicts of argument resulting in discords that are liable to mar the harmony of feeling between members of even an avowedly non-partisan society; and perhaps, far more than appears b on the srface the prosperity of the Grand rmy is affected bythese influences. But the rapid increase in membership, within the last decade, would indicate that the real purpose and effort of the Grand Army is at last understood and appreciated. The practical workings. of the order, the unswerving adherence to its Declaration of Principles, and the dignified and business-like methods of its various responsible committees-notably the standing committee on pensions-the noble charity dispensed through a well-managed treasury, and last, but not least, the inspiring words of the Commanders who year by year become the spokesmen of the veteran band-all command the respect and con'fidence and gratitude of a people whose homes are bright and warm to-day because the Grand Army of the Republic once stood between them and destruction. If any one has been accustomed to put aside a volume of statistical 10 ;\'t -a 00 0 of.:.?-R-MXING OVER DIrFiTCULTIEBS; — history, as a thing inevitably dry and uninteresting, let him be con- i yinced of his misapprehension by a perusal of the journal of the successive "national encampments" of the Grand Army, At first skipping the details that seem of no special significance, and which ' are only bewildering to the uninitiated, one is surprised to find how interesting these same minute points may become, later on, when the whole meaning of some salient event is dependent-to our thinking — on one little fact; and we turn back to search the record of a certain Post, of which our hero was a charter member, and every item concerning it takes on the color of absorbing interest........:.....,....^....- -::,..,ij l.:... M JO:::TEV::E..:.:........ It is a fine study in climax to note from year to year the persevering, efforts of the officials to develop the organization, always in accordance? with its motto of " fraternity, charity and loyalty;" to perceive where the ever watchful care of conservative wisdom has placed the check on a too bold and defiant radicalism, while, at the same time,it yields not one inch of the ground sternly held by the patriotic citizens of the-: federal union; to mark how, step by step, the order has marched steadily forward, out of the distrust that shadowed its beginnings, into the confidence of the people who ow believe-becaise.......... it. has been...........-....:.:-:.:..: the confidence of the people who inow believe —becaie.it has ben proved to them-that the Grand Army is patriotic and not partisan; to observe the steady growth in its membership, despite the everincreasing roll of the departed, the growing balance in its treasury, albeit the constantly widening scope of its charities; more, finally, to reflect how a quarter of a century of culture in the sentiments of reflct hw a Ila sentvaena.o god- " -,e - 7:z - I I. -;. I g,. —.,..; - a a T7 '; I-!-; -- i * --. - Aim! -.1- _. - --- —— ~ ---~ —~C~ --- —F~C --- -------- --------- -II --- --------— __ --- —-- __-__. --; M BSRTO-Y"OF THE GRAND 'ARMY OP Tl vItPUB LT-M1; loyalty and brotherly kindness has raised the average of character in the citizenship of the nation, and proven our Grand Army to be second to none among the civilizing forces at work in our day and generation. CHRONOLOGY OF THE ORDER. ET us read the history, and absorbed therein we may find the spell broken only when the evening shadows falling on the page compel us to pause for awhile. Then, in pan' oramic order, we may picture the events that mark the chain-links in this entrancing story. BIRTH-PLACE OF THE G. A. B. First, we see a rolling plain, covered with myriads of tents just spread-a halt of Sherman's army. Dusty blue coats everywhere. In the heart of the camp the regular companies of the Fourteenth Illinois infantry; line officers' tents to one side. In one of these are two............:::_;..:ii.i:::......<:.:::,:::i:i:~ ibf:i::iiii: - CHAPLAIN BWr J. rUTLEDGE. men arranging the tent appointments. We cannot hear their words, but the earnest gesticulation, and the enthusiasm in both faces, and the impulsive striking of hands in token of compact convince us tuatt these are Major Stephenson and Chaplain Rutledge, projecting the Grand Army of the Republic. Through a broken dream of battle and march, and muster-out, we follow the shadowy figures until we see them once more distinctly, , ',:' *'~ L ~~.-^; **:; '*....i -;'-.*.; ~ -: ~.1 0......;~ - i< * 1''.... U&RTS tV OF THE GitAND ARMY OF THE1 IJ ^i Now the scene is laid in Springfield, Ill. A physician's office-tt r:; the medical library is dusty and neglected; a calendar bears the date: I uFebruary, 1866." There are present a group of enthusiastic veterans: in whose eyes flash "sparks from the camp-fire — Stephenson, Rutledge, Snyder, Phelps, North and others; notes, memoranda, resolutions, on r which the ink is still fresh; and the doctor still writing with the energy fborn of an intense idea. The group disperse, each one to bear a message, or make an investigation, and shortly return to renew their conference. Behold the nucleus of the Grand Army of the Republic I The vigorous purpose that actuates these pioneers in the Order is embodied in the "Declaration of Principles" contained in Article IL of the Constitution that they adopt, and which reads as follows: ARTICLE L i DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES. SErCTON 1. The soldiers of the Volunteer Army of the United States, during the Rebellion of 1861-5, actuated by the impulses and convictions of patriotism and of eternal right, and combined in the strong bands of fellowship and unity by the toils, the dangers, and the victories of a long and vigorously waged war, feel themselves called upon to declare, in detL te form of words and in determined co-operative action, those principles and rules which should guide the earnest patriot, the enlightened freeman, and the Christian citizen in his course of action; and to agree upon those plans and laws which should govern them in a united and a systematic working method with which, in some measure, shall be effected the preservation of the grand results of the war, the fruits of their labor and toil, so as to benefit the deserving and worthy. SECTION 2. The results which are designated to be accomplished by this organization are as follows: 1st. The preservation of those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together, with the strong cords of love and affection, the comrades in arms of many battles, sieges and marches. 2d. To make these ties available in works and results of kindness, of favor and material aid to those in need of assistance. 3d. To make provision, where it is not already done, for the support, car and education of soldiers' orphans, and for the maintenance of the widows of deceased soldiers. 4th. For the protection and assistance of disabled soldiers, whether disabled by wounds, sickness, old age or misfortune. 5th. For the establishment and defense of the late soldiery of the UnitedStates, morally, socially and politically, with a view to inculcate a proper appreciation of their services to the country, and to a recognition of such sev vis and claims by the American people. 13 ",Fl D - ~,.. ' - '. - r T- ''I - J. ' — t k; - 1 — ~ --- — i!:,!i,:;~ N D A:MY -Lie:: ' '.,. ' ',........ -... - H:ISTOBR OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPtXB3IC - The next scene that comes clearly out of the cloud of retrospection reveals the memorable Springfield Convention of July 12, 1866. 1866. We pause long enough to note the resolute faces,: and to hear these stirring and significant resolutions unanim; mously adopted: - "RESOLVED: That we, the Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic, recognizing the power of the principles of association, do hereby pledge ourselves, each to the other, to render all material aid and assistance in supplying the wants of the widow and the fatherless, and in furnishing employment to the oor, and to those wounded and disabled in the service of our common country...... ----- -- -: —::....AJOR A, A. NORTH. "R ESOLVED: That as 'we have stood by the government at the peril of our lives in war, so will we make it ever our care that no known enemy of our country shall wield power in the Republic, but the same arms which defended its sanctuary against open violence will protect it unflinchingly against all secret machinations, and never lay down our weapons until peace based on the principles of universal liberty shall be assured. " " RESOLVED: That treason consummated in rebellion is a crime of the most malignant nature and that every possible guarantee should be demanded by all branches of the government against the rash admission to place and power of those who were active participants in rebellion, and thereby forfeited the fii ~ rights of American citizens; and that we the soldiers of the nation who fought for supremacy of the national authority, have a right to demand that the safety of the Republic should be held paramount to all other consideraioaw:J the EecuAivc aud Congress.' 14 ,'r j"' r.:...: i;l~t;6'".e-,j ~-r;B a:;~:;i ~~~~: ~~:4F,vjllt I'*.F n~-ir~~ :'Tt *:_~.~t!;~ ~:': -: i i7. i-r ";'I r cl.:,.' i; K I I I j — -, 7,_ * HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. THE FIRST NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT. Then we swiftly pass on to the meeting at Indianapolis a few months later, on November 20,1866, when the formalorganization of the National Encampment takes place, and General Stephen A. Hurlbut is elected commander-in-chief Then follows a year of enthusiastic effort, combatting opposition, denying false accusations, and promulgating the true prin1868. ciples and aims of the order, with more or less of the vicissitudes of success and failure, until the National Encampment is again in session, at Philadelphia, January 15, 1868, when the varying sentiments regarding the mission of the Grand Army find issue MAJOR-GENERAL STEPHEN A. HtULIl T, (First Conzmander-in-Chief.) in an exciting debate, the most significant event of the session, on the question as to whether the Grand Army of the Republic should or should not be a distinctly political club. The decision is finally made in the negative, and this clause is added to the "Declaration of Principles:". -" Yet this association does not design to make nominations for office, or to use its influence as a secret organization for partisan purposes.' Whereupon, Democrats and Republicans shake hands, and jointly..elect General John A. Logan commander-in-chief; and the Grand Army of the Republic, its platform clearly defined, fairly sta rts out on its career 15 ISTORY 0? THE GRAND ARMY: O THE REPUBLIC... Ig','; ~ in.: lea ~3:: IS Ode~~~i TE GRAND ARK 'OF W E..EPUBLIC.. i?.. P 9~~ r ":B' -:r;:-I ~; ~ t-;;.; r General Logan is twice re-elected, and thus becomes the chief of this valiant band for three years during this period of great uncertainty and trial to the country, and of peculiar complications to the Grand Army of the Republic. Assisted by an able staff, General Logan administers the affairs of the order, standing at the portals of the national capital, to remind open enemies and secret foes that the defenders of the Union are still its "Grand Army," of peace, if it may happily be so, of war, uncompromising and decisive, if that be necessary to save the country from disintegration. In this character we see General Logan, dark, resolute, firm, the exponent of the veteran spirit resisting the undertow of disloyalty that, more treacherous and dangerous than the insurgent wave, threatens to drag the nation out to the whirlpool of compromise. MEMORIAL DAY INSTITUTED. Again we see him absorbed in thought, the stern face softened and a deep pathos in the clear dark eyes, as he dictates " General Orders, No 11; " and soon thereafter we see companies of veterans marching slowly and meditatively, with wreaths and garlands. The bands are playing " Tenting To-night," "Just Before the Battle, Mother," "The Vacant Chair," etc. The blue-uniformed line winds in and out among the shrubbery of a rural cemetery, pausing ever and anon to cover with flowers a mound marked by a tiny American flag. Transition: We see the National Headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic. A group of earnest staff-officers bringing 1869. order out of confusion; letters filed; accounts systematized; projects, past, present and future, correlated and extended. In the midst, the commander-in-chief, the feared, the admired, Logan, always equal to the occasion. On the scene moves, until we behold the session of the National Encampment, on May 12, 1869, adopting the revised Ritual and Rules, and incorporating this important article:. No officer or comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic shall in any manner use this organization for partisan purposes, and no discussion of partisan questions shall be permitted at any of its meetings, nor shall any nominations for political office be made." Again we see General Logan's earnest face, and hear his resolute voice as he pronounces his annual address; and these words linger in our memory: Politically, our object is not to mingle in the strifes of parties, but by our strength and numbers to be able to exact from all a recognition of our rights with others. t.- —. - - ~ ~ ---- - - 1- rI 1 ~i - -I:. - - 1 ' -I.-. I -:- I, ~, - -. _; I I 11 I 1 - -—; --- i -- --- -r- -. -~ — 1 ~ --- —* r — ~ —. — HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBL,We desire, further, by this organization, to commemorate the gallantry and sufferings of our comrades, give jid to bereaved families, cultivate fraternal sympathy among ourselves, find employment for the idle, and: generally, by our acts and precepts, to give the world a practical example of unselfish, manly cooperation. Thus far our efforts have proved successful. The report of the adjutantgeneral will present fully the history and progress of our order, and more than sustain our highest hopes of the future. The burden of many crosses has beea lifted from many hearts. Famishing souls and bodies have been fed. Manly excellence has been developed and cultivated, while public, social and domestic life among our comrades has been purified and blessed through our humane endeavors. MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN A:LEXANDER LOGf0,( Cormmander-in-Chief, i86q —7l. ) I congratulate you that our order flourishes now as it never has done befor, and that peace, tranquility and industry are comparatively universal among ourselves and throughout our national domain. Let us foster and cherish this benevolent order, so useful in the past, so beneficent in the present, and giving such promise for the future. _ Let us unite in vigorous efforts to extend and perpetuate its power. While in the flush and strength of manhood we may not fully grasp and realize the fact that man's true interest lies in doing good; but when the golden realiz the act tht mans trueinterst lie i-l" doinggood;but whn:thegolde bowl of life is breaking, when our faces become carved in storied hieroglyphics by the stylus and pantagraph of age, each act of kindness done, each word of kindness spoken, will, by natural compensating law, return like the dove of Ararat to the soul from which it was sent, and bearing with it branches ot unfading green from the Post "beyond the river." x I i I."OE IS T:O - RY OF THE GRAMND ARK -- -------- - --- —7 —;r.i i~l ~ ' 9 MY OF THE BREPUBLI:~ q.,s ~-;;ti 5 L': i;i; a. i i i:; _ With scarce a pause we traverse the space of another year, as on the wing, and in bird's-eye view we observe the Grand Army permanently establishing Memorial Day, and urging its recognition as a national holiday; discussing schools and homes for soldiers' orphans; planning for the welfare of veterans; and thus step by step inaugurating the work of the Grand Army in the lines of its special 1870. effort; and all along the way defending itself from misapprehension and misrepresentation, until, at the next annual session, Commander-in-Chief Logan in his address finds it necessary again to explain the true character and aim of the Grand Army, which he does, in these concise sentences: The objects of our organization seem not to be fully understood by a portion of our fellow citizens. You will, therefore, excuse me if I give a brief sketch of the purposes of the Grand Army for the information of those who may be prejudiced against us as a secret order: The Grand Army of the Republic is not a political organization, destined to serve the ends of any political party, as is evident in this, that all political parties are represented in its membership. As men and patriots, many of us mingle in national and local affairs, but in doing so do not take with us any benefits or provisions of our order; our only political creed being the love of our country and its hallowed institutions. We have but three objects obligatory upon us as members of this order, namely: To promote the love and practice of fraternity, liberal distributions of charity, and unequivocal loyalty. The founders of the order were actuated by the fact that when the war ended we had on this continent a million and a half of fighting men, a greater part of whom were our own comrades, good and true, who were in no haste to lose sight of every trace of the associations-of a soldier's. life, and let "old acquaintance be forgot." They were flushed with such victoTries as no soldiers ever were before; hence, they needed some resort where they might meet together in social reunion and interchange experiences and opinions, and thereby keep alive the vivid scenes of war, interspersed with incidents full of interest to them, and needed something to check the impulsive, whose very spirit and fire made them such good soldiers. Hence, it was conceived that good might spring from these reunions, and that, with certain rules and regulations, they might promote pleasure and security to the independent, and material aid to the dependent, and organize the survivors of the war intoan order that would be perpetual in its existence, and so successful in its good work as to shed additional lustre upon its members. General Logan's closing words on this occasion refer to the influence of the Grand Army as a teacher of patriotism to rising generations, and these are the sentences that last fall on our ears:: The tree of liberty, watered and trained by the influences of the Grand Army, will send forth no disloyal shoots to dishonor our flag; but every branch, as it t —-r;~ -~.i c, t tISTORY OF THE( GRAND ARMY OF THE KIWPFBLIC 1. takes up its burden of life, will have that vital principle of loyalty so engrafted that treason can never destroy it. And when the encampments that know us now " shall know us no more forever" the feeling of fraternal regard we have nourished will shed its silent tear over our graves; the charity we have promoted will throw its mantle over our shortcomings, and the spirit of loyalty we have cultivated will still rally round the flag we loved, to perpetuate our memories. How true to-day, of General Logan himself! Another year of work follows this season of inspiring conference, and at last, on May 10, 1871, at the close of General Logan's 1871. administration, we witness the assembling of the National Encampment in Boston. An interesting episode of this session is the receipt of a telegram from the Universal Peace Convention, simultaneously meeting in New York, worded as follows: Universal Peace Convention, in session in Cooper Institute, New York, May 10, 1871; to National Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic: "We congratulate you on a peaceful'encampment. As veterans, can you not add your protest against war, that there may never more be another war encampment?" To which the still militant, though peaceful, Grand Army promptly dispatches this reply: "Your congratulations reciprocated. The Grand Army of the Republic is determined to have peace, even if it has to fight for it." A significant epigram. It is not yet time to be sentimental about peace until its foundations are a little more secure. And yet, the march is toward the realm of peace; if warfare comes, it will be, as before, the fault of aggressive traitors. Listening with keen attention, we hear these words, which the commander-in-chief in his annual, and now farewell, address is leaving as a text for his successors: We must remember that great ends are accomplished, not by spasmodic and fitful exertions, but by steady, systematic and persevering movements. This was the spirit that nerved us during the fiery ordeal of the late war, and crowned our arms with victory. Let us, then, strictly conform to our Rules and Regulations, and, systematic as an army when marching to the field of battle, let us, like good and faithful soldiers, press forward in the great work of promoting and extending the cordial Virtues of our creed-Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty; and the tree of liberty, fostered by the genial influence of the Grand Army of the Republic,.will send 1I A IUsTORY -. r -. I -9 I ,. 7 I I " - -, -- - I,. - - I -,.;,,-`,, " -— -, -7 - 7 - " 1 I, -. -, I . I I.. -1,. I - - THV QUAM- 9- TM] i i y Wil I I, I Ij I II 1 4,,Ii Ir I i. I. I. I - I I PI,, frhits inspiration to the utmost extremity of our -beloved country, until every,.heart shall again be warmed by the vital principles of loyalty, and ever remnant of treason driven frinm ou~r land. Such is our amision, vand sch-our bright anticipations, and if true to our faith, and active in- our efforts, when we have met together for the last tie, and ha-ve, sounded our, last reveille, other tongues and other~ voices will blews the namae and, work of the Grand Army of the Republic. Our next'view of the Grand Army shows the figured of Gxeneral A. E. Burnside ridfiag along the lines; and, the work of re-organizing and consolidating the ranks goes on with energy and dis1872.6 patch. Gratuitous devotioii of time and strength on the part of staff-officers results in placing the treasury of the order in -a solve nt condition for the first time since its establishment. From this time on we shall notice how the cash balance grows. XtAJOF.4GENIERAL AkRM13oi E. MNxsrDng (Comzmander-in, Chief, 1872-.73 An uncompromising veteran, General Burnside clearly draws' the' line between charity an d compromise, in' these. wordsI: Whilst we should declare ourselves as loyal in the extreme, and -utterly in opposition to any doctrine which would tend in the slightest degree to revive the.heresy of secession, we shouid declare our charity toward those of -our late enemies in the field who have now recognized,. or may hereafter recognize, the great wrong they have done -to our country. Charity i's a ChristiaR virtue, but II am, free to say to you here-, that while I fully endorse the theory or practice, if you may call it so~ of forgiving those who fought against us, andk granting, to ri ~ ------------- ---- - -~1:__1~1*~ — -- -- -_ _ 1L-= IIISORY~O~'~G-RA flAM~Y:r THI E 1I1fl'UBLIO.: them all the amnesty which the wisdom of our representatives in Congress may deem right and proper, I find it even more difficult to forget and forgive the shortcomings of men in the North who had all the lights before them, and while our comrades were in the field, enduring all possible hardships, risking life, reputation and fortune-risked nothing, but sat in their safe quarters at home, and either croaked about the inefficiency of our armies or shivered with fear to such an extent as to make them ask for compromise-thus failing to show the courage and sagacity necessary to realize that a great God in Heaven would crown our efforts with success, if we only used our best endeavors to maintain the integrity of our nation. These men we necessarily hold in distrust, and they can never, for one moment, receive our sympathy or friendship. A brave, open enemy may be respected, but a halting, false friend must always be despised. During the two years of this administration, the work already so well begun is energetically prosecuted, and pensions and civil appointments for veterans are subjects persistently kept before the President and.Congress. THE GRANT-GREELEY CAMPAIGi Within this period, 1871-1873, we see a unique presidential contest going on in our country, one in which the variations of opinion are extreme, and yet the party-lines so confused that the most intelligible designation for the respective allies of the principal contestants is "Grant men," or "Greeley men;" and the close of the campaign leaves the Greeley men uncertain whether they are Democrats or Republicans. A curious confusion of politics, in which it might have been easy for partisanship to creep in where more definite political oppositions would have been recognized at the portals and driven off In 1873. his address as commander-in-chief, at the Seventh Annual Session, on May 14, 1873, General Burnside alludes to the fact that during the political campaign no case of partisan action on the part of a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic had been reported; a gratifying indication that the veterans, in the face of a crucial test, were living up to their " Declaration of Principles." Again we turn to the moving scene, and pass over the period of the next administration, that of General Charles Devens, extending from '73 to '75, marked by vigorous prosecution of pension claims, and bearing the impress of the keen, cultured New England mind, that wastes neither time nor words in aimless heroics, but crystallizes both into action speedy and effective. 1875. General Devens thus briefly expresses his opinions on several important points, in his address at the Ninth Annual Session, in Chicago, May 12, 1875; 291 :~4F; I;: ~~ ;.. y~:-~i-,.. IL \;B:t3il~ 4-;,~ I_',7 — ' -c~ r 71 —~, - - - -— 77 — --- -~ —~ --- CC-?~I - -I- r — '-1 - 'fiSTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUTBLIM i: t Ii I r. - 1, i' ii I t, In some of its forms and in the modes in which it enables its members to recognize each other, the Grand Army of the Republic is a secret organization. But its secrecy is limited to these; in all its real purposes and objects it has no concealments or reservations, nothing it is not ready to spread before the world fully and frankly. It seeks no objects that are not sought by every true man who endeavored, whether in the field or out, to do what he could for the preservation of the Union so lately imperiled, and who is ready now to honor and cherish those by whose efforts it was saved. It has no system of politics in which all cannot unite, whatever other differ. ences they may have as to men or measures, who agree that what was done to maintain the government was demanded by the highest considerations of patriotism and duty. Did it have any political objects in a narrow or individual sense; was it intended to elevate this man or party to power and place, or to prevent another from obtaining it, a proper and deep distrust would and ought to prevail in reference to it. No body of citizens, even if they have been soldiers, can be allowed to separate themselves in their political relations from the great body of their fellow citizens, and form a distinct class, without just ground of objection and complaint. Nor is it our desire to keep alive any ill feeling which has been engendered during the War of the Rebellion. The object of every war that can be justifiably waged, is that thereby peace may be secured, and those who forced upon us, by insulting our flag, by attacking our army, by battering down our fortresses, this strange and unnatural conflict, were our countrymen. Let the necessary and logical results of our triumph be preserved inviolate, alike in the union of these States, and in liberty to every man who treads their soil, and the passions and bitterness of the conflict should be allowed to die. But we cannot, and we ought not to allow the memory of those by whom these results have been achieved to sink into oblivion; justice to their cause, gratitude for their services, demand that we at least should claim for them a place to which they are rightfully entitled among the heroes and martyrs of liberty. The adjutant-general at this time reports an increase of five- per cent. in membership, and the quartermaster-general's financial report is equally encouraging; and, altogether, when the Ninth Annual Session closes we feel sure that the success of the Grand Army is no longer a matter of question. And now the picture brightens, with many side lights thrown upon it, We behold a "gala day " in Philadelphia, flags everywhere, bunting ubiquitous. No need to be told that this is '76. 1876. "The Orators' Post," No. 2, of Philadelphia, is the proud host of the National Encampment, and is ably assisted by the rest of the Department of Pennsylvania, in showing honor to the Tenth Annual Session, which opportunely is held in the "Centennial" city, on June 30th. Singularly, the number of delegates and officers of the encampment is exactly one hundred, 22 I..i i:y ii= i:; -.i.. I *CiI' -. - O r, TiI. R - UBLI One'ishes that one were a"'veteran," when watching the good:times thatth ey are having, the drives, the breakfast at BelmontMansion, the brilliant.parade, and the reunions, and the interchange - of courtesies that bind society with an unwritten statute.:. But it is not all gala day. In'the earnest conference of the session, these representatives of the Grand Army transact the business of the order, and receive from its various officers the assurance of its continued prosperity. General John L. Hartranft commander'in-chie4. 0 MAJOK-GENERAL JOIr y. F JS1AW'ro. F.. (Commander in-Chief, 8777.)!....................-.. tt delivers an able address which is a careful explication of the oft-.repeated " Declaration of Principles; "and which contains this, efeo j Itive reference to the Centennial Exposition: ity, you will be gratified to see the substantial contributions made by our nation to the comfort, luxury and progress of humanity. And, as you witness it this Exhibition, I feel assured you will experience no greater pleasure than in j the thought that, through your efforts in part, our great nation was preserved (Commander-in- Chief, z876-77.) ~.... in its integrity for a future of usefulness, honor and glory; and with the natural and just pride that comes of this thought, let there go apace a resolution to do your share towards effecting a true reconciliation between the sections of our common country, and to advance every effort that will unite with you our late foes in promoting the prosperity of our country and enlarging the scope and tI purpose of our free institutions. 1J -. -. 3is* K,:' ~1 ~ >7."~."~':* ~~~~":if:: ~:~ '4:7 4$~~ ~ a~i~r~ 0~~atii~-~ 1 ~-:: I; 4.., ' -' A ~i *: ~:, if ii' —:r *?~:I'i;;z "'! R P; i P; F' i;:1 II i~-:i r; a r; F~' E 5; 5]. si'- ~~ B~. i:1 r; c Z;- ~ i i t i a r ': - X:-'; W hile we dream of waving tri-color, and martial music dying in: the distance, this vision fades, and we are carried around the circle of - another year; and on June 26, 1877, we again see the:;-:: i': '187T.- populai General Hartranft wearing the badge of come o ' t mander-in-chief. This time the city of Providence has the honor to receive the members of the National Encampment with a hospitality that "Little Rhody" knows so well how to extend. This session is full of earnest meaning. From hour to hour we mark significant action. General Hartranft's address contains a critic. cal analysis of the "soldier element" among the citizens, North and South; and his reference to the Southern element is especially worthy of thought. As he speaks, we swiftly take notes as follows: One fact established by the war is inspiring to every lover of free institutions It proved that our nation could rely upon the patriotism and gallantry of its people. It solved the problem of a strong free government, Polished standing armies except as a police, and returned to the old days of a nation in arms without falling into anarchy on the one hand, or despotism on the other. It was also taken for granted that the discipline of the camp unfitted the individual for peaceful life. If arms were our profession there might be some ground for such a belief. But;r was an incident of our careers; we were soldiers as part of our duty as citizens. I do not think a man is a worse citizen for having been a good soldier. On the contrary, I think he is the better for it. The promptness with which our people took up arms, their courage and fidelity in the field, the ease and safety with which they were disbanded, and the alacrity with which they resumed their civil pursuits, have often been referred to with surprise and admiration. But there is another fact not the less admirable and surprising. The soldiers of the South, who know the cost of disloyalty and the futility of their principles, have also been the better citizens of that section. They have gone to work with accustomed energy and fidelity, having learned to respect the convictions of others and patiently to submit to the will of the majority. On the other hand, the most pestilent classes of the South have been the non-combatants. The men of war promptly moulded their swords into pruning-hooks, and their spears into plowshares; but the professed men of peace fanned the embers of hate and have labored to keep alive the passions and prejudices of the past. It is evident that the olive branch in the South has been twined around the swords that were surrendered at Appomattox and Greensboro. What this generation fought for and secured may be gradually lost by the negligence, self-interest and the indifferenee of succeeding generations. Another generation may have to fight over the same grounds and for the same objects; but all will not be lost; they will win the easier because it has been once won. Nevertheless, comrades, though this war was fought upon so plain an issue, it was fought in faith, in hope and in charity. We entered the contest with a Sv 24 : WISBTORY OF TIE -GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLRIC.: - ) l: ': '; r,:.:, loyal faith in the principles and institutions established by our fathers, we fought for four years, animated and sustained by the hopes of victory, and we laid down the sword in the hour of triumph "with malice toward none and charity for all." Upon that platform we still stand, loyal to our nation, hopeful of its future and charitable to its foes. On the latter we would impose no restrictions which freemen ought not to endure, or ask any submission which freemen. ought not to give; we simply ask that they give up the pistol and the lash, concede free speech, a free press, and free votes, and submit to the decision of the ballot. More than these we do not ask, and the contest will go on, ai peace or war, until they are secured of all men. Our organization, then, is founded upon loyalty to the country. Beyond that it has no political significance. Beyond that it is an association of men, who have participated in the same victories and defeats, who have the same convictions and hopes, common memories and mutual sympathies. It is intended to perpetuate old friendships, to revive old memories, and for the mutual support and assistance of old comrades. an- as F A.: ;L ~ j I P I I ( i~ ii r i 'r..;riu it r. ilr * ' II 4ii:. " 1 ':i; ~ r i:: The Committee on Resolutions at this session call attention to the meaning of "Memorial Day," as sacred "to those only who fought in defense of Unity," thus rebuking the sentimentalism that couples the Blue and the Gray in equal honor. At the close of the session an especially graceful resolution of thanks to General Hartranft indict t4- the unbounded esteem in which the Pennsylvania soldier and statesman is held by all his comrades, and this feeling is further expressed in the beautiful souvenir presented to General Hartranft during the exercises of the "Camp-fire" that is held after the close of the official meeting. We watch the embers glow and fade; and again we see the Grand Army in the field at work, under a new commander-in-chief, General John C. Robinson, who for two years guides the projects of the veteran band. BEGINNING OF PENSION LEGISLATION. -During General Robinson's administration every good work of this order is furthered by energetic speech. Pension legislation is urged and urged again; and many excellent suggestions and 1877. resolutions find their way into action. During the "strikes w of 1877, the Grand Army, through its commander-in-chief, offers its services to the United States government, if needed, to suppress anarchy. Though it is not necessary to call them out, they at least put themselves on record as the foes to every form of rebellion against the laws of the land. Notable re-unions and parades occur during this year, in various 4 -, 7 _, - $, 7 7,, - - J I =7 - _ r; -.. I... iqfj i"~ I;zz_-:... I:' l.i) "'?.::~:- i F i" ~': t I. i: ~-: i',~.,~i:-,c:~F f-; '*-:*; ~:.i r "S.. _ ~- r -II i i I,~~;.~~i-.. FI \' jl," i:~:, _5 J-I: -~I- -: ~ '~~ h u i..1. r;, C:~-:~~cl ~:: a e. i,; 0, 0; * X, _ L, 01,,. - X:.: ~.4 i, I -At(; -o l - 4 A A; F ',~. %'.,I ii _. % -:~-~"i.; ;ip:i —i _:1 _I -;;; ' -;: ~::b ~ i, - a; -., STHE GRLAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIO.:pars of'the country, all reflecting credit on the Grand Army of the Republic; and the Thirteenth Annual Session of the Encampment finds the orderin a prosperous condition. Referring to this state of affairs, General Robinson says, in his address: At no time since its organization has the Grand Army of the Republic occupied so high and proud a position as to-day. The charge, so long and persistently made, of its being a political organization, is no longer heard. We have outlived prejudice and overcome opposition. People have seen our good.orks and become satisfied that we are connected with no party or sect; that e are what we profess to be, a fraternal, charitable. and loyal association: that i I i: r.::;r~ i:~I~I ~; Lh-.I 6 ii ii~ I Q --::;~.; '~: ii~ F:::~I: i, 'j i: GE.NEA GE JOHNI C. ROBINSONL: (Commander-in-Clief, x877-78.): xBSnag the men who have faced a common danger, toiled together on the long n:dweary march, drank from the same canteen, bivouacked under the same -i: inket, stood shoulder to shoulder in the shock of battle, there exists a fraternal; eeling that can be found nowhere else; that our charity is not confinedbut extends to all our former companions in arms, and to all widows and orphans:of those who wore the blue; that our loyalty consists in a determination toupreserve the Union of the States, and to uphold the flag of our country-as the emblem of universal liberty, equal rights and justice to all men,.. *..* * *. * * _Ou.d Su. It " Our Order is now firmly established upon the best and surest foundations. It has secured the respect and good will of all. Let us continue to merit the good opinion of mankind by pursuing closely the path we have marked out, laboring: earnestly for the extension and perpetuation of our Order, by keeping fresh and green the fraternal feeling that binds us together as soldiers and sailors of the ~~I j I i i 1 iizi 351i::;al j il i -;I 1 p:I i II.; i I ~r' 1 -i:it 1; i i 'bj r i ~1' i 2 1~~,:j ~ i!i~i i!$ * di i t i t Iti i r;pi rS iqr I i lil: r Ic"i:il: i i ~1~~ du i! f:;i ti%. 44~;:: i 'i; i ii,:: 5: I i I r i; 1 t HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC Republic, by disinterested and liberal charity, and that loyalty to the Union; - which is born of pure and lofty patriotism..: The address throughout is eloquent and patriotic; and other speeches: made, and resolutions adopted during'the session mark it as one full:: \ of fire and purpose, a fitting prelude to the second year of General Robinson's administration, which now unfolds before our mental vision. During this.time, from June 4, 1878 to June 17, 1879, through the:,;: i efforts of the Grand Army, an important bill for the.' i 1878-19. payment of arrears of pensions is passed by Congress Special efforts are made to establish soldiers'homes. '-::: The reports show a gain of over four thousand members, and a still:: increasing cash balance. General Robinson in his address speaks some stirring words on be-. half of the loyal veterans; some scathing comments on the class who ' retarded a work which they had neither the courage to prosecute nor the definiteness to fight against openly. His sentences speak for them —::' selves' As an organization we owe allegiance to no political party, and our Oonstitu. tion expressly forbids the discussion of partisan questions in our meetings, yet we are bound to protect the interests of our comrades; and I cannot avoid expressin ing my indignation thatUnion soldiers (perhaps maimed and crippled in their country's service) should be removed from positions of trust and deprived of their means of support to make room for men who fought for the dissolution of the Union. It is no violation of our organic law to call your attention to this matter, for it is one that affects every loyal soldier in the land. If this: Encampment cannot repair the wrong, it can at least place on record its protest s against the act Soldiers must stand by and support each other, or their rights will be ignored ' and trampled upon. We are not ready yet to admit that the cause of the A Union is the lost cause. We do not admit that there is any doubt as to which - was right and which was wrong, in the great conflict through which we have i passed. We had no doubt while the conflict lasted; we have none now. While we are confident that we were right and. our opponents were wrong, we are '' willing to believe they were honest and sincere. We can honor and respect the o brave men who manfully fought us face to face, but have only scorn and contempt for their northern allies, who, when we needed sympathy and support, kept up the fire in the rear, criticised our operations, magnified our reverses, - and had no words of encouragement or cheer for our success. Those we con I tended against were our own countrymen. They were as earnest and enthusei astic as ourselves, but we felt that their success would be equally ruinous to the North and South. Therefore we never acknowledged defeat, but after each reverse were ready to resume the offensive, determined then as now, that in this:.. * *.- ' 0.;: ';. t: ',._..__: _.,X -.-. _ __ 0 X ^ Bgit - P!:..I- I_ -:: i " -: * | t HJISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLI -country there shall be but one government and one flag. The Grand Army of I i the Republic, composed exclusively of men who devoted themselves to the accomplishment of this object, will insist upon a faithful observance of the terms: agreed upon at the close of the war. One of the most important acts of this session is the adoption of an amendment referring to eligibility to membership, and containing this l sentence: - "No person shall be eligible to membership who has at any time borne arms against the United States." ~: This action seems but another chord struck in harmony with the I: keynote of unswerving loyalty sounded by Commander-in-Chief Robinson in his addresses, and one which shows the Grand Army veterans to be still the stern soldiers whose unyielding strength makes them all the more surely the guardians and conservators of peace. Iy On June 8, 1880, the delegates to the Fourteenth Annual Session. ~ assemble at the Soldiers' Home, in Dayton, Ohio. The com1880. mander-in-chief this year, is the Rev. William Earnshaw, I who, as chaplain of the "Home," is, in a sense, both host - and grest, and his address happily suggests this accidental condition I when he says: K Comrades: The place at which you meet is in many ways a strong reminder of the days when you were loyal soldiers of the Republic. Here are the-tents and the camping ground. Here are the cannon, shot and shell. Here are the:stacked arms and accoutrements. Above all this you see about you over four |: thousand disabled heroes, who stood shoulder to shoulder with you in the days; of glory; and be assured, comrades, that from them you are receiving a most I h -earty greeting. Some of them may not have a hand left to grasp yours as im. other days, or legs to come to you, but their hearts are still the same; and they join you in singing, " We drank from the same canteen." Your presence here will be long remembered by many who are weary and worn, but they are now 1?.resting from the fight. | 9:.* * ' ': * - ' _..... - We see a -large company of veterans who have never before had an I: opportunity to witness this spectacle of a National Encampment; - the disabled soldiers who find, in the Home at Dayton a place to pitch I their tents for a brief season before the order comes for the final march Ito the camping-ground beyond the verge of time. 0 -SONS OF VETERANS AND WOMEN'S RELIEF CORPS | Commander-n-Chief Earnshaw speaks a good word for the Sons - of Veterans. and Chaplain-in-Chief Lovering later on urges the..:. t _ h_ )'v VI at I-j HISTORY OF THE GRAND A-MY OF THE REPUBLIC, recognition of the Woman's Relief Corps, which has been organized and is already in good working order as a volunteer ally of the Grand Army of the Republic. These two important questions of recognition and alliance are referred to committees, for future action. Pensions are discussed; the question of cannon-metal for badges, which has frequently been before the house, is again referred to at this session; and many other interesting details are noticed. The adjutant-general reports an increase in membership of over thirteen thousand; the quartermaster-general reports assets of nearly $8000; showing that in numbers and in finances the order is progressing. The tone of this session is very genial, and resolutions of appreciation and thanks are' voted to all whose courtesy has made the occasion so happy. Owing to the surroundings, the re-union and campI fire at the close of the session is one peculiarly realistic in its mem' ories. Again we feel the impulsive wish that we were veterans! This time, not for the sake of sharing in holiday festivities, but that the deep pathos of heroic sacrifice might for one hour touch our lives with its- sublime discipline. The light of the camp-fire glimmers and quivers through wet lashes, and we close our eyes and meditate in silence, until the sound of voices deep in conference arouses us, and we become aware that another year has rolled away, and now, on June 15, 1881, the Grand Army is again in session to tell one another and ii the world what has been done in the name of Fraternity, Charity and; i Loyalty since the earnest pledges were renewed one year ago. Ij | 1881. Evidently the practical good sense of the Grand Army is the d r hand-maiden of its impulsive heart; for every word spoken i: and every deed recorded is business-like and effective. Commander-in-: i Chief Wagner has set a most satisfactory fashion, that of visiting departments, and reports that nearly every department in the country has been visited during the year by himself, or an authorized assistants The personal influence exerted in this way is shown in the fact that two 4 hundred and forty new Posts have been organized, and the gain in i- membership for the year is over fifteen thousand. The constantly increasing fund in the treasury, far in excess of the expenses of the! order, leads the commander-in-chief to suggest that either the assessN ments should be reduced, or else a permanent fund should be created jii to provide for the old age of the Order. 5:4 The committee that was appointed to consider the alliance with the | Woman's Relief Corps report an amusingly cautious and hedged-about preamble followed by resolutions cordially granting to the Woman's: National Relief Corps the privilege of adding to'its title: "Auxiliary:! to the Grand Army of the Republic," etc. The committee on the; I i i i.j a;:d J j j i i ~I IJ d ii ~f f j a:E r:i I' y...!.:... l* f'?* f '^' '^V -.j ^a ^ ^ ^. ';^ I - -1I I - bit g o hi, I: ISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY O TOF E Ii1u - J i::":.,-'j.? I"-.6nAs of Veterans" report a very generous endorseent of E i youthful order; but the paternal veterans aredestined to have sow pi::' -: -little trouble yet, disciplining the willful youngsters - '. This session is held in Indianapolis, the scene of the first encaje ent in 1866; and Commander-in-Chief Wagner, in the cours:' his address, takes occasion to recall that "day of small things, "' h ~ u —,,'*, *; _e 0 '' / -. ':-::-::?:i,...... GENIJRAL LOUIS WA&GNR. (Commander-in-Chief, 188.) — ~ contrast it with the picture of to-day. The reports of staff-officers...: sustain the congratulatory speech of the commander-in-chief or ' prosperous condition of the Grand Army to-day. iC_?: ":: ~: ""' 21 i. - r:ir ~ ''' i;: ly(~:.j ~i '? '~-: r~ '~' — - -ir. i; I _"~ 1~ $ i;~ r~ i —: -I.. P6;''' " ' rl j:( I, "SECTION 1754, REVISED STATUTES. The many " resolutions," committee reports, etc., crowd the se;.;:with interest and enthusiasm. We cannot stop to review ther but note one-the request that "the President of the TJiaited E shah see to it that Section 1754 of the Revised Statutes is enforce, demand so often reiterated by the Grand Army that the United interchange of thanks and good wishes as the Grand Army re: its march once more with a cheerful readiness and a hopeful anl tion of greater results than have yet been attained — en t th U -: -a n/,Ujsu - The ocia -an frindlysp iI m IP I -. - ` —, L -'-~ "~ ~ — "17. 1 - lr~~ 7.rr-; rr c — -.- r I- -- ~ ` -`. -I ~-~~. I - - -. — l-.- --- HISTORY OF THE C! ii....;...... ~,~:i~!!~::~i~i: ~ ~1!: 1: I-. k: t,,;~, I -~-,, i4t -kr:5,i, ~-a ';~ r '.:Tb"+-X" -?IIr i: ~.:~'-i ~~I: 'k LI c~i "~"1':' Ir ~ ~ ':~;:.. ''_e"-';';~-*i~;~~;~~~;: r a ~ 3.i'~i;I" i i; f-~. f I;,~ '.n,- ~r~ -.~ i-::_ GRAI- ARMY OF THE REPSULIC. i: r"1 3 v~~. f r.'' I i I I I I I i jI r.-I Z;i i 1 i i i i ~: 1 iii t,1 7 ~:Yi i i i i t i i,' i i 5 r 1 I 1'1 I rl i i i; I' I: eEtl!~i r:i: '"?, j:f:~;:r.~r ~r r li:j::i1; i 'i:i ~ r "i 7"i-If "FI; r t iti rd Is. ii8: r.-i L j 5 s ~ i' i;i;l u' 1: 1 *:'^r; And again we see them pressing forward, now under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief George S. Merrill; and the next Annual Session, June 21, 1882, finds the Encampment at Baltimore. The circle of the year has borne three dark shadows, for 1882. within this time have passed away Generals Hurlbut and Burnside, and President Garfield. The remarks of Cornmander-in-Chief Merrill on these sad losses, are, like everything else in his masterly address, appropriate and eloquent WONDERFUL GROWTH OF THE ORDER. The commander-in-chief makes reference to the significant fact in the growth of the order, that the increasing membership has been marked by quality as well as quantity, since so many representing the better element among the veterans have of late years, after much conservative delay, been induced to join the Grand Army. Major Merrill has followed the example of his predecessor, and has visited as many departments as possible, and with satisfactory results. The Pension Committee and the committee who waited on the President in reference to " 1754," report progress. Staff-officers report the same growing prosperity; yes, that is the very idea, the growth, the prosperity, seem to fill one's vision. A gain of nearly 30,000 members, and a large number of new Posts chartered, manyof them in the late rebel states, are significant indications of the growth of the Grand Army; and the quartermaster-general's report shows a corresponding. increase in the assets of the order, one notable item in his report being the investment of $5,000 in government bonds, the beginning of the "permanent fund" suggested by Commander-inO(hief Wagner at the session of last year. Surely, the day of struggle and uncertainty for the Grand Army of the Republic is past. Commander-in-chief Merrill, in his Memorial Day order, has given us this exquisite bit of poetic prose: ' Upon the bud and blossom, leaf and laurel we one year ago laid upon the grass-grown mounds, has fallen the heat of summer and the snow of winter, and their beauty and perfume are gone forever; but as we join in these sadly sweet ceremonies, the story of valor and patriotism we will keep as fresh in ourmemories and as fragrant in our hearts, as when for the first time we came to bedeck these shrines with the early offerings of an opening spring.::To country, these fallen comrades offered the service and sacrifice of their lives; let us reverently give one day in loyal devotion to their memories; search out every one of their known resting places, so that in all our broad land, wherever exists a Post of the Grand Army, not a single grave of a Union soldier or sailor shall be unvisited-not one which willing fingers and grateful hearts j:5: e- r +: u; s:~-i ~-...~ '~ ii;:'Y tZ r r..; i i:i, j I... i.w,, 1 hs i...:.... I:-;. ~~~~.I-, i' I;(~t; rj a%~r- ~.~; t:; - tISTORY OF THE GlRAND ARMY OF THfE REPUBLIC. I ti I do not unite to cover with myrtle and evergreen, entwined with bright blossoms ^ i: upon which the glad sunlight has painted something of eternal beauty, tokens '; of life's frailty, emblems of valor's immortality.: And now we listen to the commander's dignified address, full of ' energy and shaded with pathos, and pronounce it well worthy to be named an oration. As he proceeds, we follow his rhythmical sentences to this fitting close: - The Grand Army is to-day the representative organization of the soldiers and I- sailors of America; the one great association which includes the veterans of - - every army, and all ranks; the men who followed the flag upon the land and - who fought beneath its folds upon the sea; men of every nationality, color and creed; the officer who wore the well won stars of a general, and the private whose only badge of distinction was in patriotic and faithful service in the ranks, i' all upon the common level of comrades of the flag. Seventeen years have successively come and gone since the ranks from which ':' the Grand Army can be recruited were closed forever; as an organization, we have nearly reached the summit of our life, and shall soon be marching, with ceaseless tramp, but ever lessening tread, adown the slope, toward the land beyond, where the waves of eternity's ocean are ever beating upon the sand and shingle of the shore. Let us strive to so fulfil our duty to ourselves, our country:nd our God, that when our last battle has been fought, our last march ended, we may join the Grand Army of Peace in their shining tents upon the eternal: camping grounds above. t.; We may not linger over the details of this year. Its joys and its iy r:: griefs have been many; its lessons are correspondingly useful and!: eloquent. So many interesting lights and shades appear in the picture;i' of this Encampment that we are loth to turn away from it. But time sweeps on relentlessly, and another scene unfolds. The Grand Army |-|~. appear rallying around a young and enthusiastic leader, one already well known in the ranks as an influential organizer. In his own:-i;;-::.: western country few could be found among the veterans who have not long before heard the name of Paul Vander Voort. With character1: istic ardor he devotes himself to the national leadership, and this year, ':? 1882-1883, finds him travelling constantly, all over the United States, to visit the many State Departments, and give to scattered or indifferent comrades the patriotic exhortation that n&amount of printed; orders, and codes, and manuals could convey, but which goes with the magnetic presence and the unquestioned sincerity of the living man. Our view of this year reveals the commander-in-chief thus rallying:and inspiring flagging departments, and adding daily to the membership of the Grand Army of the Republic; for who could resist the .-. 1: i:*::.:. * M...."T. —:,Z';- {-::': -.:? - - ISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE BEPUBLIa - I patriotic eloquence,or the eloquent patriotism of theman who has put his whole heart into the work of promulgating Fraternity, Charity? and Loyalty? We watch the unfolding scene until July 25, 1883, is 1883. reached, when we listen with the rest to the able, unassuming address in which the commander-in-chief reports the results of the year past; and we heartily echo the words of General Logan, who, commenting on the address, says; twish that all the people who have been worrying their brains in foreign lands and in our own land, to ascertain why the Union army was successful in its struggle for this great country and why, when disbanded, there was not a ripple upon the surface, could have been here to-day and listened to this able and eloquent address from a private soldier of the ranks; they then would inderstand why slavery fell and liberty lived. They would then understand ihy the Union army was in the twinkling of an eye dissolved into society without a ripple upon the surface. They would also understand why the old;tarry banner floats to-day, and why the grandest Republic that ever existed xists to-day, and why it will be perpetuated.: How can we describe the complex picture of this year, as painted in he exhaustive reports of the staff-officers and committees, and in the ]gislation of the session! The membership gain for the year is over ~6,000, and seven permanent departments have been organized. Over $100,000 has been expended in charities. Seventy-five thousand badges, made of "captured cannon" metal, have been issued; and:,Quartermaster-General John Taylor reports assets of nearly $12,000,::apd liabilities none. We can only say, marvelous are the results of 1. lergy and enthusiasm well directed! We must study the picture a ain and again, for it is impossible to fix every detail in mind in this hasty review. Every project of the Grand Army seems to be |: kept in view, and progress along the line of purpose is marked. The,, remarkable extension of the roll-call during the year will ever be a memorial of the enthusiasm of this administration.! V But the canvas moves on; on march the Grand Army, with colors flying, and with trumpets sounding no uncertain notes. As they near the city of Minneapolis, and pitch their tents for the Eigh1884. teenth Annual Session, on July 23, 1884, we see that another commander leads the van. The four stars now shine on the breast of Colonel Robert B. Beath, one whose name is inseparably associated with the name and fame of the Grand Army of the Republic. Like his predecessor, he, too, has journeyed far and near to visit the many departments, and to meet the allies of the Grand Army, espe 32 ,I.' HtISTORY'OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.i cially the Woman's Relief Corps, now prosperously at work as.our Grand Army Reserve." i The commander-in-chief, in his brief and comnprehensive notes on the events of the year, gives us but a modest etching of his own I executive career. But the committee on the address have seized the E brush, and are bringing out the high lights as they comment on and endorse the many important and wise acts of this spirited and successful administration. Listen to the committee's resume of the commander's address, and note what is said of establishing Soldiers' and Sailors' Homes; of charities dispensed; of the noble auxiliary work of the Woman's Relief Corps; of reverent respect for religion; of the never-forgotten pension claims, conservative and reasonable in their demands, but firm in pushing them; of the success of securing cannonmetal for badges, and of the nearly 100,000 badges this year distributed; of the 250 post-charters applied for during the year, showing that the work of organizing still goes bravely on; of the need for thoughtful care on the part of every one to avoid even the approach to a partisan spirit; and so on, and on, until the commander's fieldglass has swept every objective point, and reviewed every battalion of the Grand Army. At the close, we hear the committee paying this compliment to General Beath: "We desire to express the thanks of the committee to the commander-in-chiei for the clear, full and terse suggestions and points made in his address, which served to lighten, to a considerable degree, the labors of the committee, and enabled us to concur in all his recommendations, whether herein specially mentioned or not." During this year Commander-in-Chief Beath has been ably assisted' by the senior and junior vice-commanders. The Junior Vice-ComnQ mander, W. H. Holmes, has, as usual, been absorbed in-advancing the interest of the Grand Army on the Pacific slope, and his special report is full of interest. He speaks of the founding of the Veterans' Home, at Yountville, California, for which the Department of California had raised nearly $40,000. Also, he speaks of the G. W. De Long Post, that has been established in Honolulu, by the veterans whom the vicissitudes of business have sent to find a home in these far-off Pacific Isles; but who, remote from native land and the scenes of their soldier life keep fresh the memories of "61-65" by camp-fire and reunion, and L by the sacred observance of Memorial Day. ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND NEW MEMBERS. The adjutant-general reports a gain by muster of over 100,000 members, and a net gain of nearly 90,000. Several important departments 34. ~::, -., _. B u -. ISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.:; are reported organized in the south and the far-west. A relief fund of over $150,000 has been expended during the year, nearly 9,000 veterans havingsliared in its benefits. Quartermaster-General Taylor still reports the prosperous financial. standing of the order, the account for the year closing with a cash balance of over $13,000. As the session proceeds, again we hear an echo that sounds like " " 1754; " and we remember that this is a band who never surrender I and never retreat, stern soldiers who meet a duty with features set as though cast in bronze. But stop-the lines relax, the flush of vital * sympathy suffuses each face, and all other thoughts are forgotten for a moment, while hands are plunged into pockets, and a prompt and, generous provision is made on the spot for one of the visiting comrades who, by a severe accident, has been seriously injured and disabied-a practical demonstration of the leading thought in their triune motto. Later, we see the great Encampment enjoying the sunshine of its social farewell hours as only those can who take recreation with a clear conscience after duty faithfully performed. And here in the heart of a continent throbs the heart of its patriotic people, as around the camp-fire once more the comrades gather to listen to the inspiring words of gifted orators in their band, whose mission it is to teach, by line upon line and precept upon precept, the meaning and the purpose of the struggle and the victory that the Grand Army year by year celebrate. A few hours they spend in song and reminiscence, and then again they resume the march of practical action, and another year's work unfolds upon the canvas of time. Again we behold a young and spirited commander-in-chief, John S. Kountz, speeding hither and thither, crossing and re-crossing the territory of our country with a net-work of 30,000 miles of railroad travel, as he visits thirty-four of the departments of the Grand Army. OVERCOMING THE OPPOSITION OF RELIGIOUS SECTS. Quick to detect the practical difficulties that impede the success of the order, he notes especially the opposition that comes from the con scientious scruples of certain religious sects, and with busi1885. ness-like directness he broaches the matter to prominent; representatives of these churches. The candor of the young commander-in-chief wins over the fathers of the Catholic church to a hearty endorsement of the Grand Army; and other conservative bodies of Christians also decide favorably as to permitting their communicant flISTORY'OF THE GADAMY OF THE REPUBLIC.' mebes to, join the order. Thsfriendly and reasonable conference isone of the, most sensible ~as well as most imotn acs0r teamn istatin andonein which the personal influence of Commander-u -b )i~fiKountz is gracefully shown. Wve watch the commandeas he led i oyal band. on their tintiring march, until on the 24th of June, 1885, they reach the city of Portland, Maine, where they halt for the Nineteenth Annual Session of the Encampment. And again we hear, this time frolm Adjutant-General Alcorn, 'of the' still increV4Dg rolj-call. until now the, order nu brnoe2000 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. veterans, with a net gain of nearly 1000 Posts during the year. With::: 'j.-'l this report of members is also given the partial report of relief extended-:i;'';4'::'i to 15,000 comrades and others through a fund of over $170,000, not to: -||;:|': mention the incidental charities that everywhere alte extended at ':', need, and of which no account is kept. We pause to reflect on this evidence of fraternity and charity, and' even as we muse we see the five hundred men of the Encampmenit ij rising by our impulse to cast their silent vote in adoption of this.:; resolution: '. RESOLVED: By the Nineteenth National Encampment of the Grand Army ':;:, -:-:' of the Republic, assembled in the city of Portland, Maine, representing 300,000 '.soldiers and sailors in the United States, that in this, the fint hour of our:: i:" assembly, we tender to the distinguished comrade, soldier and statesman, General i Ulysses S. Grant, our profound sympathy in his continued illness, and extend a.?.?A soldier's greeting to our beloved commander and comrade, who has for months endured unspeakable agony with that characteristic fortitude that has challenged the admiration of the world. Swiftly over the wire the message is flashed to the cottage at Mt McGregor, where the hero is fighting his last battle, with an enemy -i that, for him as for all of us, can be vanquished only by the Captain of g our Salvation. Swiftly again over the wire comes the answer from the chieftain's eldest son and inseparable companion:. IT. MCGREGOR, N. Y., June 24,1885. JoHN S. KoNrz, ' Commander-in-Chief:. '.:..:-; General Grant directs me, in reply to your dispatch, to tender through yo ' to each one of the three hundred thousand veterans, his comrades, now repre-.:':. i sented at -Portland, his thanks for their interest in his health and welfare. *:; General Grant wishes to take this occasion to also thank them for their splendid services which have resulted in giving freedom to a race, peace to a continent, and a haven to the oppressed of the world.::. HD. GANT. Great in battle and in siege, but greater still in his steadfast calm I Grant at the front, yielding not until the enemy surrendered, is not so ':X sublime as Grant at Mt. McGregor, dictating his Memoirs as quietly and dispassionately as though no shadow of swift-coming death were lengthening toward him, commanding his mind and spirit, and leaving:::i: to his loved ones the legacy of his finished work. "Nothing in his life: so became him as the manner of his leavir g it." And this veteran band, whom in this retrospective vision we behold: i:; H lis,- X ISTOR: Y OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. i receiving the spirited response of their chieftain, are worthy of the;;l: eader. Their conquests of peace are greater than their victories of E!id: war, for it is self-mastery that-every veteran of the Grand Army of the I:Republic is learning; and in the culture of the nobler traits of his character he is demonstrating the truth that "he that ruleth his own v spirit is greater than he that taketh a city;" learning too, the truth that all the world must learn, that the fundamental secret of peace: with one's fellow men is self-control. But in our musing we are forgetting the moving scene before us; and returning to observe it with renewed attention, we find the EnI campment deep in the discussion of pension legislation, and planning for the systematic presentation of claims of veterans, under the |::; - Revised Statutes. Seventeen-ffty-four again!: And when the serious business of the Encampment is ended, we see I V again the smiles of mirth, and the handshaking, and the expression of - mutual good wishes for one another, and mutual hopes for the continued prosperity of the Grand Army of the Republic, now about to Itart on another march around the annual circuit. NewT the leader is General S. S. Burdett, the distinguished agrarian lawyer, whose active service in the field as a captain of cavalry was interrupted only because his "judicial mind" made him valuable in the office of judge-advocate. And now his combined military enthuIsiasm and executive ability fit him for the office of commander-in chief of the Grand Army of Peace and Progress. -As we watch the movements of the Grand Army through this year's:campaign of effort, we see that the several objects of the order are 'constantly kept in mind. Over $200,000 is expended for relief of needy veterans. The memorable "Section 1754" is kept alive by the inbreathing of a patriotic spirit, and thus rescued from the dead| letter fate that befalls too many statutes. During the year the badge of the order is perfected in' design by: the addition of significant marks, and patented as the exclusive badge |:.,:.of the Grand Army of the Republic. The commander-in-chief visits if h:: half of the existihg departments during the year, and also confers: -!:; -^(ith the national officers of the Woman's Relief Corps. Early in this official year the Grand Army is called to mourn the::: death of its comrade, and former chief, General Grant. |.1886. Commander-in-Chief Burdett's first General Order is relative to the project for establishing at the national capital a fitting:: memorial of General Grant. Progress in the matter is, however, delayed F 0:from motives of expediency. When time rolls around to August 4, 1886, the Giwnd Arniy have crossed the plains and the Rocky MounIt'h, 4' -, R Mo tISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF TIPE REPTUBIf tainsi and San Francisco is enlivened and inspired by the presence of the valiant veterans.; The commander-in-chief addressing the Encampment, says: Threading a continent in our this year s march, we pitch the tents of the Twentieth National Encampment on this our further shore, salute the glory of the mountains which to our fathers were nameless shadows in a foreign land, and hear with gladness the music of wavet, which sing our anthem, where yesterday the starry flag was but a strange device. It has been the lot of the Grand-: I Army to compass the land it helped to save. Then follows an earnest and comprehensive speech in which thes chief reviews the important acts of his administration and the developments along the line of the Grand Army enterprises. The effect of his suggestions is seen in the report of the Committee on the.Address, which report, with slight amendments, is adopted as the sense of the Encampment. We note several points in the committee's report, as especially significant. The following comment and resolution giveto the Grant memorial project a formal recognition: Your committee call special attention to the action of the commander-in-chief touching the matter of creating a fund for the erection of a suitable memorial to our late Comrade U. S. Grant. We fully approve of the action already taken and recommend a resumption of the scheme now held in abeypnce, and the raising of a fund, through the organization of the G. A. R., of not less than $100,000, for the erection of such memorial at the Capital of the nation. RESOLVED: That there be created a committee, to be known as the Grant Memorial Committee, to be composed of one member from each department and the commander-in-chief elect, who shall be chairman of said committee, whose duty it shall be to supervise the creation of a fund for the erection of a suitable memorial at the Capital of the United States. Also we note these paragraphs in the report, which show the present attitude of the Grand Army of the Republic toward these two most closely related allies: The warm words of commendation of the Woman's Relief Corps, contained ie the address of the commander-in-chief, will meet with a hearty response from every member of the Grand Army of the Republic. There is no brighter page in the history of the rebellion than that which records the ieroic sacrifices of American women. At the fireside, where tears are shed and breaking hearts commune with God, there may be found a valor and heioism that never shone on battle-field, nor answered to the trump of fame, and the story of a grander: martyidom than any page of history records sleeps in many and iand m any a humble grave where a woman's pulseless heart goes backto-dut. Itflfi ttin: "i~ ' I r.;! ~-;:~- i — -1..;. -:~~~: F, 1J.;i IZ r:l::" :,-:~~ r; ~ '' S''a Oyi3 OF TL RAWND AXfMY Or THe BREPUBLIC, therefore, that the patriotic women of America should share with us the work which recalls a.past in which they bore so conspicuous and so honorable a part. We have so frequently and so unreservedly given our endorsement to the Woman's Relief Corps, that, as our commander suggests, "a breach of promise would lie if we should now attempt to ignore the bargain, or refuse a dutiful performance of conditions." But such a wish is farthest from our thoughts. Rather let the union be fully consummated, and may we walk together in Faith, Love and Charity, until death do us part. The organization known as the Sons of Veterans has always received the Godspeed of our National Encampment. It is a natural outgrowth of the lessons of loyalty taught by our Order, and is, we believe, destined to exert a powerful influence in behalf of loyalty and good citizenship, long after the Grand Army of the Republic shall have passed away. We therefore cordially endorse the -sentiments expressed in the commander's address touching this active, growing and useful organization. Quartermaster-General Taylor reports a cash balance of over $23,000, and he also urges the propriety of reducing the price of badges and supplies in view of the yearly increasing surplus in the treasury. The committee recommended that $20,000 of the surplus be invested in United States bonds. The adjutant-general reports a membership in good standing of over 250,000, and a net gain of over 25,000 during the year. The Standing Committee on Pensions present a very interesting report of their effort to get the veterans' claims before Congress, with mingled success and failure. They close their report with this conelusive suggestion: After an experience in this work of four years, your committee is of the opinion that it is alike wise and for the best interests of the veterans to pursue the course marked out by previous National Encampments, and that the Grand Army shall continue to demand of Congress the prompt passage of the measures heretofore endorsed by this encampment in favor of the aged, the poor and needy veterans, and that until this is accomplished, the rich and well can afford to wait before: demanding pensions for themselves.:::::i The Committee on Resolutions report the following on that neveri forgotten question of civil appointments for veterans: RESOLVED: That we request the rigid enforcement of the provisions of Section 1754, Revised Statutes of the United States. RESOLVED: That patriotism, justice and equity alike demand that the prov: isions of Section 1754, Revised Statutes of the United States,be so amended as to embrace all honorably discharged soldiers and sailors now disabled by reason - of wounds or disease cont.acted in the service of their country, whethert d"c arged fbr physical disability or otherwise, when found to be fully com0 e^: *.'- I I ' -..: ~ i -'I ,:::~Al.3 i:Xf~ rA iAll C3 ~O.L CZ Ci g4C:. 1;~t;:rit- JItt-f U2 C AOw -- 111 — - t :l i'T'.7. T^RY OF THE' GRAND AEMY OP CTHE ^;t EPUBJ d t ':'; IESOLVED That the obligation which the government of the United States owes t the soldiers and sailors disabled in its service, afes i no ares t nom those due to any of its other creditors, unless it be that they are of a more sacred and binding character, and in the payment of these otbligations no measures for raising the money required should be employed which are not applied to every other species of indebtedness.':.RESOLVED:' That the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army be requested V to procure orders from the secretary of war andfrom the screta the navy, permitting the officers, soldiers and sailors who served in the army and - navy of the United States, and who belong to this organization, to wear the badge of the Grand Army of the Republic, where so serving. i -:: Among the pleasing incidents of the proceedings we note n the presentation to the National Encampment, on behalf of G. W. De Long Post, i of Honolulu, of a gavel made from the wood of trees indigenous to the I Sandwich Islands. Also, a banner is presented to the Department of California, by the Department of New York; as though the Atlantic thus greeted the Pacific across three thousand miles of inervening land. The scene of this session being associated with the Mexican war, rather than the civil strife, it seems especially appropriate that General Sherman, a hero of both conflicts, should be called upon to digress somewhat from the usual topics of reminiscence and deliver an address ipon the conquest that gave us California. The general, in this address, correlates the achievements of American soldiery, and maker this reference to the attitude of these younger veterans: i You, my beloved comrades of the war of 1861-5, have abundant reason for your faith in the majesty and security of this new Union, with the A.tlant States, the Pacific States, and the great center, bound together in harmony -y rivers and mountans and n by bands of steel, each state controlling its own I ( property and interest, with a strong government over all. Yet in your conven[ tions and feasts you can well spare some words of cheer to your old comrades of | the Mexican War, who did so much to enlarge the national domain and make -: -possible the glorious work you afterward so thoroughly accomplished. We,I, cannot expect to tarry long to enjoy the fruits of our labor, but untold "generations of intelligent men and beautiful women will hbe here to protect, defend and maintain these conquests, and meantime we have a right to be proud and content that in our day and generation we have largely contributed to build 'up and strengthen the fabric of government fashioned by our fathers, ss*ntified by the great name of Washington, made doubly precious by theinoble virtues of:: our martyred Lincoln, and crowned by the achievements of our comrade, Grant, i We listen to the address and all the while are conscious of an und er-: current of reflection. It is the gray-haired veteran of many Si s 8iieg *a '.':; ' if D. ' N |TfiY -'. THR G-RATO GRAStY AYTMY-OF T Ei:I.: '.: w h. a kho speaks. To him, after a lifetime of active service, the vista!| -::: lengthens far behind; and as he looks forward he sees, with a clearer perception than the less experienced can have, the inevitable logical outcome of existing conditions, the glories and the dangers that are I: included in the possibilities of the unknown future, It is indeed fitting that the venerable chief should utter words of thoughtful suggestion and temperate exhortation to these impetuous younger veterans Another thought impresses us as we survey the scene. Less than forty years ago this golden shore was an unexplored world. To-day it teems with life, and we see here and now a brilliant display of lavish gener-: X osity that exceeds anything ever before experienced by the National Encampment. Munificent sums have been coftributed to insure the comfort and pleasure of every delegate to the official gathering and every veteran from the ranks of the Grand Army who has journeyed -- hither to attend its annual camp-fire. Truly a golden country it seems with its fruits and flowers and its open-handed hospitality which is not confined to the session of the Encampment proper, but extends 0 to the numerous receptions given to visiting comrades by the principal cities and towns of California during the week following the session. Much of the spirit of good-fellowship that characterizes pioneers in any new country lingers yet in this younger region of our land, to remind the older and more conservative "East" that we may be in I danger of becoming selfish if we do not remember to keep alive the impulsive friendliness that belongs peculiarly to new lands and new a*;.homes, but which is not amiss in older and more settled communities,: 1: and which, more than any other personal element, is allied to demo* cratic ideas. Conservatism, socially, tends to aristocratic exclusiveness a- a tendency sufficiently marked in American society to-day to be a Xsource of anxious thought to lovers of free institutions and equal rights.? Let us learn here in the whole-hearted generous "West" how noble.:and self-respecting is respect for one's fellow-men; and how narrow ^ f and narrowing in their influences are the subtle aims of selfish exclui,:X;' siveness. If our Encampment on these western shores impresses on us n:: o other incidental lesson, let it be this: that Fraternity implies the universal brotherhood of men, that Charity seeketh not her own, and that Loyalty respects the humblest citizen of the land as the unit of its: national life. i. The day of conference is ended, and the veterans, once more in I; readiness for their yearly march, pause to say farewell to the Pacific '-shore. The waves lapse upon the beach, the sunset gun booms over i the water. _The sunset rays redden across the foaming sea, the stars 44,[,' - -ISTOqRYY O THE GRAND ARMY Or Tilm nPrua~Co -, come out in the blue field, and Nature in its emblematic colors salutes. ''.. the Grand Army of the Republic. I....:<, - We close our eyes to rest and to dream of the events that have filled these recent hours with pathos, with joy, with energetic action an.d ': with welcome recreation; to dream of the future so eloquently foretold, not so much by the words that have been spoken as by tlhe:;: prophetic meaning that always lies hidden in sterling deeds, if we are philosophical enough to discover it. We awake to behold the begin:.::.:3 ~...~...::....::'::::::::....... - --- - -...B.. ' - GENERAL LUCIUS FAIRCHTLD (Commander-in-Chief, 1887.) ning, at least, of the realization of this prophecy as tne veteran band, through their responsible representatives, go forward on the track of unswerving purpose adopted and authorized by the Encampment As we view the field of this year, we see leading the army the figure of one held in highest esteem by his countrymen, one whose popularity in his own life-long home furnishes an exception to the rule that ' "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country and among his own people:" General Lucius Fairchild, the ideal soldier and statesman, the graceful diplomat, the honored citizen, the beloved friend and comrade. We recollect that the boys of Wisconsin, his young friends and comrades in '61, can never say enough in praise of the gallant young captain whose military bearing on duty was equalled; by the frank cordiality with which he welcomed the boys to his tent -.-, to have the royal "good times" which they recall now as the bright:; i:0 spots in a memory otherwise shadowed with stern recollections. W hat:::: ':r I ~: --- —---- ^ - ISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE RBPUBLTC; wonder that the-veterans promptly fall in- line with- such a leader! The power of a gracious personality is felt wherever the commanderm in-chief appears, as he speeds from point to point with untiring devotion, visiting the greater number of the departments during the year. Everywhere by his inspiring words and genial presence heis the. | exponent of fraternity, charity and loyalty, a living epistle of patriotism J seen and read of all men. j While General Fairchild thus rallies the forces of the Grand Army at its remote posts, the officers at National Headquarters are at work making perfection more perfect, one might almost say, as they study I the constant improvement in what already seems a thoroughly sys| tematized management of Grand Army affairs. The committees are at work, conspicuously the standing committee on pensions. We see them as they meet at the national capital and b hold earnest conference with the prominent members of the Senate and the House. We note their untiring efforts to secure legislation in favor of such a bill as would rescue the disabled and needy soldier from the humiliating condition of enforced pauperism. We see the difficulty and the discouragement that meet them at every step. We j note how one "clothed with a little brief authority" may antagonize, for awhile, the wishes of the great mass of patriotic citizens, and delay the results that are sure to come eventually, when the representatives of the people wake up to a realization of the deep disgrace of allowing the country's defenders to suffer in unrelieved poverty in their advanced age. Strange, that any one calling himself a federalist can be so stolidly indifferent to the claims of veterans, whose presence in any community should be a constant inspiration to the gratitude of those: who at heart endorse the policy which the Union army defended. e Is:;-: there a modicum of disloyalty in this grudging of pensions? Or is it: i only a characteristic selfishness that is manifested chiefly by those t who during the war took good care to keep their own precious bodies out of danger of being disabled? We listen to the well-fed and well-; Xcouponed statesmen who so grandiloquently defend the stronghold of I the Treasury, tragically representing it as being."systematically 4 robbed" by the award of pensions. We wish that by way of an j object lesson these pompous grumblers could just for one day have an empty coat-sleeve; a business prospect ruined; a chronic phase of ill health fastened on them by army exposures; or a pair of crutches in; place of their strutting legs. Perhaps then their logical wits would be sufficiently sharpened to enable them to discover that but for this veteran army, for whose disabled members a modest relief-pension is asked, there might now be no treasury to defend, still less a "surplus" I I"1 - -.H BISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.... to worry over.' Indeed, it is possible that the mission of the "surplus" would be promptly recognid b y the construction of aqueducts'to. convey the swelling streams into the private reservoirs of these very men. We should see "pension legislation" thb j on tie grandest scale ever witnessed in the world's history. The selfishness that denies a crust to another, is always ready to grab the whole loaf for itself. If there is any statesman who will bear watching, in the interests of the defenseless treasury, it is the sneering, insulting opponent of soldiers' pensions. More than that, I would not trust him not to run up a rebel flag if he had control of the ropes. The general sentiment of humanity is expressed in the saying, "It were better that ninety-nine rogues escape than that one just man be hung." So, it were better that one lazy or improvident ex-soldier should be supported, than that the existence of such, here and there, should be made a triumphant argument against caring for the great mass of really deserving patriots. Even though the utmost vigilance in examining into "claims" may not always prevent the award of undeserved pensions, still, the United States Government may safely conclude that " it is better to be sinned against than sinning" in this matter. The children of this generation of statesmen do not wish to be ashamed of their parents, or to feel a hot blush whenever they see a faded blue coat in the almshouse enclosure. How can we help these thoughts as we watch the year's experience of the Committee on Pensions! Five representative men from the Grand Army of the Republic with their commander-in-chief, a halfdozen generous patriots whose personal power and prosperity relieve them from the necessity of asking anything for themselves, but who are all the more devotedly engaged in. securing help for their less fortunate comrades. A year of serious reflection; a year of stern indignation; a year that might make a bitter pessimist of any soldier who did not reflect that representatives do not always represent, and that the heart of the American people is with the Grand Army, despite the grudging action of some who temporarily hold the legislative and the veto powers. Courage, soldiers! The wisdom of your "fellow-citizens cannot go'so far astray as to permit the repetition of such blunders. Each Novem ber on its fateful" first Tuesday" will record one after another handwriting on the wall, the purport of which will be to inform some candidate for re-election that by the deliberate decision of his constituents he is hereby permitted henceforth to give his undivided attention to his own private affairs. The Grand Army may devote itself to the mission of cultivating fraternity, charity and loyalty; the 47 j:: j-:: '."4;:'i" cty t La JeSTOBT OF THE GRAND ARMI OF THE REPUBLIC. r: 1; I t I -I great mass of the citizenship of the country will take care of the politi; cal battle of the day. And whatever party he may nominally repre. sent, the man who is not a friend of the veteran soldiers will not be entrusted with the management of the government which their sufferings and'sacrifices preserved. Trust your loyal countrymen for that. A large proportion of the voters of to-day are not veterans; the fates decreed that they should be born a few years too late for that. But many of them remember the strangely solemn time when many a home was left in the care of a gentle mother, and the children gathered.. "'"' ":-'. GENERAL JOSEPH R. HAWLEY, (yunior Vice-Commaneder-in- Chief, i87o.) close at her elbow as she read the letter from the soldier husband and father, or breathlessly scanned the dispatches that seemed a weird echo of the dreadful battle. Some of them remember the childish awe with which they gazed on the soldier's metallic casket as it was borne into the village church, its sable cover hidden by the stars and stripes that the hero carried when he fell. Some of them are too young to remember even thus imperfectly that day of somber mystery when even children's sunshine seemed to fall through smoke-stained clouds, and the light of many an aged life went out and left a midnight darkness where only the Christian's faith could discern the stars shining through. But even those who have recently attained their majority are listening with sympathetic attention to the story of the conflict, and studying its underlying principles; and to intelligent young America, north and south, the logic of a true patriotism is more convincing than the sophistry of selfsh ambition. Shall they forget the men whose bravery I I i.I I' r' J'. IISTORY OF THE GRAND, ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. brought the question to its just conclusion? Trust the boys, veterans; some of them may make mistakes, but we believe that, in the main, they will honor themselves by honoring the defenders of the national faith. Need we say this to the brave Committee on Pensions, whom we have watched with such intense and absorbing interest? Ah, they know it already; and it is their faith in the ultimate justice of the American people that brightens each care-worn face as they return from Washington and prepare their calm and dispassionate report for the coming National Encampment; a report that will not be news to anyone who has been watching the progress of events, but which will not only present the facts in systematic shape, but contain also the suggestions of the committee, three of whom are Past Commanders-inChief of the Grand Army-men who are, perhaps, better informed than any others could be of the needs and claims )f veterans. While they frame their report we will turn our eyes upon the city of St. Louis, where the grandest preparations are being made to receive the delegates to the Twenty-first Annual Session of the National Encampment. One hundred thousand dollars is thesum raised within the business limits of the city, for nothing is too good for the veterans, and nothing is too good for St. Louis. Little do the coming soldiers imagine the splendid show of decorations, illuminations,etc., 1887. that is to greet their eyes. These citizens of St. Louis are like enthusiastic and generous children planning no end of gorgeous things "to s'prise you;" among them four beautiful stainedglass transparencies, two showing Grant on horseback, and two life-size likenesses of President Lincoln. It is pleasant to know that these four transparencies are now placed as memorial windows, one in each of four leading Soldiers' Homes in the country. Septemper 28, 1887, has come. What if it does rain! The campfires burn with undiminished flame as in every Post Room resident members extend hospitalities to visiting comrades, while citizens at large and municipal officers of St. Louis welcome the brilliant and talented representatives of the Grand Army of the Republic. We see many thousands of the Grand Army drawn up in line, and Ignoring the falling rain they march through the principal streets of St. Louis, and are reviewed from the grand stand bythe ommander-inchief. 'And again we see the assembled Encampment. In many an earnest face the lines of thought have deepened since one year ago. The fatigue of many weary miles of travel has left its pallor on the chiseled face of the commander-in-chief; but through it, as through the rosetinted marble, the glow of enthusiasm reveals the spirit that has given 49 MASTORY;:I ~-1.-'~ ~-IISOJ OF 9" rHE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC,.-.. i L-;?i b I: 6~: t. r I. E:: 5- i t-; i I 0 tI - I r E. I I~ inspiration to so many thousands during these months of swift, brief visitation. As the business of the session proceeds, we hear Adjutant-General Gray reporting a membership of about 321,000, with a net gain of over 25,000, and a gain of 540 Posts during the year. QuartermasterGeneral Taylor reports that the assets are over $33,000, the cash balance over $12,000; and that the Grant Memorial Fund has grown to over $8000. It is also stated that while over a quarter of a million dollars has been reported expended for charity, this sum does not represent more than one-half of the actual charities, so much being done informally and not reported by the Posts. One pleasant incident of the charities of the Grand Army this year is referred to-the prompt raising of a sum for the people of Charleston, S. C., at the time of the earthquake disaster. General Fairchild had promptly gone to Charleston, and at his call a liberal subscription had been at once forwarded to the scene of the disaster. Here, where the first rebel gun was fired, one of the soldiers first to respond to the ominous war-call, heaped coals of fire on an enemy's head. Oh, the glorious victory of charity, the sweet revenge of generosity! We hear with pleasure of the progress of the Woman's Relief Corps, as shown in a communication from their National headquarters; and the Grand Army recognize the work of these energetic allies by adopt. ing the following Resolution: The committee recommend that this National Encampment most heartily endorse in every respect our auxiliary organization, the Woman's Relief Corps. The aid and assistance rendered by this noble body of women to our comrades and their families when sick or needy, can never be forgotten, and your committee feel that this Encampment cannot find words too strong to sufficiently express its entire appreciation and approval of the good work done by the Woman's Relief Corps since its organization. The dark shadow falls over the Encampment when, in hushed silence, reference is made to the death of Past Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan, which has occurred since the last session of this body. Appropriate resolutions are unanimously adopted, as follows: The National Encampnment of the Grand Army of the Republic, assembled in its twenty-first annual session, at St. Louis, Missouri, recalling the fact that since its last meeting more than three thousand of the comrades of the Order have paid the last debt of nature, and among them their always beloved comrade and former leader and Commander-in-Chief, Major-General John A. Logan, and desiring in special manner to record their high esteem of his skill and valor as a soldier, of his abilities and faithful services as a statesman, of the purity 50 -,:.- -:": -,, —:,.-, - 'v -1. -!T HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY 0F THE REPUBLIC, and beauty of his private and home life, of the signal services he rendered his comrades while Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of tile unfaltering and vehement patriotism which was a chief element of his character, therefore RESOLVES AND DECLARES: That in common with his fellow-citizensin general, the members of the Grand Army of the Republic deplore his death as a public calamity. That among the millions who from private life entered the military service of the Union and were spared until peace came with victory, he was rightfully accorded the high distinction of being " The Chief of the Volunteers." That as a statesman Ale was sagacious, painstaking, clear in his comprehension of the needs of his country, vehement in defending and promoting her interests 1''W ~;: JOSHUA T. OWEN'. "(Senior Vice-Cozmmander-in- Cief, 8ro.) and her honor, and the relentless foe of waste and corruption, whether public or private. We especially remember that it was his pride and pleasure to give his. best services to forwarding in the National Congress the just demands of his soldier comrades. That the Grand Army of the Republic is indebted to his administration of its affairs for the establishment, in everlasting memory of its sacred dead, of that new feast which we call "Memorial Day;" that it is also indebted to him for Order of political purpose and propagandism, and against all temptation has maintained its freedom from them to the present hour. That to his widow, Mrs. Mary S. Logan, whose devotion to the interests of the Grand Army of the Republic is well known and here acknowledged, are extended our most sincere sympathies in her bereavements 3tISTORY OF WTE CANRD ARMY OF ITHE PUBLIC, That a page in the Journal of this encampment be set apart for an engraved portrait of Comrade Logan, to be executed under the direction of the present commander-in-chief and adjutant-general, at the cost of the National Encamp. I ment, and that a copy of such Journal, specially bound, be presented to Mrs,I Logan. - In reference to the project for a monument to General Logan, the committee presented a report from which we make this extract: We therefore, believing every comrade in the United States will wish to join in this work, recommend that the Grand Army, through its several Departments and Posts, be earnestly requested to at onee raise the small sum of ten cents from each of its members for said object, and that a permanent committee of five be appointed by this body, with power to fill vacancies, whose duty it shall be to co-operate with the committee of five appointed by said Society of the Army of the Tennessee, to carry on and complete the work of erecting the statue in I Washington. We recommend that all sums so collected shall be transmitted I ~ through Department and National Headquarters to said committee, with a roster of all the names of comrades who shall contribute to said fund, that the latter may be preserved in the archives of the society having in charge this noble work, Should any department, comrade or other person desire to contribute a largei sum than the amount herein specified, we recommend that such contribution be received. We suggest that the permanent committee so appointed be required to report Ad its work to the National Encampment annually. A further expression of respect for the departed general is contained. I in one clause in the report of the Committee on Pensions, recom- mending, among several objects of continued effort, to secure "the same pension for the widow of the representative volunteer soldier of X the Union Army, John A. Logan, as is paid to the widows of those i: typical regulars, Thomas, the 'Rock of Chickamauga,' and Hancock, always' The Superb.'" I The commander-in-chief announces that Mr. Joseph Drexel, owner of the now historic cottage at Mt. McGregor, has signified his intention |: of conveying the property to the Grand Army to be kept as a perpetual memorial of General Grant. The Pension Committee's report speaks for itself. It is a'record of e valiant effort, but of meager success and- abundant failure. But the I calm spirit of the veteran is shadowed forth in the words of the com n mander-in-chief when in his annual address he dwells upon the - subject, and sums up the platform of the Grand Army in these words; We have been for years of one mind in considering it but simple justice that the United States should at least grant a pension of not less than $12.00 per mT 0 0 0 z '4 t 1I1STORY OF THE GRAND AR{MY OF THE REPUBLIC. month to all persons who served three months or more in the military or naval service of the United States during the war of the rebellion, and who have been honorably discharged therefrom, and who are now, or who may hereafter be, suffering from mental or physical disability, not the result of their own vicious habits, which incapacitates them for the performance of manual labor. Our path in this direction has been straight. We have diverged neither to the right nor to the left. We have seen before us our needy, disabled comrades, and shoulder to shoulder we have marched in the way where relief for them could be won. We will not desist now. We will not be persuaded to desert them. Because they are in sorrow and distress they are a thousand times more than ever our comrades. Because they need help, we will draw closer and closer to them. They shall not be the inmates of the common pauper house, nor shall their widows or their orphan children, if we can prevent it. We will continue to ask for aid until there is no wail of sorrow heard from the destitute and disabled veterans or their families. The delegates further express their endorsement of the committee in the following: RESOLVED: That the zeal and wisdom displayed by the members of the National Pension Committee entitle them to our warm thanks and praise. Though they have encountered in their years of service, difficulties and obstacles of no common order, they have increased, rather than diminished, their earnestness in behalf of their comrades. No men could have labored more diligently and wisely than they have or secured more success, and they are entitled to the gratitude of every veteran and friend of the veteran. Notwithstanding the fact that recent events have been so calculated to cause irritation and resentment, the tone of this session is marked by courtesy in words and forbearance in action. Shadowed, perhaps, with graver thought than ever before, its impetuous impulses devec;ping into more deliberate purposes, its youthful ardor deepening into manly earnestness, as indeed Gmust be; for the chestnut curls once pressed down by the soldier-cap now show the silver strands, and the name " veteran " is growing every year a more appropriate appellation. Recalling the picture of this vast assembly, we like best to linger in memory at that point in the moving scene when every eye is fixed on the face of the comlmander-in-chief as he pronounces his address. With them we listen to the patriotic and masterly sentences in which the dignity of the orator and the charm of the converser are so happily blended; and we shall ever recall General Fairchild's closing words: I heartily congratulate all who have the pleasure to attend this great reunion of old comrades whose friendship was welded in the hot flame of battle, in the camp, on the march, and cemented by the love which all bore and still maintain KF,I;.i,,s HiSTOWE OF THE GRAND AtMY Or TrHE RiEPUBLIC Ior the iTnion In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty we stand, proud of the fact that there is not now, nor has there ever been, any bitter feeling of hate for those of our fellow-citizens who, once in arms against us, but now being loyal, have long ago taken their old-time places in our hearts, never, we devoutly hope, to be removed therefrom. We have not now, nor have we at any time since the war closed, had any disposition to open again the bloody chasm which once unhappily divided this people. We not only will not ourselves re-open that dreadful abyss, but we will, with the loyal people, North and South, protest against all attempts which others may.make to do so, by holding up, for especial honor and distinction, anything that pertains to or in any manner glorifies the cause of disunion. With the people of the South we only ask to continue the friendly rivalry long ago entered upon in the effort to make our beloved land great and pros-. perous and its people intelligent, happy and virtuous. We will rival them in exalting all that pertains to and honors this great Union and in condemning everything that tends to foster a hostile sentiment thereto. We will rival them in earnest endeavors to inculcate in the minds of all the citizens of this country, and especially of our children, a heartfelt love for the United. States of America, to the end that present and coming generations shall in every part of the land believe in and "maintain true allegiance thereto, based upon a paramount respect for and fidelity to its constitution and laws," which will lead them to "discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, treason or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions," and will impel themq "to encourage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights and justice to all men," and to defend these sentiments, which are quoted from the fundamental law of our Order, with their lives, if need be; and to the further end that they shall so revere the emblems of the Union that under no circumstances can be coupled with them, in the same honorable terms, the symbols of a sentiment which is antagonistic to its perpetuity. The contemplation of the grand picture of a long ago preserved Union, a mighty people prospering as no people on earth ever before prospered, with a future far beyond that which opens to any other nation, a land, comrades, which to all its citizens is worth living for, and a country and government worth dying for, constitutes the greatest reward of those who have suffered and bled and Striven that such a spectacle might be possible. No idle creation of a poetical imagination this; no mere flight of oratory; but the solemn truth that none can utter so understandingly as those who have demonstrated its reality. No transient suffering — happily long past; no single stroke of daring-recounted with glow. ing pride; no hair-breadth fortunate escape-recalled with self-gratula-, tions; none of these nor all of these have been this hero's only tutors; but a quarter of a century of daily, hourly deprivation has been his stern disciplinarianw What is it, we ponder, to face the sacrifice of ' aSV HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC..lifetilme? It is to feel one's whole nature rising in defiant protest; to be overwhelmed with bitter despair; to lie crushed, and to long for death! Or else, it is to nerve one's self for a brave struggle; to match the ordeal with a cheerful fortitude; and out of the deepest abyss of helplessness to climb, hour by hour, to the loftiest heights of selfmastery, to learn at last that the royal way of the cross leads to the kingdom. May the recompense ever be full and rich! The rewards that follow earnest striving, the sweet compensations of a peculiarly tender affection, the soul-culture developed through suffering, the spirit's victories that crown patience-all these lie hidden within, the folds of that empty sleeve. - FGr a moment more we behold _ O the commander-in-chief facing this veteran audience. The firm lips have just closed over the last syllable of his address. The hair above the forehead is touched with frost, but no wintry gloom shadows the illumined face. And yet, there te is more pathos in the smile of one who has conquered, than in the downcast look of the weakling! SPOTTSnLVANa COURT HOUSL. As he stands there, the type of those whose living sacrifice has paid a nation's ransom, from many a loyal heart arises the incense of prayer; and in the silence we seem to hear echoing down the centuries the benediction of the priests of Aaron: The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace! The scene changes.. A few hours later we see the representative members of tile Encampment, nearly six hundred in number, assembled as the guests of the citizens of St. Louis at a grand banquet where the good cheer is not confined to "creature comforts," but is largely contributed by eloquent speeches and the hearty exchange of compliments and good wishes. Thus ends the programme of entertainment of the Twenty-first Annual Session. Ends, but does not cease to exist; for the Grand Army will ever cherish the memory of the magnificent reception accorded them by this prosperous and enterprising city. Many of the veterans before departing for their distant homes pay the heart of Lincoln setthe rhythm, and the heart of a continent beat. er AbrahamISTORY O TundrE GANDhous ARY O THEg! R AndEPUB tough in a visit to the tomb of Lincoln, at Springfield, Ill. No wonder that their thoughts dwell with peculiar interest on the man whose solemn assure loance of ae need for the soldier and the soldier's widow and orphan has sorecently been so contemptuously ignored by prominent of icimals Once the heart of Lincoln set the rhythm, and the heart of a continent beat Majorn unison as patriots all orer the land shouted officie are coming Father Abrahlesserm, three hundred thousand strongmm Ander-in-Chief of though in the noise of petty strifes that perfect stroke may seem at tice es to be devlost, we need only to pause and listen to discover that the pulse of loyalty still throbs iga the eivery of patriotic America. As the veteran soldies leave this silent sepulchre and return toaking up the of march, it dis with renewed hope and faith that they unfurl the banner bearing the device: u Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty.' 1 Major John P. Rea, already an experienced official of the Grand techrmy in lesser fields, is the newly-elected Commander-in-Chief of the National Encampment. Like his distinguished predecessor, he too devotes time and strength to the constant visiting of departments, and only. To the personal investigation of evermanliness ine of work carried on within the Grand Army's field. Again we see the Committee on Pensions taking up the cause of disabled comrades. Again we see them thwarted by delays and technicalities, their chief aims defeated, and their years of effort rewarded during this period with the patsage of a few minor measures only. To the credit of manliness be it said that the bill authorizing a special pension for Mrs. Logan is promptly passed. Also, the bill granting arrears of pensions to thie widows of veterans. But all measures looking to the comfort and respectability of needy veterans themselves meet persistent opposition from the Chairman of the House Committee on Invalid Pensions. This one man, accidentally invested with power, improves this transient opportunity to make his own prejudices the well-spring of his official acts. With even less encouraging results to report than last year crowned their efforts, the Committee on Pensions await the re-assembling of the National Encampment. At the National Headquarters, and wherever staff-officers and committees have been located, active work has been going on, the results of which appear in the reports made at the Annual Session4. 1888. Swiftly the days pass; not all unshadowed, for on August 6, 1888, General Sheridan departs this life, after weary weeks of suffering, and the Grand Army mourns its brilliant cavalry chieftain. The flags that have been tied with black are again unfurled to the breeze when the second week in September 1888 arrives. Columbus, 58 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARIMY OF THE REPUBLIC Ohio, is the city favored this year with the spectacle of a patriotic reunion, on a grander scale than has been presented at any time since the Grand Review in 1865. The parade on the 1th of September is five hours in passing a given point. The veterans of Ohio regiments carry their old flags, each of which has a glorious train of associations. The naval veterans are conspicuously honored in this parade by the splendid models of war-vessels, which are mounted on wheels and drawn by engines, and from which, at intervals, bombs are thrown to the height of three or four hundred feet. The commallder-in-chief, as.............:::. -.......:.......:..:..i..........::..-..:'{!. 'i: n:: — -- --- —:::':::': JOHN P. REA. ( Commander-i- Chief, 1888.) he reviews the parade, is surrounded by a distinguished group-General Sherman, Ex-President Hayes and five Governors of States, all veterans of the civil war. September 12th witnesses the formal opening of the Twenty-second Session of the National Encampment. The commander-in-chief addresses the assembly, and concisely sums up the results of the year's work. Evidently he voices the sentiments of all present when he says, referring to pensions: Let our action be of a manly, dignified character, worthy the men and the cause we represent, and justly exemplifying that comradeship which is the tie that binds us together. No measure receiving the endorsement of this Encampment, followed by the earnest, hearty support of our entire membership, will fail to receive favorable consideration from the National Congress. Through tlia body, and this alone, our Order must speak, or speak in discordant tones. W-i: — ~ --- —- X - ---- l' ' -,!' HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. It is not to be expected that all will agree upon any measure proposed{ but when, after discussion and deliberation, the majority have decided on a measure, all should yield and give it their support. It is only by so doing that the Grand Army of the Republic can wield the influence in aid of needy comrades that the nation is ready to accord it, but which it has not exerted in the past. The commander-in-chief refers to the Sons of Veterans. After several years of uncertain trend and more or less unsettled organization, the impulsive Sons have at last grown discreet enough to merit,he paternal blessing, which is bestowed upon them in these words: It will be but a short period until our ranks are so meagre, and the surviving comrades so weighed down with the burden of years, that our organization will have ceased to be an active force in the works of loyal love and charity which it has ordained. The tender ceremonies of Memorial Day will then be performed by others or not at all. It seems to me that it would be the part of wisdom for us while yet in our vigor to establish such relationship between our Order and the Sons of Veterans as to properly recognize that organization. The young men composing it feel a just pride in the deeds of their fathers, and moved by filial love have settled their difficulties and are anxious for recognition from us. I would recommend the appointment of a committee to report to the Twenty-third National Encampment a plan defining and establishing such relations with that order as the character of its membership, its aims and objects and its natural affinity to the Grand Army of the Republic, seem to demand. I have every reason to believe that all objectionable features now characterizing that order and standing in the way of such recognition will gladly be removed upon our request. The Committee on Resolutions, later on, act upon the suggestion of the chief by reporting the following, which is unanimously adopted: RESOLVED: That the Encampment indorse the objects and purposes of the Order of Sons of Veterans, U. S. A., and hereby give to the Order the official recognition of the Grand Army of the Republic, and recommend that comrades aid and encourage the institution of Camps of the Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. RESOLVED: That with pride and heartfelt pleasure we place on record our heartfelt appreciation of the hearty welcome and most generous hospitality extended to the Encampment and to the membership of the Grand Army of the Republic by the citizens of Columbus, and by State and department officials, who have freely opened to us the hospitable homes of their beautiful city and allowed us to take entire possession of their city, their capital and their State, and whose unceasing efforts and boundless liberality combine to make this the most successful, as it is the most numerously attended, National Encampment our Order has yet held. HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. The commander-in-chief, as he nears the close of his address, has these encouraging words for the Grand Army and the land which they call their own; Wherever I have gone, north or south, east or west, I have received a kindly greeting and a cordial welcome, most gratifying, because it came spontaneously as an evidence of the high regard of the people of this republic for the survivors of the army and navy which conquered treason, cemented the Union, and established upon a basis of universal equality the grandest nation of the earth. In all sections of the country I have found the comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, in community and in State, occupying the highest positions, enjoying the full confidence of their fellow-citizens, and living manly lives worthy the earnest they gave of fidelity and loyalty in the terrific conflict through which they passed in their youth. Comrades, we will soon pass through the dark valley, over the river, and pitch our tents within the shadow of the dim unknown, but behind us as a monument of achievement will remain the ocean-bound American republic, the only true republic the world has ever known, within whose borders there is no peasant, no serf, no slave, only men and women living in the consciousness of the true nobility of manhood and of womanhood. Across this continent, from the rockbound coast.on which beat the waves of the Atlantic, over mountain and valley for thirty-five hundred miles, to where the calm Pacific beats on California's golden strand, there is to-day a great unbroken level of happy American homes, in which live the representatives of all races, of all nationalities, of all civilizations; anid all are gathered around the altar of one common country, in the brotherhood of universal freedom. Over all the starry banner under which we fought, and whose folds we emblazoned with the names of the proudest victories humanity ever won, waves as the ensign of that government which is the realized hope of the great and good of all the ages. When within our borders hundreds of millions shall live the home life of American freemen, and around their hearths the story of your deeds shall be told, those teeming millions will still have but one flag, one country, one destiny. Then follows the report of Adjutant-General Fish, showing a membership in good standing of over 350,000, with a net gain of more than 33,000, and nearly 400 new Posts chartered during the year. It is significant of the spread of the order, geographically, that early in this year permanent departments have been organized in Idaho and Arizona. The quartermaster-general's report shows the same admirably systematic management that has for years kept the financial standing of the Grand Army of the Republic " as good as gold.. The judge-advocate reports, relative to the Drexel Cottage at Mt. McGregor, that the legal steps for transferring the property have been brought to a halt by the death of Mr. Drexel, A committee is ap Closely associatedwith this reminiscent refereme to Genral Grant comes the thought of "Little Phil;" and we see the veterans, many es the t many faces showing the trace of recent tears, rising in silent token of approval when the committee present the following: Wherea, since the meeting of the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, held over a year ago, our comrade, Philip H. Sheridan, the pGeneral-inChief of the Army of the United States, has passed over the river of death to the great beyond, RESOLVED: That with sincere sorrow we mourn the loss of one of the brave defenders of the nation, one whose brilliant achievements in arms, whose heroic courage in the hours of peril, snatching victory from defeat and whose untiring energy has challenged the admiration of the world and has placed his name on the pages of history among the foremost ofthe illustrious soldiers of his own age as Well as those of the past. RESOLVED: That in the life of our late comrade in arms we recognizd that type of manhood which characterizes the man born aned reared und er our free institutions, blending the citizen with the soldier, and whose lofty patriotism so guided and moulded ambition that it was formidable only to the enemies of his country. RE OLVe i: That our deep sympathy be extended to his sorrowing family in this their hour of grief,nd andssure them, while we mourn with them the loss of the loving husband and tender father, we will ever cherish with pride the memory of Philip H. Sheridan. i One interesting hour during the session is given to receiving the committee from the Woman's Relief Corps, also now in session in Columbus, who present the following address indicating the now thoroughly established character of this organ izatind reared its definite relation to the Grand Army of the Republic hommavider-in- Chief Rea, and Comrades of the Twenty-second National Encamp. ment, Grand Army of the Republ.: By the appointment of the President of the eSixth ational Convention ofthe Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, now assembled in this city, and at the request of the Commander-in-'Chief, John P. Rea, we appear upon the floor of this Encampment to return the greetings which your committee-Comrade Vanosdol, Department Commander of Indiana; Comrade Evans, Past Department Commander of Massachusetts, and Comrade Allan, Past Junior Vice-Comma nder-in-Chiefof Virginia-so gracefullyextended to our national organization. In the performance of this pleasing and agreeable duty we come to assure you of our lasting fealty and unswerving allegiance to the Grand Army of the Republic. Nor would we fail at this time to expreas 62 RECI-ITS T TI - IST ---- -OF B AW ECUITS T THE ST BATTLE OF B-L U. RAW RECRUJITS AT THEX FIRST BATTLE OF BULLI RIUs t HISTORY -OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC our approbation of the continuous and cordial recognition which you have given our work since its inception. When the Nhational Association was effected at Denver, Colorado, in 1883, you gave it noble sanction and blessed it in its birth. And each successive year has our national convention been stimulated to increased work by inspiring approbation that we have received at your hands. Heartily have you signified your gratitude for all our efforts to share in assuming the duties and responsibilities that you owe to each other by the ties of your sacred fraternity, a fraternity that was born of friendship in the canmp, in the hospital, on the march, in the battle or in loathsome prison pens. It is unnecessary to picture what would have been the condition of the soldiers of the republic had treason conquered the armies of loyalty. From what might have been, I turn to the more pleasing reality of a nation saved, loyalty victorious, treason dethroned and writhing in its own downfhll, and the brave defenders of our nation assembled in this grand encampment in the capital of the Buckeye State, which gave as her offering for loyalty 200,000 of her noblest sons to battle for the cause which you here to-day so grandly represent. The Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the most exalted and praiseworthy organization of soldiers born of woman, comes to you to-day with greetings of honor for you, the chivalry of America. We bear you greetings for your loyalty to manhood, the pride of woman's heart. We come to you with greetings for your devotion to comradeship, sanctified by the service, yes, how often by the blood of men who were our fathers, husbands, lovers, sons or brothers. We come to you bearing the individual and united greetings of 63,000 of America's patriotic daughters, who to-day stand in one solid phalanx to aid you in all measures designed to advance Grand Army interests. We bring special greetings to your commander-in-chief in recognition of the loyal and soldierly sympathy which he, throughout his administration, has manifested toward the Woman's Relief Corps of the nation. And especially does our honored National President, Mrs. Emma S. Hampton, through the committee, acknowledge profoundest gratitude for his faithful co-operation and eminently wise counsels in the consideration, and assisting in the adjustment, of complicated questions and issues, which have been so successfully met during the year now closing. We hail with eagerness and solemnity the annual return of our memorial day duties, the performance of which is peculiarly and sacredly in accord with woman's heart. It has been, and will be more extensively, throughout the several departments, the special concern of the Woman's Relief Corps to provide the joys of Christmas tide for the children of our veterans who are the wards of state or county homes. We are zealously in favor of, and will persistently and continuously work in every way that is womanly for the pensioning of those women who were war army nurses and diet kitchen managers. Again we reaffirm our professions and pledges to you who rank as the noblest soldiers' organization on the earth, realizing that the mission of our order will enlarge and the demands for our work become more imperative as the veterans of the war advance towards decrepitude. HISTORY OF THE GRAND ASfLMY~ )& '1': REPUBLIC. And, finally, we declare ourselves enlisted in this cause of holy charity so long as a veteran of the Union Army or his widow or his orphan shall need the helping hand of woman. Thetraining of the young in the principles and sentiments of loyalty to the Union has long been one of the enthusiastic aims of the Grand Army. And now the obverse of this question is presented when, daring the session, attention is called to the disloyal character of certain text-books on United States History, which are now in use in schools in the late rebel states, and which plainly glorify the treason. able doctrine of State Sovereignty and the cause of Secession. The case is not one for any formal action on the part of the Encampment; but it is mentioned as a fact worthy of the thoughtful consideration of every individual patriot in the land. And yet, perhaps it is not a matter for deep anxiety. There was a time when the doctrine of State Sovereignty was a subject for dignified debate in which was developed the most brilliant and effective oratory of the United States Senate. But fifty years or more of explication, with some sharp experimental tests in the laboratory of action, have convinced the great mass of American citizens that the mask of State Sovereignty covered the face of a project for the extension of slavery. This being a dead issue, and one that under no conceivable circumstances can be revived, there hardly seems to be left any motive for the States' Right doctrine, which existed primarily, if not altogether, for that ulterior purpose. People who were always Federalists are stronger than ever in the faith to-day; and a large proportion of the former advocates of State Sovereignty have been converted to the belief that the Federal Union is not only the correct interpretation of the constitution, but also that it is, in itself, the best governmental policy that could be devised. Some have frankly and cordially avowed this., Some have reluctantly though honestly yielded the point. But it is too much to expect that this change of faith should be at once universal. Every march of progress leaves some stragglers in the train. There are persons still living who cherish the identical prejudices that they were born with; others, of the younger generation, who affect to pride themselves on being "arrant little rebels." As to the latter, they will probably outgrow this nonsense; as to the former, they are political fossils who can do no permanent harm, even though they do try to turn United States History into a political eulogy of Mr. Jefferson Davis. The teachers of youth are too many in this thinking age for any one to become dangerously influential, and especially one that attempts to proclaim an obsolete idea. When the goose-bone and | the ground-hog become formidable to the United States Signal Service,: fe HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. perhaps the feeble echoes of the "lost cause" may disturb the barmonies of the Federal Union. But while we are musing the legislation of the session has been going on; and when we again give alert attention to the scene before us we see the delegates unanimously voting the appropriation of $500 for the relief-of yellow fever sufferers at Jacksonville, Florida. Ah, we are sure that we need not be anxious about the" influence" of the rebellious fossil so long as the great-hearted Grand Army exists, to show, in every sharp emergency, the fraternity and charity that helps -to mitigate disaster- and to. ward off death. "Overcome evil with good" is a glorious rule of conduct. What more is needed to silence a bitter enemy than the fact that his life and the lives of those dearest to him, it may be, are saved by the prompt and generous service rendered by the once hated " blue-coats?" It will be hard hereafter for him to tell his children that the Union soldier is their implacable foe; harder yeato make the children believe it. Before the canvas rolls out of sight, we spend some time studying the picture of the camps that are conveniently located near the scene of the session, and where thousands of veterans have chosen to" lodge on the cold ground." Here, in the midst of much jolly comfort, they try to imagine themselves once more enduring the hardships of a soldier's life-eating from tin plates and cups the soup and chowder cooked in camp cauldrons, and drinking from canteens. Well, perhaps it is not really quite this; but roast-beef and Apollinaris may easily be transmuted into old-time camp fare by the power of a vivid imagination. But a silver fork is, after all, a more agreeable thing to eat with than a whittled stick; and since patriotism demands no special sacrifices of this nature just now, no doubt the most heroic veteran would echo Mrs. Boffin's impulsive exhortation: < "Lor'! let's be comfortable!" And who should be, if not they? Looking about we see some who, during a three years' term of enlistment, were under " raining fire" a score of times, in skirmish and on perilous picket duty unremittingly, the active dangers alternating with the fatigues of long marches and the harsh discomforts of a hastily pitched camp. We reflect that" hard tack" was often the only luxury on the soldier's bill of fare. We recollect one dear old lady who, in war time, when potatoes were especially scarce and dear, never put a morsel into her mouth witlout a qualm of tender conscience an:d a plaintive "wish that the poor soldiers had some." We are glad to see tile steaming platters borne to tlei.ents to-day! Here is a group who were once associated within the gloom v wlls of southern prisons, haunted by squalor and starva 67 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. tion. Some of them had the experience of repeated escape and recapture. Here and there is one who, in the effort to get back to the lines, braved the horrors of lonely swamps, keeping life in his emaciated body by browsing upon such vegetation as the desolate place afforded. We cannot keep silence as we gaze on the picture of this reunion. Ho, Mr. Commissary if in your mammoth hampers there is a pudding that is especially well-stuffed with plums, send it this way! If anything would inspire one to master the art of cookery, it is the ambition to prepare the best and the daintiest food for a famished soldier. Let them feast, in tent or banquet hall, while in the sunny atmosphere the starry flag floats over a land of peace and plenty! But the Grand Army cannot long remain on this pleasant campingground. Many duties await their energetic performance; there are still foes to -meet and conquer.' The tents are struck; instead of restful slumber, once more the bivouac! Marching forward as ever before, "going on from trength to strength," the natural order of prosperous progress, so moves the veteran army, led by the earnest and enthusiastic Commander-in-Chief, William Warner. During the year which now unfolds, the Mt. McGregor Memorial Association is organized by act of legislature in New York, and deeds ~for the Drexel Cottage are executed by the heirs of the late owner. More than a quarter of a million dollars finds its way into the records of the year's charities, as usual but a partial report of the amount thus expended. The 30th of May witnesses a general observance of Memoriial Day, vwith its gentle memories of the dead and its eloquent suggestions of duty to those who still survive. More than four thousand 1889. comrades have been laid in their graves since this time last year, and thus brigade after brigade is mustered out of the army of Time. This thought reminds us of the untiring efforts of the Committee on Pensions, who this year are unable to make any definite advance. The measures suggested last year are still urged upol the consideration of Congress, but without results as yet. On August 27, 1889, the Grand Army cohorts assemble in Milwaukee and inaugurate the Twenty-third Annual Session of the National Encampment by a grand parade of veterans, accompanied by a large representation from the Order of the Sons of Veterans. Commander-in-Chief Warner, accompanied by his staff, rides at the head of the column, and afterwards reviews the parade. On August 28th, we witness the convening of the delegates to the Twenty-third Session. The commander-in-chief gives a spirited and 68 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARhMY OF THE REPUBLIC. whole-hearted address from which we note the following eloquent passages. Referring to the present membership of the Grand Ar'my-........ "..t... he says: -. _....... ~..-, The Grand Army of the Republic is the grandest civic organization theoworld has ever seen —its list of membership is the nation's roll of honor, containing the: most illustrious names in history, the names of tahe brave men who, in the darkestdays of the rebellion, followed the Stars ard Stripes as the emblem, lnot of a confederacy of states bound together by ropei of sand, but as the emblem of am indissoluble Union of indestructible states.: _ They followed that flag, whether on sunshine or in storm, victory or -defeat4 -with more confidence and greater revsrene than did the children of Israel the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. The men who compose thisorganization are they who, when others faltered, laid, their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors" upon the altar of liberty and Union, that" a government of the people, by the people " should not perish from the earth. AS the war recedes the men who shared together the privations of the frozen camp, the hardships of the forced march, the dangers of the battlefield, the sufferings of the field hospital and the untold agonies of the prison pen, long for the touch of a comrade's elbow as of old, and seek the Post room, where the partisan and sectarian are not heard. The teachings of the Grand Army of the Republic are so conservative, its practices so patriotic, its comradeship so uni>versal, that all honorably discharged Union soldiers and sailors of '61 and '65, who have done nothing in civil life to cast a stain upon their honorable record in liberty's cause, feel: that they are at home when in the Post room, in the house of their friends. It is there that the general and the private, the merchant prince and the clerk, the millionaire and the laborer, sit side by side as comrades, bound each to the other by ties the tenderest yet the most enduring of any in this world, outside of the family circle. "There are bonds of all sorts in this world of oursFetters of friendship and ties of flowers, And true lovers' knots, I ween; The boy and the girl are bound by a kiss, But there is never a bond, old friend, like thisWe have drank from the same canteen.": The membership of the Grand Army of the Republic constitutes the-great conservative element of the nation, the champions of civil and religious liberty, recognizing the dignity of labor, but having no sympathy with anarchy or communism, recognizing no flag but the Stars and Stripes, believing that loyalty ' a virtue and that treason is a crime. It was this spirit of loyalty, love of libertyI reverence for the Constitution and an inborn respect for the law that made the Volunteer soldier and sailor of '61 and '65 the thinking machine-the modelsoldier and sailor of all time; of these to-day there re enrolled under the baimne r- - I HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC of Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty 410,686. These comrades are found in 6,711 Posts in 42 Departments. We have carried our banner into every State and Territory. On the 9th of this month we scaled the walls of Fort Sumter, there organized a Grand Army Post and installed the officers on the ramparts of that historic fort, erecting our standard, " with malice towards none and charity for all," on the spot where the Stars and Stripes went down in '61. The growth of our organization has been steady and healthy. Strong as it is, it has never been, and I trust never will be, used for partisan purposes or to gratify the personal ambitions of any man or set of men. In 1879 our membership in good standing was but 35,961; to-day it is 382,598-a net gain in a single decade of 324,020. Great as is the member. ship of the Grand Army of the Republic, it has not yet reached its maximum either as to numbers or influence. I am persuaded that the spirit of comradeship never permeated our ranks more than now. The comrades are in line, touching elbows from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the cypress to the pines, the worthy successors of the grandest army that ever marched to battle. The enlarged catholicism of our organization is such that there is and can be but one Grand Army of the Republic. It had its birth amid shot and shell, was baptized in patriot's blood and has grown with the years in the sunshine of peace. Whatever of success has attended my administration is due to the cheerful acquiescence of the comrades in all orders. It has been my good fortune to visit many of the departments; wherever I have gone a welcome warm and generous awaited me. I have been made to realize the truth of the words of the world's greatest poet: "The friends thou hast and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel." If it has been my good fortune to retain the confidence and esteem of the comrades I am rich indeed, although a bankrupt in my ability to pay in kind a tithe of the generous hospitality that has ever been showered upon me by them. The following patriotic suggestion of the commander-in-chief receives the hearty endorsement of the Encampment: I commend to each department the patriotic practice of the Posts in the Department of New York of presenting on the 22d of February, "the birthday of the Father of his Country, the American flag to such public schools as are znot yet in possession of one. Let the children receive the Stars and Stripes from the men who placed their bodies as a living wall between it and those who would tear it down. The future citizens of the Republic are being educated in the public schools-the flag of their country should ever be before them as an object lesson. From its stars and stripes let them learn the story of liberty as exemplified in the lives of Washington, Lincoln, Grant, and the patriotic sons of the Republic who, by their valor, suffering and death, rendered the imlperish. able fame of this illustrious trio possible. Let them learn to look upon the nio61Yc OJ fL1 GRAND ARMY O0 mnM AEPUBLIO, American flag, "by angels' hands to valor given," with as much reverence- a did the Israeites look upon the ark of the covenant. Let the eightmillions of. boys and girls in our elementary schools be thus imbued with a reverence for the flag and all it represents. Then the future of the Republic is assured and that flag shall forever wave "O'er the land of the free And the home of the brave." Also, this expression of welcome to the Sons of Veterans is unanimously approved: In accordance with the instructions of the last National Encampment a committee was appointed to report to this body a plan defining and establishing our relations with the Sons of Veterans." Without anticipating the recommendations of the committee, I earnestly hope that this Encampment will take such action as shall! draw the young men, if possible, closer to us. They are our sons, our cause is their cause; they are justly proud of the record of their fathers; being young and knowing their strength they feel that they should be assigned a place in the line to help us fight our battles. They have read the story of liberty, they sing the songs we sang, and aglow with the fires of patriotism they stand ready to march to our assistance. They do not come as conscripts, but as volunteers. They constitute the great reserve of the Grand Army of the Republic... I say let us have the boys with us. They are;., "bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh;" in them we see the counterpart of the boys who did the fighting for home, country and liberty from..'.: Fort Sumter to Appomattox; in their veins courses the blood of patriots. Hail their coming, welcome them with open arms. BADGE OF THE AMY OF THE CUTMBERLAND. Referring to the question of pension legislation, the commander-in-chief urges the importance of unity of action on the part of the Grand Arnmy Posts, and in'closing utters these telling words: The service pension will come. The day is not-far distant when an honorable: discharge from the Union Army or Navy shall be all the evidence required to ' secure a pension to its holder,:- -. -. 71; .F ISTOb Y OP THEl GRAID ARMY 0O THV:PTBL]Ci "Aid its dawning, tongue and pen, I Aid it hopes of honest men." -~. A pension given as a reward for services to the State is surely as good a ground of property as any security for money advanced to the State," said the great English statesman Burke. Let the bond holders of the country remember that the men who rendered their securities valuable-the men who have ever insisted that they be paid to the uttermost farthing, principal and interest, of the money advanced by them to the State-let them remember that these men have claims upon the State, equal at least to that of the bond holder. Let those who inveigh against pen. sions remember that it was the boys in blue who, by their trials, sufferings and death, bequeathed to them the legacy of Liberty and Union, insuring to them and their children the blessings of free institutions under which they enjoy a greater prosperity, a larger liberty, a higher civilization and a purer Christianity than was ever before enjoyed by a people. Let the people remember that to preserve to them these blessings, 4 Four hundred thousand of the brave Made this, our ransomed soil, their grave." We, the survivors of these men, we who gave the best years of our lives to our country, will present our claims to Congress, and in doing so will not approach those in authority " with bated breath and whispering humbleness," but as free men we will demand, asking only that which is just. WVe would rather have the Nation help our comrades living than erect monuments to them dead. "My countrymen," said an illustrious comrade, "this is no time to use the apothecary's scales to measure the rewards of the men who saved the country." The spirit of these noble words should govern the legislative and executiver branches of the government, that the performance of the Nation may be equal to her promise. Comrades, the Roman youth gloried in singing how well "Horatius kept the bridge in the brave days of old." So through the ages shall the children of the Republic sing of how well you maintained the Consti., tution, preserved the Union of the States established by our fathers, kept the flag unsullied, giving to " the Nation a new birth of freedom." Your deeds shall go down in song and story which shall be sung and told by a grateful people to the glad coming time, " When the war drum throbs no longer, And the battle flags are furled, In the parliament of man, The federation of the world." Throughout the address every ear is attentive, every heart beats responsively. It is as though the cumulative force of all these years of eloquent exhortation is thrilling the speaker; and the magnetic current circulates through the vast assembly, HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC The commander-in-chief generously gives credit to his staff-officers, who, notwithstanding the constantly increasing weight of care and responsibility attached to the several offices, have met the duties with business-like energy and accuracy. The quartermaster-general's report shows the assets still growving, and the Grant Memorial Fund over $10,000. When the legislation of the Session is at an end, the officers for the coming year are elected. We are especially interested to learn who is to lead the Army on its march toward the Twenty-fourth Annual Session in 1890. The mantle of chieftainship falls on the shoulders of General Russell i A. Alger. As he gathers his staff about him to be installed in office, we see that all are new encumbents except one, the veteran "watch-dog of the treasury," QuartermasterGeneral John Taylor. Every one applauds his reappointment. While Captain Taylor holds the key in his hand, and the combina- - tion in his head, the safe of the Grand Army is secure. The closing pageantry of this year's celebration takes the form of a naval battle on Lake Michigan, on the evening of August - 29th; a scene which gives, to the immense concourse of people assembled to witness it, all BDGE OF THE ARY or T: the realistic impressions of the actual battle POTOMAC. except the thrilling sense of present danger. Another year glides swiftly by and again we see the veteran host encamped-this time upon the shores of Massachusetts Bay, in the grand old city of Boston. The monument on Bunker Hill 1890 casts its shadow upon the modern heroes as they pass; not far away is the historic field of Lexington, where the lifeblood of the American Patriot first watered the soil; weather-beaten old Fanueil Hall remains to call to mind the ringing words of Phillips, Garrison, and the host of bold reformers who first proclaimed the doctrine of "abolition," and called into life, by grim necessity, that mighty army now represented by these visiting "boys in blue." Former Encampments have been enthusiastic and eventful, but this is to surpass them all. The veterans are here-not in straggling conmpanies or in details-but in force. Forty thousand men, representing the grand brotherhood of four hundred thousand comrades, are marshalled by their Commander-in-Chief, General Alger, and march F — ___ __ —___ _ —t- -— __ --- _ - I HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REtPLiC. - througn the crowded streets, from spacious Commonwealth Avenue- to Boylston Square, through cramped, crooked and busy Washington Street, and past the stand at Copley Square, where President Harrison reviews the column. Rich and profuse were the decorations. Triumphal arches spanned the streets. Music Hall and Tremont Temple were fittingly decked with flowers and banners. The evening wass devoted to numerous reunions and general good-fellowship; and at Mechanics' Institute Hall a grand reception and camp-fire was held. Merriment and jollification on every hand; the whole town and all its visitors spent the night in shaking hands with each other. The regular business session of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Encamp. ment opened at Music Hail, on the morning of August 13th, 1890. Commander-in-Chief Alger delivered a most eloquent address, from which we quote a few paragraphs: COMRADES: Fortunately for us, we are permitted to gather in this historic city, justly named the "Cradle of Liberty," to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the surrender of the armed forces against this government, to the Union army. We also celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the actual freedom of all races within our borders. Near here was "fired the shot heard 'round the world," and were fought the first battles of the Revolution. How many brave men in later days have been inspired to perform heroic deeds by the example of those patriots, who first declared this land should be free, and have tried to emulate the example of those men, the scores of fields that have tested the courage of these generations, whose representatives are gathered here to-day,will answer. To name one or a dozen of them without including all, would be the same act of injustice as would the recording of the deeds of a single man, omitting others. It is sufficient for us to know that when called, men were found for every place. While we lament the loss of nearly all of our old commanders, it is a source of great consolation and pleasure to know that one of those great leaders of men is still spared to us, and is in our midst to-day. Upon him this nation is pouring its wealth of love and gratitude. Let us hope and pray that he may long be permitted to remain here, our Leader, our Commander, OUR IDOL and our COMRADE. God bless you, General Sherman! OUR LOVE FOR YOU IS BEYOND WORDS. $ PEN * * PENSIONS. The subject of pensions has been, as all are aware, the all-absorbing one of the year. During the early days of the present Congress it became evident to the pension committee, whose report will be before you, that the "service bill," $o much desired, could not be enacted into a law; many members of both 74 HISTORY -;.OF THE.GRAND ARMY OF. THE REPUBLIC._ branches of Congress declaring they could not vote for an amount that, taken with the regular expenditures of the government, would exceed its revenues. I am aware that many are disappointed, but the committee has been powerless to accomplish more than has already been done. It is now believed that the expenditures in pensions, under existing laws, w\ill exceed one hundred and fifty million dollars annually. More than tlhree hundred thousand applications have been made to the Commlissioner of Pensions unider the new disability law, and he informs me that applications are coming in at the rate of about ten thousand per day. Large as this sum is, it is a great gratification to know that it is distributed among our own people. Four timles a year this money goes to all parts of-the- country. There is not a cormmunlity wvich does not feel its influence and to which it is not a help. It pays the necessary bills to the merchant and the farmer, who in turn are able to pav their debts, and so on. While these are not reasons for paying pensions, they are a source of consolation to the people who bear the burden. Since the war the nation has doubled in population, and more than quadrupled in wealth. Its prosperity is known to no other land, and I am sure its people are gladly contributing to the support of those who at every sacrifice made it possible for it to be what it is. Much misapprehension exists, I think, concerning the disability bill heretofore referred to, passed under date of June 27, 18'0. Let me quote from section 2: "All persons who serves ninety days or more in the military or naval service of the United States during tile late war of the rebellion, and who have been honorably discharged therefrom, antd who are now or who may hereafter be suffering from a mental or physical disability, of a permanent character, not the result of their own vicious halits, which incaacitates them from the performance of manual labor in such a degree as to render them unable to earn a support, shall, upon making due proof of the fict, according to such rules and regulations as the Secretary of the Interior may provide, be placed upon the list of invalid pensioners of the United States, and be entitle-& to receive a pension not exceeding twelve dollars per month, and not less than six dollars per month, proportioned to the degree of inabitlity to earn support." Under the official rules and regulations attached to the bill are the following: "This law requires in a soldier's case. 1. An HONORABLE DISCHARGE. "2. That he served at least NINETY DA-YS. "3. A PERMANENT physical or menital inability to earn support, but not due to vicious habits. (It need not have originated in the service.)" By a careful reading of this law and the official explanation above quoted, it will be seen that, no matter what a man's financial condition may be, if he be physically disabled -from performinug manual labor, he is entitled to a pension, the conditions being, first, physical disability (not necessarily contracted in the service); and, second, that proof of such disability may be made upon certificate from his physician probably, and without the testimony of his former com. I HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. raaes. Should any member of this encampment to-day receive a permanent injury, "not the result of his own vicious habits," he would be entitled to a pension. Let us be just to our lawmakers, even though they have not given us all we asked. No country on earth is or ever has been nearly as generous to its soldiers as ours. *.* * * * ^ SONS OF VETERANS. This organization, numbering over one hundred and twenty-five thousand members, is growing rapidly, and is reported in excellent condition. We should do everything in our power to aid them in their work. They are our boys, and to them we must soon commit our trust. Wherever I have been in the different departments, I have received marked courtesies from them, and am glad to be able in this public manner to acknowledge the same, and to say God speed you, young men, in your patriotic work. * * * * * * Comrades, the honor conferred upon me by the Twenty-third National Encampment in electing me your commander-in-chief was by far the greatest that I have ever received. The task of performing the duties of the office is indeed a great one, but with it are mingled the greatest pleasures that can come to man in this world, outside of his own sacred home, and while life shall last I will never cease to be thankful that this great trust was, for a time, committed to my keeping. For your generosity, your aid, and for your many acts of personal kindness, I thank you most sincerely, and hope you will carry my grateful acknowledge. ments to those of our number not permitted to be here. Wherever I have been I have found the same enthusiastic loyal sentiment of comradeship as is shown here to-day. May it grow stronger and stronger while we are permitted to live, and when the end comes here may we be gathered in that great camp WHERE THE BUGLE SOUNDS NEITHER " REVEILLE" NOR "LIGHTS OUT!" * * * * * K Colonel Wheelock G. Veazey, of Gettysburg renown, was elected Commander-in-Chief, by acclamation —a fitting tribute to a gallant soldier and an upright man. Massachusetts made Comrade "Dick" Tobin Senior Vice-Commander, much to the satisfaction of all concerned; and Comrade George W. Creamer was elected Junior ViceCommander-in-Chief. Colonel Veazey's speech, accepting the nomination, is worthy of a permanent place in this volume, and we give it entire: COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND COMRADES OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC:-This is more than I deserve. If I had the lips of Genius, I should not be able to find words that would give expression to the gratitude or to the ......::::.:.. TF / a..... '.: /..:': — ' ---. Bom at Brentwood, N. H., December, 5th 1835; graduated at Dartmouth College, N. H., 1859; and at the Albany Law School, in 1860; enlisted as a private, Company A, Third Regiment, Vermont Infantry, April, 1861; appointed Captain same Company, May 21st, 1861; promaoted Major, August 10th, 1861, and to be Lieutenant Colonel, on recommendation of Gen. W. F. Smith, August 13th, 1861; participated in all the battles of the Peninsula Campaign in 1862, commanding his-Regiment, or frequently others, upon details; he was appointed Colonel of the Sixteenth Regiment, Vermont Infantry, in Sept ember, 1862, which was attached to Stannard's Brigade, Third Division, of Doubleday's First Armyr Corps, at Gettysburg; he led tke celebrated flank attack upon Pickett's charging line, and at hiis own urgent request, was allowed to try the same tactics upon Wilcox under a heavy fire, but with equally successful results, and was no small factor in the repulse of the now historic charge; he was mustered out of service August o10th, 1863, and began the practice of his profession at Rutland, Vermont; was elected Reporter of the Supreme Court of Vermont, in 18G4, and for eight successive years; was chosen Judge of the same Court in 1876, for two years; and re-elected thereafter bi-ennially, in which position President Harrison found him when he tendered him the appointment of U. S. Interstate Commerce Commissioner, in 1889; was a Charter Member of Roberts Post, No. 14, Department of:~,~:ii~:j:~j.i::i:;;:::: i~:::::i:i:;;:i::.:i:i:~::~::~:-:ii ': xr.~:~~-,.:~.;r: ~~:::::::ir~j s-.:~.~~;~~r-~:~-~..-.:-. ~fiiiiii'i::::::Y:: i COMMADF. I-IN:~~-Ctt:r.F G~_.!~I) AR~~~~:.~~ o~ Tr~ t~E:~LIC, 180-91;'~~:~i~i ii:.::~;~:::i~~i~R:~::::,:~~,:tr~ ]~orn at Brentwood, N~~~~~:j;~~-. I., eebr,5h13; g a u t da atot olgN t,:8 and at the A:I,:~:lbanyLaw School:::,:-:in:_ 1500~~~;:i-i:; e n.~sted as- aiic private, Company A, ~[hird Iiegimen~t Vermont ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ InfnrArl 81 ponelCpansm opn,~~y2s, 81 rmt Major, Agust 10t, 1861, nd to b Li e u e nn C o lnel recommendati o n o f Gen. W. Fo: command:-:::::.:-;ing is eiment, or frequenty others, upon deails; hc wa apponted Colonel ofth Sitet Regiment ~ermontInfnr, nSltebr 1~,wi.~ch a atchdt Sinnr' B r igad, hid ivsion;:~~,o f o uldysirt2_mCrp,~ a~Getsbrg e edte elbatc flank attack upon Pickett' chargingline, and at i~i s own urgent request, was alloweto tr the same tact~~~~l~:ics upon W;~:iox~~ une ev i re bt.iteqalsucsflrutan a x~o small factor in h rpls e f heno hstrj:~ic:::~, c h a rge:::; h Wsmutre uto srice August~j::;, 10th, 1863, and began the~1:- prcic e of his professj::i onatt~tlnd ~rmn;:~: w letd eore of the Supreme~~~j Couxt:s:::::;~~~~-. of- ~ermon~,:i:::i~ii 8in 18~4, andfo~~ cig'~ succesive years;: wa c h o s e n Judg of~~~~~~~~~~~I;: the sme Curt in176 orto er; ac cectd hratrb-enn::ially, in which rosi t~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~:::ionPrsie~t ariso on i hnh edrdhmteapiteto.S.~~~ I nestt Comere Cmmssine~ i 189;wa aC, arer ieube o Roers Pst N.' 1 4 Deatmn Vermont, G. A. R., November 21st, 1868; Post Commander several terms; Department Commander in 1872-73; Judge Advocate General to Commander-in-Chief Rea, in 1887, and elected Commander-in-Chief at Boston, at the Twenty-Fourth National Encampment, in August, 1890. He occupies other honorable positions, among which is that of a Trustee of the Gettysbur Battle-Field Association, the Union Prisoners of War Association, and is always and everywhere the friend of that class of our citizens who saw service during the war of the rebellion, 77 t UISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. feelings of thanksgiving that lie deep down in my heart. I recognize the great responsibility of this highest of all offices. I appreciate this expression of your confidence. I can make you but one simple pledge, and that is, with God's help and with your support, which I know I shall receive, because vou never failed a soldier, even when you faced death, I will do everything in my power to preserve untarnished, even as I receive it fiorm the hands of this ideal commander [applause], and as he received it from thie knilghtly men who preceded him, the fairest escutcheon of the Grand Army of th!e Republic. God grant that I may never forget what is due to every man, even the' hurmblest of that great army that preserved our country a quarter of a century ago, and which through this glorious organization of ours, has been layimng deep the foundations of future security for liberty. Perhaps it may not be improper for me to say that I deem it somewhat fortunate that my business is now, -and will be, of such a character that it will either keep me at the national capital, where so many of you I hope may often come, or at the great centers of our country, so that I can keep up the touch of elbow with all of you and all of the comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic. And may I not say further, that I sincerely hope that it may not be simply the physical touch of elbow, but the touch of hearts, between us all? Of course, comrades, I cannot expect to emulate in this respect the example which this, your commander, has et in this regard, or, indeed, in any other regard; because you have thought, with me, that there is, and that there can be but one Gen. Alger in our great order. [Great applause.] But, comrades, I feel that I may safely say to you this: That after more than 20 years of service in the ranks and different grades of office in the Grand Army of the Republic, I do feel as though I knew something about our glorious organizations; and I say to you that I propose to know everything that is possible to be known about the Grand Army ia every department of the land; and wherever the best interests of the Grand Army in any department demand my presence, nothing will stand between me and that, which I shall regard as my choicest and greatest duty. Now, comrades, it is not necessary for me to say to you that which you all know, and that is, that the Grand Army of the Republic is founded upon a rock, and that God blesses it, and that the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. Once more, cvmrades, allow me to express the deep feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving that are in my heart for this great, this greatest honor that you could confer upon me or any other living man. The Adjutant-General's report showed a total membership in good standing of 427,981-a net gain of 47,116. There was a net gain of two Departments and 464 Posts. 'The large sum of $221,350.18 was shown to have been expended, during the year, for the relief of 19,4:70 comrades and 8,949 other beneficiaries. The total expenditures of the Order from July 1, 1871, to July 1, 1890, were $1,987,534.55. Quartermaster-General Taylor reports a cash balance of $9,445.81, and total assets of $31,669.00; also that the Grant Monument Fund has reached a nettotal of $11114.55. 79 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. " The second day's proceedings were enlivened by an animated discus sion of the pension question. The minority report, read by Comrade Hovey, of Indiana, gave fifteen excellent reasons for the passage of the service pension bill, and the report was finally adopted by a vote of 174 to 160. A resolution was passed deploring the death of the poet, John Boyle O'Reilly. At the close of the session, Comnmander-in-Chief-elect Veazey announced the appointment of Comrade Joseph IL Goulding as his Adjutant-General, and of Comrade John Taylor as his QuartermasterGeneral; and the officers-elect were duly installed, after which the Encampment adjourned, the usual " vote of thanks" having been tendered to the retiring officers and to the hospitable citizens of Boston. The administration of Commander-in-Chief Veazey has been marked by notable progress in the welfare of the Order. At no time has there been more harmony in the ranks. The administration of the affairs of the Adjutant-General's office has called forth wide comment and universal approbationL Comrade Goulding has shown himself to be most admirably equipped for the onerous duties of his office; and too much' praise can hardly be bestowed upon his Chief for this most judicious selection. The shadow of death has rested darkly over the veteran band during the past year. The death-roll includes Past Commander-in-Chief Charles Devens, Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief Tobin, Admiral David D. Porter, and the great Sherman, who was the lion of the last Encampment. Thus do our heroes pass from mortal sight, but the memory of their noble deeds shall ever remain fresh in the hearts of those who linger on this shore. August 3d, 1891, and the city of Detroit is a mass of waving flags.:The veterans are to assemble in this "the Gate City of Midland America" for their Twenty-fifth Annual Encampment. The citizens, with one accord, have opened their houses and their hearts to the gallant survivors of the great conflict. Vast triumphal arches span spacious Woodward Avenue, and hundreds of private houses 1891. as well as the public buildings and business blocks are smothered in bunting. Trains from every direction unload scores, hundreds and thousands of boys in blue. By eight o'clock A. M., on Tuesday, August 4th, the City of the Straits is completely in the hands of the G, A. R. The grand parade occurred on Tuesday. Thirty thousand men responded to the command, "Forward, march." More than one -hudred bands made martial music_for4he hosts. Two hundred k r " zlcx a ADJVTANT.GENERAL GRAND AkRM-Y OF, THE REPUBLIC, IS~3-9L. 'Was 'born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, June 8th, 1842; a studen-bat Norwiel University, 'Vermont (a Military Academy), 1861-62;1 appointed Lieutenant Sixth Regiment U. S. C. Infantry, Septembe~r, 1863, reporting for duty to Gen. Louis WVagner, at Philadelphia; served as Ambulance Officer and A. A. Q.-.in the Tenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-fifth Army Corps; promoted First Lieutenant, May, 186-5, and mustered out of service in September, 1S865; appointed Colonel and Chief of Staff by Governor John L. B~arstow, of Vermont, 1882-8`3; a member of Roberts Post, No. 14, Department of Vermont, G. A. R., Rutland, Vermont, in 1869; Adjutant to Colonel Veazey, Po.st Commander, 1869-70-71; Assistant Ad~jutant-Gexleral to Department Commander Veazey, 1872-7,3; wa-s on the Nnational Council, 167,3-74; elected Department Commander two terms, 1880-8S1; appointed Adjutant-General G. A. Th, August 14, 1890; has been active in the work of the ordler sinee 1869, attending many National Encamp. ments, serving -on important committees, and k~now s the needs and capabilities of the organization to the fullest extent. His administration of the affairs of the Adjutant- General's of-ace hzs been widely commende t 'LISTOOR 0 THEfl QBAXD ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. thousand civilians lined the streets and witnessed this great triumph jof a loyal fraternity. The air was bright and bracipg. At eleven o'clock, Commander-in-Chief Veazey, accompanied by his mounted staff of one hundred and fifty men, and escorted by Detroit Post, No. 384, rode down the center of Grand Circus Park amid the cheers of the assembled throng. Following came the Departments, in the order of their seniority, Illinois ahead, followed by Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and the whole list down to the infant of the class —the Department of the Indian Territory; then the Department of Michigan, the Naval Veterans, Sons of Veterans, and kindred societies. All along the route the two emblems of patriotic sacrifice-tattered flags and empty sleeves-elicited the wildest enthusiasm. A;J one o'clock General Veazey took his place upon the reviewing stand, and for four hours stood and watched the mighty army pass before him. It was a proud day for the G. A. R.-a proud day for hospitable Detroit. The evening was devoted to fireworks and reunions-there being at least two hundred gatherings of this character. There was much pathos in these meetings of old comrades; for divisions had dwindled to brigades, brigades to regiments, and regiments to mere handfuls of men; but the old boys met and talked as cheerily as if there had been no vacant chairs. Comrades who had not met since the struggle clasped hands once mere; and in several instances there were accidental reunitings of brothers who had lost all trace of each other since the war. Who but a veteran can tell the joy of meeting one who, in years gone by, had shared his tent, his hard-tack, and his canteen? Promptly at eleven o'clock on Wednesday morning, General Veazey rapped to order in Beecher's Hall, and the formal business of the "Silver Encampment" was begun. Comrade Clarkson, of Nebraska,' in a neat speech, presented the Commander-in-Chief with a handsome gavel of ivory and silver, in bc-l half of the Comrades of his State. Another gavel, made fiom the flag —staff of one of the old Indian forts, was presented to General Veazey by the citizens of Detroit, through General Duffield. We quote from the eloquent address of the Commander-in-Chief, as follows: COMRADES: This is the silver anniversary of a birth, not of a wedding. The wedding occurred when the bridegrooms, the youth of the land, enlisted in its defence. Abraham Lincoln celebrated the marriage nuptials. Columbia was the bride. Her vesture was the nation's flag. The pledge to re-establish that flag over the domain of Secessia was the price of her hand, When the <^ _....*, -. HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLICO pledge was grandly redeemed through bloody strife, through suffering and death, and after the victors had placed on the brow of the bride a new diadem whose gems were honor, valor, fame, liberty untainted with slavery, a country reunited and free, the fruit of that marriage was the Grand Army-of the Republic, an offspring worthy of its royal parentage.,* *B $ * * CO-OPERATION OF WOMEN. The female support of our order, both in character and magnitude, is too familiar to require explanation. They bring supplies to the relief fund, and aid most effectually in bringing recruits into the Post; they greatly assist the Posts in their entertainments; they sustain them nobly in the observance of Memorial Day; they are invaluable when sickness and death invade the house. hold of the comrade. They are indeed our auxiliary and are entitled to our gratitude. SONS OF VETERANS. This organization received special recognition at the 23d National Encamp. ment. I have endeavored to give it cordial support on this account, and also because I believe in its present and prospective usefulness. It has had a rapid growth within the past year; more than 30,000 have been mustered since June 30th, 1890. Thirty-two States and Territories have been organized as Divisions, with more than twenty-five hundred subordinate Camps. The Sons of Veterans claim no rights, privileges or benefits for themselves except the privilege of assisting the Grand Army of the Republic in all its work. Surely no one ought to withhold support of an organization of this character, much less the veterans themselves. In the Department of Georgia alone, this year, ten thousand graves of our dead comrades were decorated with flags and flowers purchased by the Sons of Veterans, and they assisted in observing Memorial Day throughout the length and breadth of the land.. The Sons of Veterans are now united and harmonious, having but one organization, one banner and one determination, and that is to prove themselves worthy of their sires and to become worthy citizens of a common country, saved and preserved by their fathers. Remember, " they are our boys, and to them we must soon commit our trust." * * * 4: * E LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI. The present administration encountered the same disturbances in the Department of Louisiana and Mississippi that had troubled my predecessors. The difficulties there had existed ever since Posts 9 to 17, inclusive, of that Department were chartered and organized. This was in 1889. The charge has always been from different sources that the organization of these Posts was so tainted with irregularities as to be utterly destructive of their legal existence. 'HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARTMY OF TIE REPUBLIC. Our Rules and Regulations provide a plain procedure for a Department to pursue in order to test the validity of such charges. As the Department of Louisiana and Mississippi has never, so far as I am informed, resorted to that procedure, I have held, in dealing with those Posts, that they must be regarded as having a legal existence until otherwise regularly adjudicated. Prior to 1889 the Comrades of the then existinc Posts were nearly all, and perhaps wholly, composed of white men. The Comrades of the new Posts were wholly, or nearly so, colored men. Tile Department of Louisiana, and Mississippi, prior to its last Department Encampment, acting thlrough its Council of Administration, took action which pract-l eically se those Posts cut of the order. I held and announced that such action was unwarra:nted by the Rules and Regulations, and the same has since been resecided. but I understand that the Department still refuses to recognize those Posts. An application was made to National Headquarters, nearly a. year ago, r(om thar Department to create a second one covering the same territory as the present department. There being no authority conferred on the Commander-in-Chief to do this, the application was denied on the legal point, without passing on the merits, the Judge Advocate-General and Executive Committee of the National Council concurring therein. Other communications continued to reach Headquarters from various sources to the effect that the condition of our Order in the Department was in bad plight, and that its utter destruction was imminent. I therefore ordered a careful inspection by the Inspector-General. This was done; but further charges and countercharges and facts continued to reach me, and I ordered a second inspection, and detailed Comrade Anustin of Ohio to accompany and assist the Inspector-General therein. This second inspection was made early in June of this year and a report thereof is on file. I have reason to believe that Comrades BSurst and Austin made a most careful investigation of all matters in that Department. Their recommendation in brief is that this Encampment authlolize the crealtion of a separate Department, covering the same territory as several of the existing Departruents in the South. This is supported bv menmorials addressed to the Commander-in-C(hief, by Posts 9, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17, beiing six of the Posts in the Department whose membership is composed of colored Comrades. Protests against such action have come from comrades of several Posts and these are on file. From various sources of informat'ion that have be-en accessible to rme, I believe that a large majority of both white and colored Comrades in the Department of Louisiana and 3ississippi are strong in the conviction that it would be for the best interests of all individually and of their Posts and of the -Order to have a separate Department in Louisiana and some of the other Gulf-' States, made up of such Posts as may apply to coeme into it, and having concurrent jurisdiction with the Departments already established in such States; concurrent in respect to the chartering and mustering of Posts, but each Department having exclusive jurisdiction over the Posts which it may receive. My best judgment, after a year of painstaking investigation, is that it would be wise to confer the authority upon my successor to create such a department, C... HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Hie may neither find it necessary nor think it best to exercise the power, if conferred. I am sure he will see objections to it, but he may also find it the best and perhaps the only shield for the full protection of the colored Comrades. I trust I need not say that no difference has obtained at National Headquartera in recognition and treatment of Posts or Comrades, whether white or colored. When the Department refused to receive reports or dues from any of these Posts, I have allowed them to be sent directly to the Adjutant-General, to be held until opportunity was afforded for full investigation upon hearing and adjustment of the differences in the Department. I think those Posts should have the full benefit of such reports and dues as though they had been received regularly by the Department. This presentation of the situation in that Department is meagre, and is intended to be only sufficient to bring the subject to the attention of the Encampment. I have no policy to urge other than such as will be for the best interests of the Order and at the same time protect the rights of all Comrades. It cannot be expected that any plan will meet the approval of all the Comrades directly interested. I regard the subject as one of first importance, and invoke your deliberate consideration and best judgment in its disposition. * * * * * * Comrades, our Order has reached its high-water mark neither in numbers nor in glory and power. It often receives a stab, but every man who has attempted to stigmatize the Grand Army of the Republic has only succeeded in belittling himself. In cultivatirtg Fraternity and Charity it works on the same lines with some other organizations. But there is another basic principle of our Order which is, in a sense at least, peculiar to it. It is that which impelled us to be soldiers. It is that to which the noblest ruler, the grandest man of all the Christian era, the martyred Lincoln, appealed when lie confidently called for 75,000-300,000-500,000 more. It is that upon which true liberty and free government can only rest; it is the broad principle of loyalty., We mean by loyalty that loyalty which denies the right of secession and recognizes the right of coercion to suppress secession. This was the solid ground upon which the government stood, and the only one upon which it could stand, in the war; but at what a cost of sorrow and suffering, of treasure and blood. It is by united, organized power that great results are accompllished. No organization since the war has done so much for the country, especially in laying deep the foundations of future security, as the G. A. R. It appeals to every loyal hand that drew a blade or carried a musket. Therefore no Unlion soldier has done his full duty as a citizen unless he has given the Order the benefit of his comradeship in it. BISTORY: OF THE GRANDi ARMY OF THB REPUBLIC. At the afternoon session it was decided to hold the Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment at Washington, D. C. What with picnics, excursions, reunions, etc., the boys were late in assembling on Thursday morning; but having gotten together, they vwry promptly proceeded to business, and on the second ballot elected Captain John Palmer, of Albany, t. Y., Commander-in-Chief for 1891-1892, over such prime favorites as Comrades Smedburg, of California, and Weissert, of Wisconsin. Upon motion of the latter, the election of Captain Palmer was made unanimous. General Henry M. Duffield, of Detroit, was made Senior Vice-Comr mander, and Comrade Thomas N. Clarkson, of Nebraska, was elected Junior Vice-Commander. An incident of the afternoon session was a fraternal visit from a committee of the Woman's Relief Corps, headed by Mrs. Annie Wittenmyer and Mrs. Craig, both of whom were cordially welcomed, and each of whom made a neat address. There was a lively debate during the discussion of the color line question, proceeding from the well-known difficulties in Louisiana and Mississippi. The majority report signed by Comrades William Warner, John P. Rea, LuciuL: Fairchild and Henry Painter, advised that no separation of the Departments (to divide the Posts composed of white veterans from those composed of colored veterans) should be allowed; while the minority report, signed by Comrade W. S. Decker, suggested that such a separation might be advisable, if it could be done without detriment to the general good of the Order or to the Departments as already existing. I Judge Decker defended his action in a strong argument, and was answered by Past Commander-in-Chief Warner in an equally able fashion. The majority report was adopted by an overwhelming majority.::...; Friday morning saw a still smaller assemblage of delegates when General Veazey called for order. Detroit is a very fine city, and has many attractions, which a majority of " the boys" sought and found. The concluding hours of the session were given up to miscellaneous routine business and the installation of officers, after which General Veazey handed the gavel to his successor, and the Silver Anniversary!was over. Adjutant-General Goulding's report was a model in its way-quite in keeping with his admirable management of his most important office during the year just closing. The net membership of the G. A. R. was shown to have somewhat increased, although the losses from death, transfer, suspension, and other causes aggregate 71,010. The gain, by, f HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. muster, of 33,252 comrades serves to show how large a proportion of the old soldiers have been holding aloof from the great organization to which every veteran ought to belong. We quote from the Adjutant-General's report the following: RECAPITULATION. Members in good standing June 30, 1890.......................... 397,941 Gain by M uster.................................. 33,250 Gain by Transfer................................................ 7,821 Gain by Reinstatement................................. 14,160 Gain from Delinquent Reports.................... 16,108 Total gain.................................................. 71,339 Aggregate............................................0.. 469,280 Loss by D eath...............................................................,965 Loss by Honorable Discharge............................................. 1,982 Loss by Transfer................................................................. 9,470 4Loss by Suspension......................................................... 33,209,Loss by Dishonorable Discharge..................,........... 414 'fjoss by Delinquent PReports....................................... 19,970 Total Loss...................................7............ 71,010 Members in good standing June 30, 1891................................ 398,270 Members remaining suspended...................................... 30,416 Mlembers by Delinquent Reports....................................... 11,931 Total in Suspension......................................... 42,347' Total Members borne on Rolls June 30, 1891................... 440,617 Adding to this those out on transfer.......4...................... 4,751 who are, of course, still members of the Order,gives a - Total Membership of...................45.............................. 445,368 This is the membership appearing in the reports as rendered up to the first of August,, but it is not the full membership by reason of the fact that the Reports for the six months ending June 30th, were not yet all received. The number of deaths reported during the year was 5,965, but the actual number was probably in excess of these figures. During the year ending December 31st, 1890, $225,653.21 was expended in charity; and during the year ending June 30th, 1891, $234,169.69 found its way into the pockets of the needy veterans by actual reports; it is estimated that only about one-half the relief rendered is reported. Quartermaster-General John Taylor reported balance from last report and receipts at $39.100.79, with disbursements of $'37,296.61, leaving a cash balance of ~1,804 18, and total assets of $24,711.07. 88 COMRADE JOHN PALMER Commaswtd~-in-Chief Grand Army of the Rep ubli: I8qI-1892 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIS The Adjutant-General's report also contained the following nmeil suggestions, which we quote verbatim: Departments do the best which have fixed Headquarters and the same Assistant Adjutant-General for a term of years. The responsibility of the condition of a Department rests largely on this officer. The growth and stability of the Order would be greatly promoted by permanent location of the office and longer tenure of the officer. Many large Departments have adopted this policy and it will help the smaller ones even more in proportion. The Adjutant-General's office and that of each Assistant Adjutant-General should be fixed like that of the Post Adjutant if the best results are to be obtained. It may be out of place in a mere summary of official work, but permit me to state that in some Departments, the change in location of Assistant AdjutantGeneral and the resumption of business and communication with this office took about four weeks. This occurring all along from January to May causes gaps in correspondence hard to fill and suspension of the receipt of orders from the Commander-in-Chief by the Posts, no matter how vital or important they may be, and works harm of all sorts. -This Order is not at its summit in point of members if some of the evils I have hinted at are remedied. It can and should be made to reach a membership of 600,000 or 700,000, but this must be done within five years if ever. I believe with work and proper organization it is quite possible, there being over 1,200,000 old soldiers now living. The Department Encampments being held in so many different months from January to May makes the work and care much greater at Headquarters than if these Encampments were held say, all within two months and the changes incident thereto occurring at about the same time. Glorious as was the "Silver Anniversary" it was destined to be eclipsed by the Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment, which was held in the Capital City, in September, 1892. Words fail to express 1892. the grandeur and complete success of this glorious reunion. The city of Wfashi)gton, accustomed to the great " inauguration" crowds, and spacious though it is, was literally overwhelmed with the rush and crush of visitifng multitudes. No less than 350,000 persons, men, women and children, were brought into the city by the various railroad and steamboat lines during the week of September 18, and a few days prior to that date. The city was literally crowded with strangers and sightseers. Hotels, boarding-houses, private dwell ings, the great barracks at the foot of the Washington monument, terts without number, ali these were insufficient to accommodate the vast throing, and more than one poor, tired pilgrim rested his weary framie upon the rough boards of the countless stands erected along the line of the great parade. -..: -.: '._, HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE 'EPUBLICa B3ut they all got a place to sleep and something to eat, and, after all, were "glad they came." It may also be said that many were glad to get back home, and not a few had to exercise a good deal of ingenuity to do so. Reunions were so plentiful that we cannot even enumerate them. Comrades met and grasped hands for the first time in twenty-seven years. '"My old captain," or "my old colonel," or "my old messnmate," were frequent words accompanying introductions. The "White Lot," as the space south of the Executive Mansion has been called for a century, was, on Mondav, September 19, formally christened " Grand Army Place," and as such it will now be officially known. Between this spot and the Washington monument were erected enormous barracks and a gigantic dining-hall, large enough to house and feed more than ten thousand men. Near by was erected a model of the "Kearsarge," one of the most notable and interesting features of the occasion. 1 The grand review was, of course, the great event of the week, and attracted a crowd of spectators estimated at 500,000, exclusive of the 80,000 veterans who marched in the procession. THE GRAND PARADE. On Tuesday, September 20, the grand parade occurred. A more perfect day could not be imagined. The air was keen, but not chilly, and the sun was but slightly obscured by a faint haze. Down spacious Pennsylvania Avenue, over the same ground trod by the victorious hosts of Grant and Sherman in Mays, 1865, marched 80,000 survivors of the great conflict. Scores of grizzled veterans walked, or limped, from the Capitol to the White House for the first time since 1865; for many a survivor of the grand review of 1865 had saved his dollars and pennies for many) a month in order to gratify the honorable longing to tread the same ground again in 1892. An honor it is, truly, to have been a participant in the two greatest parades tho country has ever witnessed. The decorations along the route, and in fact, all over the city, were profuse and magnificent. Along Pennsylvania Avenue were arranged numerous transparencies, illuminated by electricity, showing all the Corps badges, —the effect being reached by the skilful grouping of incandescent lamps. These transparencies cost many thousands of dollars, and were very beautiful. Another handsome feature was the "American Flag, — an effect produced by the grouping of six hundred little girls, o-rn riad seats, on the east side of the Treasury Building. r- -/- 1: / EISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. By means of using red, white and blue costumes, the group was made to represent the stars and stripes, and a very showy display it was. A novel sight to many spectators was the hundreds of orderlies, mounted on bicycles, hurrying and skurrying over the smooth asphalt pavement, bearing messages and executing orders from the officers and comrades in line. The broad, spacious pavement is almost perfect for military evolutions, and gave the " old vets" a good chance to show their countrymen that they had not forgotten the art of keeping step to martial music. A. fine-looking squad of mounted police cleared the avenue from curb to curb in advance of the parade, and at no time were the "boys" very much annoyed by the pressure of the great crowd. One of the prettiest sights was the troop of mounted Aids to the Commander-in-Chiei. General Palmer rode alone, several hundred feet in advance of his color-bearer, while a brilliant cavalcade of Aids, in open order, occupied a space of nearly three blocks behind. Some of the finest military bands in the country were in line, and an air of joyousness and enthusiasm seemed to pervade the whole assemblage. Following the mounted police came the Marine Band; then the Citizens' Escort Committee, the Grand Army Battalion, of Albany, the Old Guard, of Washington, and then the Commander-in-Chief, John Palmer, followed by his brilliant and well-mounted staff. Then came the escort to the Grand Army, the "Old Defenders," as the Sixth Massachusetts regiment is so properly called, and then the various Departments in their usual order, Illinois leading, and the "infant" -Indian Territory-at the last, or next to the last, for the Department of the Potomac, by usual custom, held the left of the line. Following the G. A. R. came twenty-five delegations from the Naval Veterans' Association, a well-disciplined body of old sea-dogs who well deserved the hearty plaudits with which their appearance was greeted. A wonderful success! A proud day for the G. A. R. I A time of general rejoicing, of good feeling, of unlimited patriotism, of boundless enthusiasm, of bubbling and boiling national pride I No thought of strife in all this warlike, war-scarred company; simple patriotism, with all the mirth and jollity which only a Grand Army reunion can induce. From 9.30 until dark the veterans marched down the Avenue, while hundreds of thousands lined the route, viewing the glorious review from pavement, stand, chair, campstool, window, roof, telegraph pole, or wherever a foot or an arm could find a lodgment. It was no ordinary event. The "boys" were looking their best; the bands were HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. lavish with the brightest and most lively marches and quicksteps; the drum-majors flung their staffs with unusual abandon; even the horses seemed to feel the importance of the occasion and pranced their prettiest. All along the line were symbols of the States. Iowa veterans carried a cornstalk cane, or sported a golden ear of maize; pine cones were suspended from the buttonholes of the men from Maine; a huge mosquito perched upon an apple-Jack keg was carried by a New Jersey Post; Connecticut men werue supplied with wooden nutmegs, and the Ohio contingent were known )b tlhir buckeyes; a sunflower meant Kansas, a head of wheat gave notice of Dakota, golden-rod indicated a Massachusetts man, and so on. But through all could be seen the modest emblem of the (G. A. L., thle plain bronze button, which indicates that its possessor has earned the rig;t to wear a fragmient of a silenced traitor's cannon. A pathetic sight was that of several old and disabled veterans, too feeble to march and too ambitious to merely watch, hauled along on low wagons by their faithful comrades and responding with cheers and waving handkerchiefs to the many and hearty salutes from the,crowd. The "notables," like ex-President Hayes and General Butler, were promptly recognized, and received regular ovations all along the line Had President Harrison been able to marc ---as was his intention — in the ranks with his own Post, th e picture o" democracy " ould have been complete. The old battle-flags came in for their usual meed of applause,. and the marching of some of the armed "guards" created great enthusiasm. Posts, like No. 2, of Pennsylvania, with a line of shining muskets, stretched like a glittering ribbon forom curb to curb, marching with the. accuracy of regulars, swirging around the Treasury Building corner like the spokes of a gigantic w-eel, simply set the crowd wild with admiration. It is improbable that the Grand Army will ever again parade as many men at one time, and, viewed froml a parade standpoint, it may be safely said that high-water imark was reached on September 20, 1892. GETTING DOWNz TO EUSINESS. The Encampment convened on Wednesday morning, September 21, at Albaugh's Opera House, and the attendance was confined strictly to delegates. Commissioner Douglass delivered an address of welcome, to which Commander-in-Chief Palmer gracefully responded, and then the Commander was presented with a handsome gavel from iU; ' HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. his Aids in the Department of the Potomac. This gavel is made from six pieces of wood, each having a "history, and is highly prizedby General Palmer. The absence of President Harrison, owing to domestic affliction, was the subject of a resolution of sympathy, which, though brief, contained a world of brotherly love and fraternity. Commander-in-Chief Palmer's address was received with much enthusiast, especially his reference to the colored posts, pensions, and the Grant tomb and statue. He began with a tribute to the Grand Army, the sentiments it was intended to perpetuate, and the lessons of patriotism that grow out of its annual gatherings. It was, he thought, peculiarly appropriate that the survivors of the Union armies should gather again in the capital of the nation which, through four long, bloody years they defended at the peril of their lives, and the encampment met almost beneath the shadow of Arlington, where 16,000 patriots sleep, with the consolation that the nation was saved and preserved by the valor of such men. Referring to the progress of time, he observed that a new generation stands where thhe men of '61 stood, a generation that knows nothing of the realities of war or tl:e dangers and haldships of a soldier's life except what they read or hear from the lips of those who were actors in the great dramna. While the present generation hold the veterans in a love that no other group of men in the land receive, General Palmer noted that there was a dispositiion on the part of a few to sneer at the soldier and call him a mendicant. Such people appeared to forget the sufferings and sacrifices that made the veterans what they are. But they had become the foremost of the people of the land, and the way to their success was found in the school of discipline and training from which they graduated twenty-seven years ago. The precepts of the great order appealed to the patriotism of every man who wore the Union blue, and all such should, he thought, wear at all times the badge of loyalty-the bronze G. A. R. buttons. The emblem was a silent protest against sneers; it was an honor mark of the republic. In reviewing his work as Commander-in-Chief, General Palmer said he had visited twenty-five departments, responded to numerous invitations to reunions and public gatherings, and traveled nearly 40,000 miles, his only regret being that he was unable to meet the several departments. Of the men of the South who intemperately criticised his flag order, General Palmer said that he met many ex-Confederates from whlom he received a cordial greeting, and he.believed that those men who were bravest in the field have a greater 94 BHSTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. love of justice and right than those who remained in the rear in the hour of danger, and he was glad to take by the hand any brave Confederate soldier who accepted the generous terms of the surrender at Appomatox and to-day respected the flag of the nation as the emblem of a reunited country. General Palmer then eloquently referred, at some length, to the heritage of American freedmen, made brighter and better of the Union soldier, and the love of country, emphasized by the lessons of the soldiers' hardships, and proceeded to a statistical discussion of the work of the national organization and its growth during the year, which had been flattering. The Commander-in-Chief treated the color question at some length in discussing the situation in Louisiana and Mississippi. The last encampment disposed of the discretionary power of the Commanderin-Chief, and decided it would be inexpedient to organize new or provisional departments in any State where a department already exists. It decided that a man who was good enough to stand between the flag and those who would destroy it was good enough to be a comrade in any department of the Grand Army. He said he could not speak with too much fervor of the magnificent work done by the loyal women for the needy veterans and their families. By their acts of love and devotion to suffering humanity, they merited our grateful acknowledgment and praise. To the Sons of Veterans a most deserved compliment was paid. For the many courtesies received at their hands there was no old soldier who could wish for them anything but happiness and prosperity. In speaking of Memorial Day, he said there should be an expression of a nation's gratitude for the brave men who suffered death that their blood might seal the unity of a nation. The ceremony of strewing flowers was a beautiful one, and all strife should cease upon this day consecrated to patriotism. It was an offering to the men who sacrificed their lives for their country. The day imparted a true sense of the obligation resting upon those who were left in the great struggle for the preservation of the Union. It was at a terrible cost that liberty and the government were established, and those who fell in battle should be properly remembered. Memorial Day should teach the rising generation to honor the soldier's grave-the boys who yielded up their lives to save the Union. Referring to pensions, General Palmer said that the pension committee had tried to have corrected certain inequalities in the ratings which were not commensurate with existin disaMilities, an;c he.~n Ufie he..N"~_~t ~t -W"~ — 9.5 ~ HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. believed this would eventually be done. The committee appointed to take charge of the work of receiving funds for the Grant monument has performed its work nobly, and the work of making the statue was in the hands of an artist in Rome and there was no doubt but that the work would be done in an entirely satisfactory manner. He regarded as a standing reproach the fact that the remains of General Grant iwere allowed to remain in an open city park under a temporary shelter. As a trustee of the Grant Memorial Association he had had carried through a resolution to make provisions in the construction of the monument for a suitable repository in which should be placed a library designed to hold the volumes containing the signatures of surviving members of the G. A. R. It would be a priceless boon for posterity to look upon the authentic signatures of ancestors whose courage defended and preserved the unity of the nation. The badge of the G. A. R. was placed on General Grant's breast when he was laid in his coffin, and one was deposited in the cornerstone of his tomb. He recommended that the National Encampment ask Department Commanders to make an appeal to their respective Posts for a contribution of five cents from each member to create a fund to be sent to the Quartermaster-General, and through him to be turned over to the Grant Memorial Association, to be invested, and the interest applied to the annual care of the cottage and grounds. It had cost much to preserve the unity of the nation, and children should be taught to link the glorious achievementsof the past with patriotic hopes of the future. Economy should be exercised in the management of the affairs of the order, but no worthy comrade, widow or orphan should be allowed to suffer. The report of Adjutant-General Phisterer showed that 229 new Posts had been organized during the year, making a total of 7,568 Posts in the order, a gain in membership of 64,401, and a loss of 66,109, thus showing an apparent net loss in membership of 1,708. This loss was said to be apparent, only, because it was found that in one Department nearly 3,000 had been added without authority, so that the corrected figures would show a net gain of about 1,200 memnbers. He recommended an increase in the per capita tax from two cents a member to three cents, so as to cover the necessary expenses of the National Organization, and his report closed with a statement showing that during the twenty years ending June 30, 1892, the vast sum of $2,221,704.00 had been expended by the order, officially, in charities, althdugh a much larger amount has no doubt found its way, unofficially, into the pockets of needy veterans. widows and orphans. The A. G. WEISSERT, COMMANDER- I-CHIEF GRA-ND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, 1892-93, Was born at Canton, Ohio, August 7th, 1844. Ie attended the schools at Racine, Wis.* the State of his adoption. Graduating from the Racine High School, he entered the University of Michigan. Here he was distinguished in his studies, and bore off the degree of LL.B. He was admitted to practice in Wisconsin, and was winning fame at the Milwaiu. kee bar when the war broke out. As soon as the tocsin sounded, he enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, the "live eagle" regiment of history, and shared its fortunes till the battle of Nashville. There he was grievously wounded, receiving a bullet just over the knee, and which he still carries; his wound is still open. Convalescing sufficientlyto rejoin his regiment, he did s) on crutches. After four years' gallant service, Jhe was breveted captain from the battle of Lake Chicot, Ark., Jnne 6th, 1864, for meritorious service in that fight and at the battle of Nashville on the 15th of December following, and for extraordinary bravery throughout the Red River expedition. He refused tie tender of a West Point cadetship by reason of his wound. - Hejoined the Grand Army of the Republie at Madison, Wis., in 1866, and in 1888 was elected Department Commander; the following year he was re-elected by acclamation to succeed himself; and at the 23d National Encampmnent was unanimously elected Senior Vice-Comman der-in-Chief. He was president of the executive council of the Citizens' Committee that made thd Twenty-third National Encampmeint at MTilwaufkee a success. At the Detroit Encamp-l ment he received the second highest number of votes for the office to which he wass elected at Washington. In the capacity of Senior Vice-Comnmander, he visited many ofi the Departments ofthe East and West, in company with Commander-in-Chief iR. A. Alger. Just now he is a member of E. B. Wolcott Post, of Milwaukee. As Commander of the Department of Wisconsin, he revealed that he is a stickler for discipline. He pre-, fers the Post hall to the banquet board, and believes that on meeting night the Post roomi is the place for Graua Ara y auu L I I 4 E: HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC Adjutant-General also expressed the opinion that the membership or the Grand Army has reached its highest point, and that the decrease, from natural causes, will be rapid when once begun. At the second and last session, September 22, General A. G. Weis' sart was elected Commander-in-Chief for the ensuing year, the election being effected by acclamnlation. Owing largely to a factional dispute in the Department of the Potomac, Comrade R. H. Warfield, of California, was elected Senior Vice-Commander, an office that, by custom and courtesy, has formerly been conceded to the Department entertaining the National Encampment. Comrade Peter B. Ayars, of Delaware, was elected Junior Vice-Commander; Dr. W. C. Weyl, of Connecticut, was elected Surgeon-General, and Comrade D. R. Lowell, D.D., of Kansas, was chosen Chaplain-in-Chief. The new Commander-in-Chief has appointed Comrade E. D. Gray, of Wisconsin, Adjutant-General, and Comrade John Taylor, of Pennsylvania, still continues as Quartermaster-General. In fact, the G. A. R. would " hardly know itself" with any other man than John Taylor in that responsible position; but his hosts of friends are determined to make him Commander-in-Chief next year. The afternoon session was brightened by the presence of a delegation from the Woman's Relief Corps, headed by Mrs. Annie Wittenmyer, and another from the Army Nurses' Association, headed by Mrs. Tolman, both being cordially welcomed by the Encampment. A large amount of routine business being transacted, the newlyelected officers were installed by Past Commander-in-Chief Beath, and the Encampment adjourned. September 4th, 1893, finds the city of Indianapolis again in possession of the grand army of veteran soldiers, her streets thronged with thousands of the old boys in blue, while the roll of the drum, and the quickening strains of the march, filling the air from a 1893. hundred bands, announce the constant arrival of thousands more. From the spacious Union Station, the gateway to th'e city, with its beautiful and lavish decorations, and its "Welcome, G. A. R.," all through the business streets, and out even to the remote sections, the city is one mass of red, white and blue. The tired veteran, from the moment he steps off the crowded train until he has found his abiding place is made aware by the presence of thousands of flags, banners, bunting and pictures, that his coming has been expected, and that the city is prepared to give him a genuine Hoosier welcome. By the morning of the 5th, the day of the parade, the barracks and other free quarters are crowded and the overflow has spread to the HISTORY- OF TER -GRAND,-_ A RMY.OF. -TH.- REPUBI-ha bomes of the citizens in all parts of the city, nearly every private hu:se lhaving its squad of old soldiers. Indianapolis claims the distinction of being the birth-place of' the National: organization of the G. A.A. R., the first Encampment being held there in November, 1866, as was the 15th Encampmulent inl June, 1881. No other city hais hlad the honor of entertaining thle veteran hosts for the third time, a. fact whlich] spelaks well for Hoosier hospitalityy, Commander-in-Chief Weissert voiced th.e feelings of all the comrades when in thbanking- the citizens for their courteous and kindly treatment of! tlhe-ciy's guests, he said: "'If )ou ever invite us again, we will co, m -........ -,' The free quarters were ample, and the accommodations all that could be desired. Camp Lew Wallace, Camp AMcGinnis and Camp Wilder the latter being in Military Park, whlich many of the boys will remember as old " Camp Sullivan," of war times, held probably. the greatest number of men. The school houses and other public 'buildings were crowded. Among the many special attractions, none seemed to interest the crowds of visitors more than tlhe mlodel of the famous battlesllip, "Kearsarge," which was also one of the features at `Washington last year. The black hull of the good ship vas erected on the State House grounds under the sha-dow of the Capitol. The ship was in full holiday dress, all the sails were fu.red. and from thle masts and spars hundreds of' flags of all sizes floated gaily in the breeze. The "Kearsarge", was in charge of the Naval Veterans Association, and was made the headquarters for th eir reunions during the week. Some of the jolly Jack Tars wTere alwvays on hand to entertain their guests with stories of other darys. After: the magnificent review in Wa.shi ington, September 20th, 1892, it was freely predicted that from a parad,3e standpoint, the Grand Army had reached high-water mark. "I never expect to parade again," was heard from thousands of tlhe weary veterans who had stood the strain Qofthe long day's wait and march for the sale of trodding once wore the historic ground over which malnyv of tlhem had passed with the lamented Grant and Shierman in 1.S65. There was- a general feeling among both the participannts, and th;4ose -wTho witnessed the nagnificent parade, that never again could( so iany of the grizzled heroes be brought together in a grand review. ' The predictionl has proved tco true. Relentless' time has made fearful inroads in the ranks of the survivors during the past twe]Lve month, and the weight of advanciing vea.s has reduced by thousands the number able to stand the fatigue of the march. UJ) HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. The parade of September 5th was disappointing in its proportions, but the comrades in line made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers. The schedule of time for the different Departments was arranged allowing for 50,000 men in the ranks, and marching orders were issued on that basis, but the actual number in line fell far short of what was expected, there being probably about 20,000 men. This left large gaps in the parade, and was the occasion of considerable delay. Many Posts that had places assigned to them in the line, failed to report at all. The majority of the old boys seemed to prefer being with the spectators and watching their comrades pass in review. It was thought that there were probably two or three tithes as many veterans scattered along the line of the parade, as there were men in the ranks. There was a feeling among many of the old soldiers that the days of the parade were about over. Some of the leaders expressed the opinion that the increasing age of the veterans made it unwise for them to march as of yore, and the advisability of abandoning the parade entirely in future was discussed. Much enthusiasm was displayed all along the route. Continuous cheering and an interchange of pleasantries kept the marching veterans and the waiting thousands in good humor. At the head of the Wisconsin Department, rode the redoubtable ' Old Abe," perched on a flagstaff as was his wont in the days of war, when the music of shot and shell, and the roar of the battle surged around him. The spirit of the veteran war eagle has long since taken up the march with his comrades on the other side, but his lifeless form has been preserved and the Wisconsin boys never attend an Encampment without him. In the Pennsylvania column marched the "tallest man in the G. A. R." Ie was made the subject of much badinage, and was frequently cheered, all of which he took in good humor. His height, six feet, ten inches, appeared really greater, as he was placed between two abnormally short men. Many amusing stories were told of his war experience, one being that when he enlisted and the captain was trying to get his company in alignment, he espied the head and shoulders of the tall man above the level of the lian, and angrily ordered him to "get off that stump." Along the line of march, particularly on Washington, Meridian C and Illinois Streets, the decorations were most elaborate and beautiful. Indiana's pride, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, was an object of especial interest to the veerans. It is a majestic piece of masonry risi:g from the centre of the ~Scle to a height of two hundred and 100 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. eighty feet, crowned by the graceful statue of "Indiana," iThe. towering shaft was encircled by thousands of incandescent lamnipss arranged in various fantastic designs, one of the handsomest being the - American flag represented in colors. Powierful search lights at the base of the monument comnpleted a most beautiful electric d ispl.ay which was nightly enjoyed by thousanrds. The Mary Logan Cadets, of Columbus, Ohli, a company of sixteeil bright and attractive young girls, were given a well merited share.of attention in the parade and at numerous impromlptu drills on thie' street.' The greater part of each day and evening was tlaken up with ': reunions, camp-fires and other social event;s "oo numerous to mention. The social festivities of the week -were opened by a reception onMonday evening, at Tomlinson Hall, given by the citizens of Indianapolis. The program was a delightful one, and was well rendered. Ex-President Harrison was introduced, his appearance creating a storm of enthusiasm. Mr. Harrison's address was warmly - received throughout, particularly his reference to the pension question - which was greeted with tihunderous applause. He said:-. - "Many considerations limit me in the discussion of the pension question, but I may say this, that when Congress in its gejlerous rerog"nlition of the rightful claims of the soldier has passed a law- for his benest, we. may and we will demand that it shall be beneficially construed. Tt is a. familiar maxim of the law that remedial legislation is to have a favorable interpretation in the interest' of the evil to be remedied. "Secondly, We may and we do insi.st, that in the administration of the law; the soldier's integrity and honor shall not be wantonly impeached. A presump tion will be indulged in his favor. WAe do not ask that any who have fraudulently obtained a place on the pension roll shall be kept there, but we do., ask that the very familiar maxim of the law, 'that fraud is to be proved and not presumed,' shall be applied to the soldiers' claim. "These general principles-and I cannot go into details-I think must be acceptable to every right-thinking, patriotic man. We are impatient only with; those who start with a prejudice against the soldier." Reunions are always the happiest and yet the saddest features of Encampments. Many scenes of indescribable pathos are witnessed among these heroes of a former generation, when they are gathered together again, renewing those ties that bind the soldier to his comrade. in-arms; ties formed in the heat of battle; around the camp-fire; on the march; ties which transcend all human attachments outside of the family circle and which will outlast the limit of time. Miniled.VA^ 4 I HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. with the joy of clasping hands with old comrades for the first time in more than a quarter of a century, is felt the shock of surprise at the changes that thirty years have wrought in them. Then, in the full strength of manhood! How sturdy and proud and self-reliant were the boys who came back from the war! Now, alas, the ravages of time and the hardships of a soldier's life aire all too plainly seen in the bending form, the whitening locks, the faltering step and the failing eye. It is but a rehearsal of life's drama. Following close upon the happiness of meeting is the pain of parting, for our Nation's heroes know too well that before the call of another assembly thousands of their comrades will have received final marching orders from the Great Commander, struck tents and gone to join their comrades of the xight wing in the eternal Encampment beyond. But though the step is not so light, nor the eye so bright, the heart of the old soldier is as young as ever, and his devotion to his country and the flag but grows stronger with increasing years. THE CONVENTION. ' The 27th National Encampment began its first session at half past eleven o'clock, on the 6th of September, at Tomlinson Hall. Governor Mathews, in a spirited address, welcomed the delegates to Indiana, and Mayor Sullivan followed with a cordial welcome to Indianapolis, tendering the visitors the freedom of the city. Colonel Eli Lilly, chairman of the Citizens' Executive Board, presented Commander-in-Chief Weissert with a beautiful gavel made of wood taken from the old State House, where the great war governor Morton received the troops. The Commander gracefully responded to to the addresses of welcome, and the convention adjourned until after dinner. When the afternoon session convened, the Commander-in-Chief's able and eloquent address was listened to with the deepest interest and the closest attention. His loyal and patriotic utterances struck a responsive chord in the breast of every member present. It is worthy of note that the portion declaring that the Grand Army of the Republic was opposed to any unworthy man being placed on the pension rolls, was as loudly cheered as those parts demanding a fair construction of the pension laws. The Commander recalled the fact that the Encampment was meeting where, nearly a generation ago, the National organization had its birth. He retold how the great Order had grown from a crude, unorganized?ody to its paesent stupendous proportions. numbering to-day nearly ___ _ _~_ HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE- REPUBLIC. half a million veteran soldiers. A noble body of loyal men, commanding the respect not only of ours, but of all civilized nations. He referred in feeling terms to the death of two illustrious comrades since the last meeting; Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, Ex-President of the United States, and Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, the first Major General of Volunteers, commissioned by President Lincoln. Both were present at the last Encampmnent, and both were in the parade. While our leaders are fast passiing away, the shadows of death have rested heavily upon the rank and file. Our saddest duty is to record this year the largest annual death roll in the history of the Order. The loss by death during the past year has been 7,002. When we add to these figures the estimated loss among veterans not members of.the Order, amounting probably to about 7,500, making a total loss of 14,500 Union veterans, we realize with painful emotions how rapidly the defenders of the Nation are passing from us. The Commander said that the age of the membership in the G. A. R. is such as to warrant the statement, that from this time on we may expect the death rate to increase in a cg'eometrical ratio, and he thought it marvellous that 't had not been greater heretofore, considering the hardships and sufiering incident to war and the disabilities arising therefrom. Reviewing his work, General ATeissert said that he had visited 37 of the 45 Departments, and 41 States and Territories. Some of these he had visited more than once. On account of the great distances intervening, and the close proximity of dates, it was impossible for him to be present at all of the Department Encampments. He had, however, attended 18 of them, and had traveled over 48,000 miles in the interest of the Order. HIe hadn visited all the Southern Departments but two, and fouled them in: good condition, enthusiastic and thoroughly loyal to the Order. f1e believed also that the Departments in the South and far West would receive large accessions in future from the North. As age advances, colmrades who cannot endure the rigors of Northern winters, will seei: te sunny South and tile Pacific coast. Concerning membership, the Comnmander regretted that he could not report the increase in numb)ers -which the National Commandery had expected, and which they hadl labored so earnestly to obtain. In the returns for December, 1892, there rwas an increase in membership of 3,000 over the June previous in good standing. It was hoped to show a much greater growth by June, 1893, but the results were disappointing. The total membership in good standing, June, 1893, 1 t I I *ISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF TSE REPUBLIC. shows a loss of over 2,000 from the number reported in June, 1892. The policy of weeding out all members practically a dead weight to the Order, and the pressure in financial matters he thought responsible for this. The delinquent list shows a gratifying decrease of almost 4,000. Reports show that recruiting is going on rapidly; harmony and good feeling exist, and the sentiment prevails throughout the organization that there never was a time when comrades should stand more closely together in defense of the great principles of the Order than now. The Commander reported four Posts in Canada, one in the City of Mexico, and one at Honolulu, and a charter has been applied for at Lima, in Peru, South America. The calls for charitable aid during the year have been greater than in past years, there having been expended by the various Posts, $178,845.52. This represents only the reported relief, which he thought most likely covered but a fraction of the relief work that has been done. He paid a graceful tribute to the Woman's Relief Corps for their noble and self-sacrificing work for the Grand Army. They have on all occasions, and under all circumstances, assisted Posts everywhere in the land. Many Posts to-day owe their continued existence solely to the efforts of these loyal women. Especially helpful are they on Memorial Day, for it is by their hands that the most of our comrades' graves are so lovingly and tenderly strewn with flowers. The Woman's Relief Corps has disbursed for the relief of comrades and their families, and widows and orphans, $58,620.37. They have turned over to Posts during the year, $34,406.39. Amount for Memorial Day, $14,331.36, making a total expenditure for relief since the organization of $842,929.39, a monument of which these noble women may well be proud. The Ladies of the G. A. R., he said, had also done good service in this direction, but he could not give statistics for want of official information. He said the Sons of AVeterans were in a flourishing condition, and he bespoke for them the encouragement of the Order. A marked improvement has been made this year in decorating the graves of Union soldiers in the South. Heretofore appeals have been made by individual Posts in the South for help from their Northern comrades to remember the Union dead on Decoration Day. The first Post making the appeal would be liberally helped, but those whose appeals were sent out later, generally got very little. This method has resulted in confining the work done to certain localities, while 104 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. large numbers of graves were left unnoticed. At the beginning of his administration, General Weissert introduced a plan by which all contributions for this purpose were forwarded to the QuartermasterGeneral, and that official was instructed to purchase flags and supply them upon the proper requisitions to all Southern Posts in the vicinity of Union graves. In this way the work was made general. Some cemeteries have never had flags and exercises till this year. It is believed that all Union graves in the South were this year properly decorated. Thus, there is now created a fund for Southern decorations, and several hundred dollars over and above this year's expenditure remains in the hands of the Quartermaster-General. The Commander recommended that this plan be adhered to in the future. General Weissert invited special attention to the report of the Committee on Legislation. He deplored the fact that the laws now on the Statute books designed to aid honorably discharged soldiers by giving them the preference in appointments to public office, had not been enforced. Many worthy veterans who were experts in the positions filled by them had been discharged in open disregard of the law. He said the Committee was laboring to secure such legislation as would insure the retention of worthy and capable veterans, and that they had confidence in the future. The report recommended the establishment of a permanent hea4d quarters, the Commander believing that a permanent place for the archives and records of the Order should be provided. He suggested that if the comrades are not yet ready to locate headquarters, they might select a place at some central point, where a fire-proof vault could be had, and if necessary a custodian for the archives and property appointed; the custodian to give a bond and furnish supplies to the Departments, keep the records arranged and classified, so as to furnish copies at any time. Such arrangements, he thought, would relieve the Adjutant and Quartermaster-General of much responsibility for the care of valuable property, constantly exposed to destruction by fire and damage in transportation from one place to another every year. The Adjutant-General would thus be relieved from anxiety about the records, and could give more time to the actual duties of his position; while the Quartermaster-General would become solely custodian of the moneys, and the disbursing officer of the Order. The manly and dignified utterances of the Commander concerning pensions are so well worthy of perusal, that we quote verbatim from his address; L05 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIO PENSIONS. Pensions are paid by all civilized nations, and are the natural results of war. They are recognized in this country by enactment of law, and they are granted under law on complying with certain requirements, and when the requirements have been faithfully complied with, and the pension certificate issued, it was supposed and justly believed that was final, and that the pensioner was not subject to the whims or caprices of officials. Recently, however, we find scores of worthy veterans, some above the age of three score and ten, yes, four score years, many suffering from wounds received on the battle-field, or disease incurred while in the service of their country, or other disabilities which are eovered by law, cut off from the pension roll without first making proper investigation. By a very large majority the Fifty-first Congress passed what is known as the disability bill, which was supplementary to previous enactments of a similar nature. The vote was one which convinced everyone that the country wanted the bill to become a law. It received the signature of the President and became a law on the 27th day of June, 1890. The law was considered a wise one and has given general satisfaction. As you are aware, during the past three years, some of those who were not the friends of our country during that mighty contest from 1861 to 1865, have taken every means within their power to create a public sentiment against pension laws and pensioners. It is hardly necessary to state that many of those who were and still are the most bitter in their denunciations and abuse, do not confine themselves to facts, and most of them were not in the army on either side. Unwarranted statements are made against the pension roll. No facts are advanced to substantiate the statements made, and more recently we learn that thousands of worthy soldiers, who at large expense have proved their cases to the satisfaction of the Pension Bureau, have had their pensions stopped upon one pretext or another, notwithstanding they are placed upon the pension roll after a prolonged and most critical examination and investigation, often extending through many years. The pension laws of our country affect the interests of veterans of various wars, but somehow this indiscriminate taking away of pensions affects only those who served in the war against treason and rebellion. The Mexican war culminated in extending the area of human slavery. Thousands of those whose names are on the pension roll as pensioners of that war never reached the seat of war, to say nothing about non-participation in battles. Still, a liberal pension has been granted to those who enlisted in that war, irrespective of disabilities in any form or regard for length of service, or the financial circumstances of the applicant. Not a word is said against this class of pensioners, and every one who enlisted in that war and served thirty days is pensionable. In the late war against treason and rebellion, which required the services of many of the veterans for more than four years, and which was waged to maintain 106 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. the integrity of our country and retain it on the map of the world, and keep our flag from stain and dishonor, and to secure equal rights and justice to all men; and which made our currency good and our bonds worth in gold more than their face value; these men are a busled and traduced as soldiers of no other war have ever been. The disability measure of 1890 was essentially a G. A. R. measure, and was enacted into law in place of the "service" or the "per diem" bills, and a depe:ndent pen-ion bill passed by the S:elate, because we favored this as more nearly a just law than the more liberal ontes t:at fatiled. The pensions are paid by a voluntary tax. No man need buy the articles taxed for this purpose. Every Southern State except one, to-day pays pensions to the men who fought against this Union, and our comrades in the South pay taxes on whatever property they own to pension Southern soldiers and do not complain of it. The patriotic people of our land firmly believe that the Government can not do too much for its defenders, who arc broken down in health by reason of privations, disease and wounds incident to war, and who are unable to earn a livelihood, or whose disabilities curtail their opportunities for earning a living. If army or navy service impaired the health of veterans so as to prevent them from earning a livelihood, or who are to-day suffering or under expense on account of that service, the are justly entitled to all the Government, that has profited by such service, can give. Were it not for the services rendered by that great army, when the very existence of the country was seriously threatened, there would now be no country to fulfill the promises so generously made when almost certain disaster threatened to overwhelm the Nation. The proud boast of the veterans is that they fought for the preservation of the Republic, and while its perpetuity is their reward, our civilization demands that no defender of the Republic should be suffered to die in a poor-house. NO DOUBTFUL LOYALTY. Neither does it favor any system that permits those whose loyalty was ever justly questioned to pass upon the merits of veterans who served honorably in the Union Army, or which takes away or cancels the payment of a pension lawfully granted without first investigating the case and permitting the pensioner to be heard, which should be done at the expense of the Government which demands the additional proof. In such cases it would be but justice to inform the suspended pensioner what further -steps tihe Government demands in the premises. No pension should, be canceled until the Government has proved it fraudulent or undeserving. Acticon should be taken to secure the reinstatement of all worthy veterans who have been dropped or suspended from the pension roll. Concerning pensions paid to inmates of Soldiers' Homes, I am of the opinion, from a careful consi:errtion of the matter, that both the veteran and his family would be greatly benefited were the law so amended as to require the major portion of the pension money received by them to be paid direct to the wife or 1 7 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. other dependent and I recommend this matter to the favorable consideration of the Encampment. The duty we owe to our country is paramount to everything else, and it is needless to assert that 4s an organization and as individuals the Grand Army of the Republic always champions the enforcement of the laws of the land, and that its membership is sufficiently broad-minded not to narrow this down to pension laws only, but to apply it to every lawt on the statute books of the country. No class of citizens were more sincere, more determined in their efforts to enforce the laws than those, who, taking their lives in their hands, left home and friends and went out to support the same at the point of the bayonet. In that class you and your comrades of the war only are numbered. It should not be forgotten the veteran is also a citizen. There has nothing occurred since those terrible days to change your loyalty to your country. Loyalty now has the same significance it had when the roar of the cannon was first heard in Charleston harbor, when traitors did their utmost not only to defy the laws, but to destroy this great Nation. The Grand Army of the Republic is unalterably opposed to the granting of pensions to persons who are not justly entitled to pensions under the law. But these remedial statutes should receive a broad and generous construction so as to carry out the humane intentions of the law-making power. In speaking of Memorial Day, he said:This day, sacred above all others to the veterans of the Union army, was more generally observed this year than ever before. There is scarcely a cemetery where the Union dead lie buried which was not visited. In the South, at the great national cemeteries, near the fields where our comrades fell and now have a final resting place, impressive exercises were held to commemorate their services of devotion, loyalty and patriotism. In many localities those who fought on the wrong side joined, and with willing hands assisted in strewing flowers and evergreens on the graves of our country's dead. While the day is being thus observed, there is a tendency in some localities to pervert the use of it from that for which it was intended. While it is a legal holiday in most States it should not be permitted to lay aside "its solemn and beautiful rites, which appeal to the kindlier and gentler instincts of the great masses." It is to be regretted that it is fast becoming the custom to observe this day wvith amusements-horse-racing, base-ball, bicycle and boat contests. In close proximity to some of the national cemeteries on last Memorial Day, the solemnity of the exercises was disturbed by the shouts of those just outside the grounds, engaged in sports of the description named. All this has a tendency to distract the attention of both the young and old from the patriotic lessons which are taught by the honoring of our heroic dead. \Were the whole people invited to join us in memorial services, and the day made one of tender memories, not only for the veteran, but for the dead of the entire Nation, it would soon become universally observed. 1.08 ~ HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLICO The men who composed the army against which you fought were some of the bravest and most devoted soldiers that ever carried a musket or drew a saber, To-day the great body of them are anxious to see all animosities of the late -war - forever disappear. They are now a part of our grand citizenship, earnestly striving to advance the interests of our common country, and solidifying and. perpetuating the principles. underlying the Government and advancing the. power and glory of the Nation. ~ While recognizing only those principles for which we fought, the members of. the Grand Army of the Republic stand ready to take by the hand every maa. loyal to the flag and what it tvpifies. Comrades, ( let us continue to-do our partin stimulating and fostering a broader and hligler sentiment in this regard, and: thus show to the world that we are worthy for having served our country in the great war for the Union. - The report of Adjutant-General Gray shows the total membership in good standing, June 30th, 1893, to be 397,223; number of Posts, 7,626 and 45 Departments. In addition to the membership in good standgthere are returned delinquent, 4,670, and remaining suspended, 41;661 -The delinquents are such as are in good standing, have paid-dues, andbut for the neglect of Post officers would be so returned. The suspended list contains those who have failed to pay dues, but tney should properly be considered members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Adding these figures to the number in good standing,:makes the total number borne on the rolls of the Grand Armyh to-day, 443,554. Large numbers of undesirable names have during the past year been dropped, yet, notwithstanding this, the total loss is only about two thousand, which is certainly a creditable showing. Gainby muster during the year, 24,954. The report gives the number of Posts: and members in each of the Deparltments, tlhe membership of the Order for each year since its foundation, and makes the statement that.... since the records have been kept, there has been expended by the Grandi Army of the Republic in charity the enormous sum of $2,500,000. The report of Quartermaster-General John Taylor, made by —ni -: successor, General Louis W7agner; shows the receipts for the past year to have been $21,840; expenses, 89,653; balance in the treasury,' $12,187. There remains in the Grant Mtonument Fund, $,758; total contributions to the fiag fund, $137,103: number of flags issued, 52,258; amount remaining in the flag fund $714.95. At this juncture the question of the meeting place for next year:,. came before the convention:, and the honor was awarded to Pittsburgh. The Encampment then proceeded to the election of officers. Past Commander-in-Chief Merrill, in an eloquent speech presented Captain John G. 13. Adams, of Massachusetts, for Commander-in-Chief. General 109 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Hurst had been proposed and warmly supported by the Ohio delega. tion for the place, but seeing that the tide was setting toward the Massachusetts man, General Hurst withdrew his claims, and gracefully seconded the nomination of Comrade " Jack " Adams, who was then elected by a unanimous vote of the Encampment. There was a general agreement that the honor of second place, Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief should go to Col. I. N. Walker, Past Department Commander of Indiana. His election was also made unanimous. A lively struggle was expected for the position of Junior ViceCommander. J. C. Bigger, of Dallas, Texas, William James, of Florida, J. R. Mulliken, of New Jersey, and J. C. Kennedy, of Colorado, were placed in nomination. "Captain Jack" Crawford, the " Poet Scout," made a rattling speech in support of Comrade Bigger, which won the favor of the Encampment. Accordingly all other names were withdrawn, and Comrade Bigger was elected by acclamation. Rev. A. B. Kendrick, of West Liberty, Iowa, was elected Chaplain-in-Chief, and Dr. James R. Graham, of Maryland, Surgeon General. The selection of all the officers was made unanimous. While the afternoon session was in progress, the comrades were entertained by the visit of a delegation from the Ladies of the G. A. R. One of the ladies read a pension resolution which had been adopted by their convention. So harmonious was the work of the Encampment that more business had been done the first day than ever before in one session. The reports of officers had been received, officers for the coming year elected, and a large amount of routine business transacted. When the Encampment opened Thursday norning, September 7th, a resolution presented by Comrade Warner was passed, thanking Commander-in-Chief Weissert for his able and enthusiastic work during the year past, and commending him for the manly and loyal utterances in his address touching the pension question. Another resolution was also adopted to:Approve the plan of the National Reunion Monument Association of Washington, D. C., for the rection in the eNationl Capital of ameorial tooo o the rank and file of the Union armies, navy and marine corps, who fought for the suppression of the Rebellion from 1861 to 1865. It was then announced that the committee of the National Woman's Relief Corps was in waiting to bear the greetings of that organization to the Encampment. The visitors were escorted by Comrade Warner I310 (-C JOHN GREGORY BISHOP ADAMS, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF GRAND ArMiY OF THE REPUBLIC, 1893-94. Was born at Groveland, Mfass., October 6th, 1841. He was educated in the public schools, and before he was nineteen years old he enlisted in Major Ben. Perley Poore's Rifle Battalion, which was made the nucleus of the 19th Massachusetts Regiment. He served through the war,rising to the rank of Captain, which title he won for gallant service at the battle of Gettysburg. He participated in every march, and was engaged in every battle of the Army of the Potomae in which his Regiment took part. At the battle of Fredericksburg he displayed the most conspicuous gallantry of his military career, seizing the standards of his regiment and bringing them both off the field safely after eight color bearers had been killed. In the second day's fight at Gettysburg, he received two wounds in the groin, either one of which was supposed to be mortal. He was borne from the field to die, and the surgeons gave up his case as hopeless. But his splendid constitution and indomitable pluck brought him back from the grip of death, and he rejoined his Regiment again in November before his wounds were fully healed. In fact his wounds have never entirely healed, and as late as 1888 he was prostrated almost to death's door by the breaking out of the wounds afresh. At Cold Harbor he was captured with his Regiment, and for nine months he suffered the miseries of Southern prisons, part of the time being spent in Libby and Andersonville. Captain Adams has filled a responsible position in the Boston Custom House, was for eight years P:rttmaster of Lynn, and has been Deputy Superintendent of the Concord Reformatory. In 1885 he was made Sergeant-at-Arms for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which position he held at the time he was elected Commanderin-Chief. Captain Adams was the first recruit mustered into Post 5, of Lynn, served three terms as its commander, and was one year Department Comnmander of Massachusetts. He has been for many years President of the Association of Survivors of Rebel Prisons. In all his positions, military and civic, Captain Adams has won the respect of his superiors and the esteem of his subordinates, and he will render to his comrades a faithful account of his stewardship of the great Organization of which he is now the head, 111.. f' tISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. of Missouri and others, the comrades standing as the ladies passed up the aisle. The delegation was headed by Mrs. Mary Sears McHenry of Iowa. There were also present, Mrs. Flora Jamison Miller, of Illinois, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Turner, of Massachusetts, and Miss Fannie A. Hazen, Secretary of the Army Nurses' Association. Mrs. McHenry made a report as the "Auxiliary ' of the G. A. R., and Mrs. Miller made a speech which was loudly applauded. The Encampment now found itself face to face with the one overshadowing subject of the meeting, namely, the pension question. The attention of the whole country has been directed to the G. A. R. as an organization ever since the trouble with Farnham Post of New York, and the meeting of the Encampment has been awaited with intense,interest. There had been some speculation as to what action would be taken in regard to the suspension of Farnham Post and it was anticipated by some that delegates representing the Post would make a stir during the meeting of the Encampment; but, nothing of the kind occurred, and the only reference Commander Weissert made to that episode, if indeed it was such, was this:No organization is worthy to exist unless it has laws for its government, and rules for perpetuating its own life. It has been my endeavor to encourage the enforcement of the laws of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in this I have had the co-operation and hearty approval of every loyal comrade. This sentiment was cheered to the echo. The friends of the Order have never doubted that the decision of the G. A. R. would be loyal; dignified and in thorough keeping with the characters of those men who gave the best years of their lives to the service of their country. Col. I. N. Walker, chairman of the Committee on Pensions, presented a carefully prepared report. Every word was listened to with breathless interest and scarcely a ripple of applause until he had finished, and then the whole Encampment broke into such a volley of cheers as is rarely heard at a National Convention. As the pension resolutions are of interest not only to members of the G. A. R., but to all good citizens, and as their publication should do much to stifle the tongues of that class of people who look with prejudice upon the old soldier, and who have the temerity to impugn his motives, we deem it best to reproduce the resolution in full. I 'I -HISTORY OF THE -GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC; THE, PENSION RESOLUTIONS. Your committee on pensions begs to submit the following report and resolue tions on the subject of pensions: "To bind up the Nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphan." Thus spoke Lincoln, the Great — Lincoln, the Just-standing reverently, with uncovered head in the immediate presence of a cruel and devastating war that had already lasted four years, the end of which, although so near, his prophetic vision was not able to see; speaking to, for and by the authority of the American people, concerning one of the supreme duties of the hour and the future, when entering for the second time upon the discharge of a trust committed to him by that people. Within a few short weeks that end so long hoped for had come, but his dying eyes were not privileged to see the full fruition of his labors, the work so well begun and carried on by him, fell into other hands, charged with all the trusts that the condition implied and required, and those who had "borne the battle " after so many days "turned their happy feet toward their long deserted homes.' A grateful Nation met and received them, and gladly showered upon them the plaudits and the honors they had so well and hardly earned. These "bearers of the battle " were then, in the main, in the prime and vigor of young manhood, with all the honors and possibilities of life before them, with all the hopes borne of lofty courage and patriotic and successful achievement beating high in their bosoms, and they little needed, and still less cared for material aid from the country they had preserved and made free, save where loss of life or limb, or impaired health and broken constitutions were presently visible, and for such, in the main, ample and prompt provision was made by that country. But as the years passed by, middle life too frequently developed into premature old age, and youth passed into riper years with galloping feet, and alas! too soon the exultant and hearty soldier found that in the race of life there were weights upon his feet and burdens upon his shoulders, as the result of premature and over-heavy draughts upon his vitality that sadly interfered with successful competition in the crowd and jostle of the fierce struggle for advancement. - And still the Nation sought to keep abreast of the necessities of her heroes, and by additional enactments to measurably make provision for the necessities of those who had borne the battle. A quarter of a century had elapsed. The young had become old, the middleaged had become feeble, and the old had crossed the river. Time with its ruthless fingers had joined hands with the ravages of war, and the two combined had proved a burden upon the aging soldier greater than he could bear, and the cry went abroad that in too many instances for the credit, honor or good name of the Nation, many who had followed the flag and faced the fiery furnace of battle, had in want fallen by the wayside, and in the poor-houses were looking longingly for the relief and comfort of the grave. Their sympathizing comrades and a patriotic people, with one accord, voiced the sentiment that such was not a humane administering of the sacred trust,!Irl HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. recognized and announced by Lincoln. As to what the remedy should be, men's mBinds differed. Many, possibly a majority of the survivors of the war, believed that the time had fully come when the name of every honorably-discharged survi or should be placed upon the pension-roll. Others, denying the right that they should receive aught from their country through the pension-roll, stoutly resisted his demand. It was under such circumstances and dealing with these conflicting opinions th.at Congress enacted the disability pension law of June, 1890. This act was accepted by the surviving soldiers and by the people in general as a settlement of the question. Under the administration of that law the poor-house gave up its veteran; he who had borne the battle was cared for, and thus the sacred trust accepted and left as a legacy to the Nation was faithfully administered. Within a few months we hear with profound sorrow and regret that all this must be changed. That the construction of the law has been changed, and the regulations and rules in regard to proof and ratings under which more than 300,000 claims have been allowed and paid have been revoked, and another construction of the law has been established and new regulations for proof and ratings, less favorable to claimants, have been adopted. That a board of revision has been organized in the Pension Office, charged with the duty of revising all these adjudicated claims in accordance with this new construction, and such changed regulations as to proof and ratings. Under these changes thousands of pensions have been suspended without notice, and thousands of pensioners -have been dropped from the rolls. It is claimed that an adjudication of a pension settles nothing; that the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of Pensions are invested by law with absolute power over the pension-roll, and that it is within their legal authority to reopen and revise pensions allowed by their predecessors under regulations adopted by them, whenever they see fit to change the rules of evidence and the scale of ratings under which the allowance was made, and this in a country of law, where, from the very infancy of the Government, the United States, by its organic law, is in terms denied the right to deprive any person of property without due process of law, notice and an opportunity to be heard, and where, in every other relation and condition of life fraud is never presumed, but must be clearly proved, and every person shall have the right to face his accuser. To emphasize the viciousness of the situation and accusation, we learn that it is said, as though by authority, that "it is expected that any of the pensioners so summarily suspended or dropped, will be able to prove that they are still entitled to the pensions of which they have been deprived;" thus saying in no uncertain voice that the burden is not upon the party alleging fraud, but that the Government which they had preserved shall first brand with infamy by the charge, then sentence, and after the stigma had been effective, then concede to them, whose barriers and support of character have been thus undermined, the pitiful privilege of moving fora new trial upon the ground of newly discovered evidence; and this not upon strangers, aliens or foes, but upon our own flesh and blood, our comrades, the saviors of the Nation, ioso who in the lapguge of LipcglnA the immortal, have borne the battle. 114! ~ISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 'We deny that the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of Pensions have any such power. We insist that the adjudicating divisions of the pension office, acting under the direction and supervision of the Commissioner of Pensions and Secretary of the Interior, are tribunals established by authority of law for the settlement of pension claims, and that their decisions are entitled to full faith and credit, and can not be legally impeached when a change of administration occurs, except for fraud upon charges preferred and evidence adduced in support thereof. WTe insist that when changes are made in the construction of the law, rules of evidence and schedules of rating unfavorable to claimants, they must and should be limited in their operation to the future work of the office, and not the past. An ex-post facto regulation is as repugnant to our sense of justice as an ex-post facto laaw and we protest against the adoption and enforcement of any such regulations in the matter of pension claims. Therefore, the Grand Army of the Republic, in National Encampment assembled, speaking for that great army of beloved comrades, many of them too poor, too bruised, too broken to withstand the strong arm of the Government when administered with an unfriendly hand-proud of the good name and fair faime of the American volunteer soldier-interested far beyond any other person or organization that the pension-roll shall in truth and in fact be, what it is in theory, a roll of honor, and ever mindful of its cardinal principle, "To preserve honor and purity in public affairs," scouts and denies these indiscriminate charges of universal fraud, and resents the imputation that because some unworthy survivors may be found, that discredit shall be cast upon the entire roll, and this great body of brave and patriotic citizens shall stand disgraced before the country. We demand that there shall be no backward step in pension legislation or administration; that no pensioner shall be deprived of his property without due process of law; that the presumption shall be in favor of honesty and fair dealing; that the poor and lowly shall not be put to annecessarv, expensive or oppressive process to preserve their meager pittances; that the sacred trust in favor of those who have borne the battle shall be sacredly observed and sacredly administered, and we do now solemnly and deliberately resolve this: The Grand Army of the Republic looks with solicitude, not to say alarm, upon the proposition that after sufficient tribunals have been established by law before which questions have been presented and adjudicated, upon evidence submitted and examined, and upon which a grateful Nation has accorded pensions in this, their hour of need, to those who in its hour of need stood between it and death, the officers of that Nation, administering a public trust, have arbitrarily deprived, without notice or an opportunity to be heard, our needy and distressed comrades of the rights thus solemnly adjudged and confirmed to them. We declare that every presumption should be made in favor of records so made; that no presumption of fraud shall be indulged in against them, and that no change be made in the pensions so accorded until after charges have been made and evidence in support theerto has been produced, of which charge 1s5 r't' --- l s' Air —r' — X -- * ' HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. each pensioner has had full notice and a full and complete opportunity to be heard in support of the pension so accorded him. RESOLVED, That, as the Commissioner of Pensions, by his recent withdrawals of the obnoxious rulings which have been so generally condemned, has virtually acknowledged the incorrectness of such rulings, we deem it his further duty to at once restore to the rolls the thousands of pensioners now standing illegally suspended. The Grand Army can safely stand upon the record of this report which will receive the endorsement of every loyal member of the Order. The feeling on this question has been strong, many veterans have been cruelly wronged, and the Order has been bitterly maligned. They could have been excused had their resolutions even contained some violence and bitterness, but everything of this character is noticeably absent. Though smarting under gross injustice, their resolutions are manly, dignified and admirable in every respect, such as must command the support of every honest citizen of the Republic. A resolution of thanks was tendered to the citizens of Indianapolis for their good work in entertaining their guests. The newly elected officers were installed, and Commander-in-Chief Adams made a ringing speech which captured the Encampment. He announced Comrade James F. Meech, of Boston, as Adjutant-General, and Comrade Louis Wagner, of Philadelphia, as Quartermaster-General. Amid impressive silence, the Chaplain-in-Chief invoked the divine blessing, and Commander-in-Chief Adams declared the 27th National Encampment of the G. A. R. adjourned. Thus at 4.15 P. M. closed the most harmonious, most enthusiastic and entirely satisfactory Encampment the Grand Army of the Republic has ever held. Quickly the months pass by, and again we see long lines of excursion trains crowded with jolly soldier boys, G. A. R. delegations, auxiliary organizations of women, and sight-seers, swiftly speeding towards the Smoky City, where the 28th National Encamp1894. ment will be held. As the coming guests realize that the journey is almost completed, strong memories of thirty years ago are surging through thousands of hearts, for to many the hearty, loyal hospitality of Pittsburg is no stranger. When the dread stroke of the first war alarm sounded through the land, Pittsburg made welcome and comfortable the travel stained warriors who poured in from the West on the way to Washington and other places of rendezvous in response to Abrham Lincoln's call; so it is with grateful memories and a feeling as of home coming that many thousands of the survivors of the Civil War will to-day enter the Queen City at the head waters of the Ohio. 116 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Passing by all the wonderful changes and improvements which attest the phenomenal growth of this vigorous city since 1861, there is at least one place which happily is now just as it was in war times, and no land mark will have more interest to the visiting veteran or appeal more strongly to the memories of the past. This place is Old City Hall on Market Street. AtWhat veteran who was so fortunate as to stop in Pittsburg on his way to the front, will not remember the warm welcome extended by the Subsistence Commit itee in those dlayts of trial and nervous dread! What soldier will fail to remember the glad surprise that awaited him when wounded and weary, or travel worn and hungry, he was guided by willing hands and sympathetic faces to the historic old hall! And can he ever forget the long tables of good cheer that greeted him, the fair hands that w ere ever busy to attend to his comfort, banish his hunger, and send him off again with renewed spirit, body refreshed, haversack well packed, and with a hearty "God bless you," falling pleasantly and gratefully upon his ears, soon destined to hear the din of battle? And if in those days, a generation ago; the welcome extended to the stranger boy in blue seemed to him hearty and loyal, what will be the welcome of Greater Pittsburg when hie comes again, not as a part of Uncle Sam's Army on the way to the front, but as an honored guest, a member of the victorious host, whom Pittsburg and every other loyal city throughout all our broad land would delight to honor? The Pittsburg of to-day has fairly outdone lerself, and over-reached her own famed hospitality. She fhas determined that the visiting hosts shall all go away with feelings owarmer yet and a more grateful appreciation of her large hearted hospitality, in these days of peace, than even the memories of Old City Hail, in those days when the clouds of war overcast the sky. >Nor were the visible signs of the welcome awaiting the visitors lacki:ng, On every hand, from almost every building, and every show window, flags and bunting and banners and pictures hung in profusion. Old Glory seemed everywhere, from the roofs of sky scraping buildings, from every window and doorway, from lofty flag-staffs, from the masts of vessels, everywhere it could be seen throughout Pittsburg and Allegheny, and even in miniature on the person of every citizen, the flag was displayed. And such crowds of people! The advance guards ibegan to pour in Sunday evening; by Monday the city -was full, Band by Tuesday morning the day of the parade, the visitors were fairly in possession. Fully 250,000 people thronged. the streets of the Iron City. The first event of importance was the parade of the Naval Veterans at 8 o'clock Monday morning, the 10th. The old sea dogs made a 4 -6117. 11- i _ 7 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. splendid appearance as they marched; their sturdy bearing giving evidence of the fighting qualities that distinguished our Navy of 1861 -1865. Several members of the crew of the old war ship, Kearsarge, were in the parade, and their flag was freely cheered. In a carriage was John K. Knowles of the Annapolis Association, who lashed Admiral Farragut to the mast at the memorable battle of Mobile Bay. The Jolly Tars established their heafdquarters in boats provided for their occupancy on the Monongahela, Rear Admiral B. F. Osbon commanding. In the afternoon the visiting officers of the various organizations of women were tendered a most enioyable carriage ride under the management of the Ladies' Citizens Executive Committee, of which Mrs. Chas. F. Sherriff was chairman. Mrs. Sherriff was in charge of the carriage ride, and succeeded in giving her guests a most delightful excursion. On Tuesday, the 11th, the great parade which was the feature of the day, attracted thousands to the line of march; every point of vantage was occupied; even telegraph poles, awning poles, roofs and steeples were crowded with those anxious to see the old boys again in line. The parade was a success in every respect. The weather was perfect, cool and clear, typical "Grand Army weatler," streets in good' condition, the line of march was well chosen, kept entirely clear until the last man had passed, and it must be said that never did the paraders make a finer appearance or seem to more thoroughly enjoy it. In spite of the inroads which advancing age has made upon the health and strength of the surviving veterans, fully 20,000 stepped briskly over the line of march, and were reviewed by Commander-in-Chief Adams. The usual relics of interest attracted all eyes; countless thousands of throats cheering the tattered battle flags, and the grey headed vets who carried them. Though the weight of years and the disability from diseases and wounds were sadly evident among them, the thrilling strains of martial music and the enthusiasm of the moment, seemed to lift the old soldiers above all bodily aches and pains. Their appearance in the march was most creditable. It has been suggested that the parade should be abandoned, but itis probable that it never will be. Past Commander-in-Chief Weissert, when asked on this subject replied, ' Encampments will be held and the veterans will continue to march so long as there is a man able to,walk," and this seems to be the spirit which animates the great majority. After the parade was over, re-unions and hand shakings and cordial greetings and the general enjoyment of everybody was the order of the day. 1.18 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. THE CONVENTION. The first session of the 28th National Encampment was opened on Wednesday, September 12th, at half-past ten. The veterans were welcomed by Governor Pattison, followed by Mayor McKenna, of Pittsburg, and Mayor Kennedy, of Allegheny. Ready cheers greeted each speaker. At the conclusion of these addresses, Col. A. P. Burchfield presented Commander-in-Chief Adams with a gavel that was emblematic and of great historic interest, made of wood from Fort Sumpter and Appomattox, Gettysburg and Libby Prison, bound with metal from the historic cannon. The famous table from Appomattox on which General Lee signed his surrender to Grant was also presented in the name of Mrs. Custer, as the presiding table for the Encampment. Commander Adams responded in graceful, earnest and well chosen words, concluding with a glowing peroration to the flag, and expressed his hope that in a short time there would be no confederate flag, but only one, and that Old Glory, waving over the whole country from Maine to California. This fairly brought down the house, the applause lasting several minutes.. Then followed a scene that was probably never witnessed before in a Grand Army Encampment. Before the applause which greeted Commander Adams' closing words had subsided, he led forward and introduced Hon. Henry Watterson, the eloquent orator, and editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal. As Mr. Watterson advanced to the front of the stage, he began by saying, "And I say, Amen, to every word uttered by the grand Commander about the flag. I have come here to-day an undoubted American to lay at the feet cf American manhood the tribute of respectable homage. I have come a willing witness to the bravery of the American soldier. I have come bringing a message from your countrymen on the other side of the line, but whose hearts beat in hearty response to yours, and who want to see you." The silver tongued Kentuckian continued his address on behalf of the citizens of Louisville, Kentucky, inviting the Grand Army to hold its next Encampment in that city. As he talked the spell of his eloquence possessed the great concourse, thrilling the vast audience like waves of magnetic impulse. So earnest was his emotion that at times, as the eloquent words poured from his silver tongue, tears were forced from his eyes and trickled down his cheeks. His address throughout was punctuated with the most tremendous ap. plause, and he closed amid such cheering as could have rarely greeted his ears. We regret that space will not permit us to quote more largely from the address of this eloquent Southerner, whose efforts and whose life have probably done as much as any other one man toward healing the animosities engendered by the war, drawing together the sections 1i9 HISTORY OF TIHM GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. of our torn country, and building up a new patriotism knowing no South, nor North, nor East, nor West. One paragraph we cannot refrain from quoting. Said Mr. Watterson, referring to Louisville: "You will find there engaged in business rivalry, men who fought side by side in the imminent deadly breach; engaged in equal partnership, men who were introduced to one another out of the mouths of hostile cannons. You will find there wearing the same uniforms and exchanging kindred countersigns men who in moments of conviviality sometimes forget on which side they fought in the war of the sections, happy in a comradeship, never to end this side of the grave. You will find there a valorous little army of embryo heroes who have somehow got so mixed up in their cradles that no one of them can tell which I grandpa it was that wore the blue and which that wore the gray, but who can lisp their determination to lick all creation when they get big enough to wear the crossed swords that hang on the wall in silent proof that they came of good fight. ing stock. We, like you, love our country. Our dearest aspiration is to see it great and strong. It has weathered all the dangers that in times past assailed feudal systems and dynasties; it has weathered all the dangers that spring from the public conditions of our being; the dark shadow of slavery and the baleful menace of disunion; the conflict of jurisdiction between the State and the federal power, and the confusion attendant upon disturbed interpretations of the organic law, the issues that made the war of sections possible have passed away. They can never be resuscitated, but every age as every individual has its own problems to solve, its onwn crosses to bear, and those who are to come after us-who have already arrived upon the scene-will need to meet as we have met the responsibilities of life. That they will meet them bravely, nobly, I do believe, for I have faith not merely in them as our children, but in the destiny of American institutions. Yet, we must help them all we can; and we can help them them in nothing so much as in impressing upon them the lessons of patriotism and manhood which came to us out of the sturdy school of war. Thank God, the flag you will find there is our flag as well as your flag, the flag of a reunited people and a glorious republic to free men all over the world, at once a symbol and a pledge." After the withdrawal of the distinguished visitors, the Encampment went into secret session, Commander-in-Chief Adams read his address, and the other officers presented their reports. The address of the Commander, thoughtful and patriotic in every phrase, was heard with the closest attention. Notwithstanding the fact that at the very beginning of his administration, Capt. Adams was stricken down by a dangerous, and what proved to be an almost fatal illness, resulting from his old army wound, which kept him in the hospital for four months, and which prevented his visiting the different departments, as is the custom, he kept in close touch through the mem,Im:2O HISTOR-Y OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THEE REPU'BLtC bers of his staff with the Grand Army il all parts of the Union, and could report the Order in as good condition as could be reasonably expected. He referred to the fact that the figures presented by the AdjutantGeneral showed that the Grand Army of the Republic has reached the beginning of the end, and that each succeeding year would show a gradual decrease in membership. The death roll for the present year is 181 in excess of the loss by death for last year, making a total of 7,283. When we consider the advanced age of most of the boys who carried the musket thirty years ago, the increase of the death ratio really seems much lower than would be expected, amounting to only three per cent. over the loss for last year. Long continued business depression had also increased the suspended list largely, many of whom would probably be regained to. the Order when; prosperity returned. He was of the, opinion that steps should be taken in the near.future to re-organize posts and departments, because, as he explained, in army life when companies and armies were: reduced in number, they were consolidated, and he thought something of that kind would have to be done with departments that are numerically weak. He thought it would be impossible, no matter how much effort was made, to recruit the ranks in the future as fast as the members would be mustered out by death.. Memorial Day, Commander Adams stated, had been observed more generally than ever before. The system inaugurated at the 27th National Encampment for decorating Southern graves through the Quartermaster-General had proven very satisfactory. He thought Memorial Day should not only be a day to honor the dead, but to teach patriotism to the living, but in order to do that the attention of the people must be secured, and that can only be accomplished by public exercises. He recommended that services of the most impressive character should be held in every national cemetery, that the lesson of the day should be explained to school children, and he thought that it would be a beautiful custom to have all the school children in the land, at the same hour on Memorial Day, unite in singing "America." He believed that too much attention could not be paid by Grand Army Posts toward proper patriotic exercises everywhere in the public schools, observing not only Memorial Day, but Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday also. To the auxiliary organizations of women the Commander paid a warm tribute. Regarding the Woman's Relief Corps he said: "They have never sought to lead the procession, but have always stood in reserve ready to march up to the line when their services were required. Besides the great work of charity, they are seeking every opportunity to teach loyalty F —: ----- I. - g-~-~-: ---- i- - — I. — -~:- -—: - ---—.`-;- ~ -~-' -- -- - ~ ~ -- HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBfLIC to the children of our land. For the first time this year the Woman's Relief Corp-was oficiy represented in the National Council of Women, by Mrs. Sarah C. Mink, National President, and Mrs. Kate B. Sherwood, Delegate. In the delibeations of this noble organization of women, our Auxiliary took an important part" The following resolutions presented by Kate B. Sherwood, were adopted, and the National Council of Women pledged to carry out its provisions: t "WHuERi As, There is a manifest need of primary instruction in constitutional government in our public schools, and of a more direct method of cultivating a broader spirit of nationality among the.children of the country, based upon the Declaration of Independence and the principles of universal charity and equal rights inculcated therein; therefore, Resolved, That the National Council approve of the great movement to teach patriotism in the schools of the United States, and of placing the flag over every schoolhouse and in every schoolroom in the land; and that a committee on patriotic teachings in all the schools of the United States be added to the list of standing committees of the National Council." Continuing, said the Commander: " We are also indebted to the Woman's Relief Corps for the salute to the flag now given in many of the public schools throughout the loyal States. It is an inspiring sight to see the children standing with their right hand pointing to the flag, then carried to head and heart, and hear them say, 'We give our heads and our hearts to our country, one country, one language, one flag.'" Commander Adams's remarks on the Sons of Veterans show that this young and growing organization is attracting more attention from the old veterans. As time goes on they recognize that they must soon lay down the burdens, and they have awakened to the necessity of training the boys to take their places. Said he: "Upon assuming command of our Order, I began to look around for the best methods of strength. I saw that our comrades were growing old, and that the time was not far distant when all public exercises carried on by us must either be given up or transferred to others. I saw this body of earnest young men organized to help us, yet not called as in my own opinion they should be, into active service. Upon visiting their headquarters I was tendered the services of the organization by Commander-in-Chief IMcCabe for any duty, no matter how humble, the Grand Army of the Republic might require of them. During the....1 year I have met them everywhere working to assist departments and posts, and believe in them we have an organization that will carry on our work when we lay it down. I do not believe they should ever become members of our Order in any way, and am of the opinion they do not ask or expect it. I believe the Grand Army of the Republic should cease to exist and live only in history, vhei the last comrade is mustered out, but our principles must live forever. 122 - HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. ' To conscientiously obey the laws of the land, encourage honesty and purity in public affairs, and to defend the flag of the Union, as the emblem of equal rights and national unity, is a work that any organization might be dedicated to. And to whom better can we leave this sacred trust than to our sons? * * * The Sons of Veterans are as loyal and true as were their fathers, and should the country require their services, they would respond as promptly to the call to arms. As our ranks grow thinner, let us urge them to strengthen theirs, so that this nation will ever have a reserve force of loyal men, organized and officered as our Order has been, ready as we are to march and support the constituted authorities of the TUnited States whenever the services of the volunteer are required." Concerning pensions the Commander had to say that:. "The loyal, patriotic and dignified resolutions adopted by the Indianapolis Encampment had borne good fruit. The force of their irresistible logic had been felt in the National Councils. Referring to the statement made by the President in his message that thousands of neighborhoods had their well-known pension frauds, the Commander said extra examiners were employed and nearly all other work in the pension office suspended until they could be hunted down. As your Commander I called upon the comrades to assist in the work. The result as far as I can learn is that very few frauds were discovered, and when found were not cases where soldiers had defrauded the Government, but where some dishonest agent had victimnized a poor ignorant widow and put the money thus obtained into his pocket. It was clearly the intention of the Congress that passed the act of June, 1890, to deal liberally and justly by the veterans, and the loyal people of the country were in full sympathy with them. Whenever a doubt exists the veteran should have the benefit of it." The Commander regretted that such had not been the policy of the pension office. Medical examiners had been changed, old army surgeons who understood the conditions of army life had been relieved, and in many instances their places filled by rmen not in sympathy witlh the veteran. Comrades with cases pending were dying every month, and the settlement, if it ever does come, will be too late for many thousands of deserving veterans. The Commander thought, however, that the veteran could not long be thus abused or neglected. The loyal people of the land he thought never believed in the Union soldiers and sailors more than they do to-' day, and the politician who thinks be will win favor by underrating them or depriving them of what they are entitled to receive, will in the near future find his mistake and will feel very, very lonesome. The question of permanent headquarters was again touched upon, Commander Adams agreeing with many of his predecessors that some permanent place should be secured where the records and archives of the Order could be kept Tecure from fire or accident, :F HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Another subject which has been attracting the attention of the soldier element is the publishing of the records of volunteers. Corn mander Adams thought this was of the greatest importance, and he recommended that the new administration appoint a committee whose duty it would be to obtain from Congress an act authorizing the Secretary of War to publish the records in his office of men who served in the army, navy or marine corps. These records are all classified and kept in the war department, and cannot be secured from any other source. In speaking to the question of law and order, Commander Adams's utterances show on what solid principles the Grand Army of the Republic rests, and the loyalty and patriotic devotion to our country and its organic laws, upon which its membership is based. The presence of anarchy and the importation of anarchists was touched upon by the Commander in no uncertain terms. "While we welcome all who intend to unite with us as American citizens, uphold our Constitution and obey the laws of the land, we have'no room for those whose only desire is to destroy what has been secured by the blood and treasure of our people." The report of Adjutant-General Meech shows the total membership in good standing, June 30th, 1894, to be 369,083, divided among 7,163 posts and 45 departments. Total gain during the year, 39,661. Loss by death, honorably discharged, suspension and other causes, 67,801. From these figures it would seem that the number of posts is less than a year ago by 463, and the total membership, in good standing, less by 28,140. Total amount of money expended for charity from June, 1893, to June, 1894, $203,780.10. The Adjutant-Genecral questioned the practice that obtains among many posts of carrying members long in arrears for dues rather than suspend them. He thought it would be better for the Order that all members not in good standing should be dropped. Concerning the difficulty of getting prompt reports from departments and posts, the Adjutant-General made the most pertinent suggestion that permanent headquarters and a permanent Assistant Adjutant-General wvould go far towards overcoming this trouble. The report of Quartermaster-General Louis Wagner shows: Receipts for the past year to have been,.. $36,651.00 Expenses,............ 23,081.74 Total in the Treasury,........ 25,756.51 The flag fund shows receipts of,..... 1,726.97 Expenditures, *,,...,,.. 1,496.64 1 OA _ 1______ ________ ___ _____ THOM AS G LT. LA LER, COMMANDER -IN-CHIEF GITAND ARMY OPF TiE REEPUBLIC, 1894-9,. Was born in Liverpool, England, on the 7th day of April, 1844. He came to Illinois when b child and received his education in the public schools of Rockford, Iii. In June, 1861, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted as a private in Company E, 19th Illinois Volunteer Infantry; serving in this Regiment three years and three months. He was engaged in every battle in which his Regiment participated, and with the coltors of the Regiment was the first man of his command over the- Confederate works at the battle of.Missionary Ridge, Nov. 15th, 1863. Comrade Lawler served as private, Sergeant, and was elected First Lieutenant but not mustered. He commanded his Company for t-o months during the Atlanta Campaign, was elected by the vote of his Company and placed upon the roll of honer by order of Maj. Gen. Rosecrans, then commanding the Army of the Cumberland. In 1876 he organized the Rockford Rifles, making it the most efficient and best known military organization in the West. Was elected Colonel and commanded the 3rd ]Pegiment llHinois National Guard for seven years, when he resigned in order to give younger officers a chance for promotion. He served as Postmaster at Rockford under Presidents Hayes, Garfield and SHarrison, and is at present engaged in the lumber and coal business. Col. Lawler was one of the first members of G. L. Nevius Post, No. 1, Depsartment of Illinois, G. A. R., which has a membership of nearly 600, and is the third largest Post in the Illinois Department. He served as its Commander for twenty-six consecutive years; was five years a member of the Department Council of Administration; served also as Junior and Senior Vice Department Commander, and was elected by the unanimous vote of the Encampment to the office of Department Commander in the year 1882, his Post refusing to accept his resignation as its Commander during the year of his service as Department Commander, 125 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. The report of Quartermaster-General Wagner, the reports of the officers,liit the reading of the Commander's address, consumed the forenoon and the first part of the afternoon. Reports of various committees were heard, among them being the reports of the PensionCommittee, which was of special interest, reasserting the stand taken at the Indianapolis Convention. The next meeting place was then taken up by the Encampment; St. Paul and Louisville being the chief contestants, but the persuasive eloquence of Watterson, and the enthusiastic efforts of the Louisville delegation,-carried the day, a.nd it was decided to hold the next convention south of Mason and Iixon's Line for the first time in the history of the Order. Nominations for officers were then made, and it soon became apparent that the struggle would be between Col. I. N. Walker, of Indiana, and Col. T. G. Lawler, of Rockford, Ill. This closed the proceedings for the first day. On the opening of the second session, Thursday, September 13th, various other nominations were made, and the Encampment then proceeded with the election of officers. When the vote was announced, Comrade Walker was found to have had 319 votes, and Comrade Lawler 330. Col. Walker came forward, thanked the Convention for its support, and then moved to make the election of Lawler unanimous. With much enthusiasm and applause the motion was carried. In like manner also, Maj. A. P. Burchfield was elected as the Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief; Chas. H. Shute, of New Orleans, Junior Vice; Oliver W. Weeks, of Marion, 0., Surgeon-General, and Rev. T. H. Haggarty, of Ransom Post, St. Louis, Chaplain-in-Chief. Commander-in-Chief-elect Lawiler, in response to calls from the Convention, made an admirable little speech, expressing his appreci ation of the responsibilities of the office, and promising to do all that was in his power to follow worthily in the footsteps of his predecessors. During the morning session, the ladies' organizations made their customary friendly visit to the Encampment, and were received by the boys with enthusiasm and many tokens of appreciation. Gen. Fairchild, Col. Bosbyshell and Comrade AMIcDowell were appointed by the committee to receive the visiting ladies. The Ladies of the G. A. R. were represented by Mirs. Emmna Kennedy, Department President of Ohio, Mrs. Mary G. Reynolds, of Wisconsin, and Mirs. Frank Hubbard, Past Department President, of Illinois. Mrs. Hubbard made a. brief but feeling address which was liberally applauded, and was responded to by Commander-in-Chief Adams. 126 ,HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. The ladies representing the Woman's Relief Corps were Mesdames Florence E. Barker, D'Arcy Kinne, Annie Wittenmyer, Kate B. Sherwood, Conklin, Jones and Phillips. Adjutant-General Meech presented Mrs. Barker, who was received with cheers, and made one of her usual forceful, happy and acceptable speeches. She concluded by reading some of the statistics of the Order, showing the growth of the W. R. C., its present condition, and the fact that it had expended one million dollars since its organization for the relief of comrades and their families. Commander-in-Chief Adams returned the thanks of the Encampment, and as the ladies were escorted out they were given three cheers and a tiger by the convention. A resolution of thanks to the citizens of Pittsburg, the Westinghouse Electric Co. and the press, was then drawn up and passed by the Convention. Past Commander-in-Chief Beath installed the officers elected, Commander Lawler made a brief address, and the new Chaplain-inChief Haggarty, closed the Encampment. Thus was all of the business dispatched in two days, being the best record for quick work yet made by the Grand Army delegates. Outside of the Convention, the time of the visiting thousands were taken up with many social gatherings, re-unions, public demonstrations, national sessions of the W. R. C., Ladies of the G. A. R., Daughters of Veterans, etc., which we have not here space to chronicle. One or two of the social events, however, should not be overlooked. The entertainment of the delegates of the Grand Army and the various organizations of women in the buildings of the Westinghouse Electric and Machine Co., at Brinton, was one of the most gorgeous and extensive affairs ever held. The buildings of the mammoth electric plant were prepared especially for the occasion, being decorated from floor to roof. Fully six thousand people were in attendance, special trains conveying them from the city. To many of the visitors the trip to Brinton itself was a revelation. The long lines of furnaces, indicating the mammoth iron industries of Pittsburg, were in themselves an-exhibition. But the great halls could be compared to nothing else so well as the splendid buildings of the World's Fair. Three halls, each 750 feet long, new floors and everything provided for the convenience and comfort of the guests, and such a brilliant gathering of chivalry and beauty as old Pittsburg never witnessed before, and will probably never see again, was a sight, which, by the thousands present, will Iong be remembered. I HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. An enthusiastic and very pleasant camp fire of the Sons of Veterans Was held at Carnegie Hall, Federal Street, Allegheny, addresses being made by Grand Army men, Rear Admiral Osbon, of the Navy, and Commander-in-Chief Bundy of the Sons, whose sensible and patriotic Utterances showed that the Sons are fortunate in having a leader of Whom they may well be proud. Another remarkable reception, which was not unlike the one given to Col. Henry Watterson at the Encampment, was accorded to another chivalrous and eloquent Southerner, Gen. John B. Gordon, by the Union Veteran Legion. Gen. Gordon was the first confederate soldier ever admitted into the Union Veteran Legion Hall. The reception accorded Gen. Gordon when he delivered his brilliant peroration to the flag, and expressed his own determination that of all true Southern men to rival the men of the North or any other section in defending it, equalled in dramatic intensity any event of the week, Gen. Gordon also delivered his lecture, "The last days of the Confederacy," at Lafayette Hall, on Tuesday evening, when the scene was again repeated; his patriotic utterances again and again arousing such storms of cheers that his voice could not be heard for several minutes at a time. The Naval Veterans Association Camp Fire, in Old City Hall, at the beginning of the week, was also an event of special interest and was largely attended. By Friday morning the visitors who had thoroughly enjoyed theme selves, partaking liberally of the good cheer and hospitality so freely offered by the citizens and those of the delegates who had confined their attention to business, found themselves somewhat weary, and the excursion tendered to the delegates up the Monongahela River to the mammoth Homestead Steel Works was a pleasant and restful event, and a fitting close to the festivities of the week. Two large steamers were provided, to which delegates were admitted by tickets especially issued. The long tables on the lower decks were laden with good cheer, and the visitors felt more than ever the kind and watchful care of their hosts. The trip up the river was pleasantly passed in admiring the scenery, the many signs of commercial activity, in dancing to the inspiring strains of music, and in doing ample justice to the substan tial array of viands. This was the last act of official hospitality, and it is safe to say that no effort of Pittsburg's enthusiastic citizens was more appreciated. Almost five thousand guests were arrnmrodated on the two boats. 128 1` ---— C ---- --- ---n- _1 _ - 7 — ------ ___ ___ HISTORY OF THE GRAND At.IMY OF THE REPUBLIC. On arriving at the Carnegie Steel Plant, one hundred and fifty employees of the works were on hand with badges, to act as escorts. They received the visitors and guided them through the gigantic works, calling attention to the machinery, explaining the various processes by which iron is brought from the molten state into finished beams and girders ready for shipment. Every foot of the trip had an intense interest for the delegates, the boats landing at the identical spot vwhere the "Little Bill" landed'two years ago, on tie morning of the bloody Homestead Riot. To thousands, the great shops were the sight of a life time, and never to be forgotten. The roar of the hundreds of wheels, the flying sparks, the sight of mammoth cranes picking up ingots of steel, weighing tons and tons, and handling them as if they weighed but ounces, the distracting noise of the great saws by which immense steel beams were cut in twain, all constituted a wonderland. The armor plate mill was naturally of great interest, much surprise being exhibited by many people at the immense slabs of iron which are to decorate Uncle Sam's warships. Reluctantly, the last tardy delegate hurried from the works and into the boats. The trip down the river was given up to merry-making, and when the two steamers were again tied up, with many handshakings and farewells, and with many promises to meet again in Louisville, the delegates left the boats, many starting at once for their homes, carrying with them most delightful memories and a sense of gratitude to old Pittsburg and her citizens that time can never efface. And now we have reached a point where the finished painting ends; and close at hand are the artists at work on the canvas of the never-ending Now, while beyond stretches the blank space of the future toward which they are moving. We watch the deft 1895. manipulation of the brush, and under the master-strokes we see unfolding the vision of this current year. TWhatever shadings the picture may receive before it is finished, the red, white and blue are the conspicuous colors in the grounding. RETROSPECTIVE MUSINGS. Standing at this end of the far-stretching canvas, we give one swift look backward over the years that we have just minutely reviewed. It is the vision of a warrior host whose swords are beaten into ploughshares, their spears into pruning-kooks. Let despots maintain their "standing armies" clad in warlike array; nur "Grand Army" wears 3 LN 1f4J 7 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. civilian dress to-day, and yet it was never more unflinchingly ready to meet the emergency, should the emergency come. Let us hope that its battles may ever hereafter be, as now. the bloodless onsets of intelligent opinion, directed to the rnaintainance of the best government on earth —the Federal Union. Stationed along the line of the successive years we see the coon manders-in-chief, ever the bright figures in the fore-ground, who have led this invincible army of unity and peace. Call the roll of honor: Stephenson, Hurlbut, Logan, Burnside, Devens, Hartranft, Robinson, Earnshaw, Wagner, Merrill, Van der Voort, Beath, Kountz, Burdett, Fairchild, Rea, Warner, Alger, and at each name the flash-light of memory brings to view the face and form of a veteran soldier, a recognized master-spirit chosen by his comrades of the Grand Army to be for a time their representative and chieftain. Thirty years ago arch-traitors were holding counsel, plotting the final stroke that should overthrow the Federal government. If they could then have sought the cave of the "weird sisters" to demand that the mysteries of an unknown future should be revealed to them, the sight would have unnerved the arm of treason and paralyzed the project of rebellion. More prophetic than was the procession of kings in the vision of the doomed Macbeth would have been this procession of the commanders-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, gliding before the spell-bound gaze of its presumptuous foes. INDIVIDUAL DUTIES OF EVEItY COMRADE. In '65 the "returned soldier" was the central figure in every village group. Many a man who went away an obscure volunteer returned to find the laurels of social distinction awaiting him. If before the war he had borne a reputation for "wildness," it was all forgiven him; if for years afterward he accomplished little or nothing noteworthy, his "war record " still floated him on the crest of popular admiration. But there is a limit to the time that one may rest on his laurels. It is much to attain; it is more to sustain; and to-day the men who maintain the credit of the Grand Army of the Republic and keep its hold on the patriotic esteem of the people at large are the men whose later lives have honorabl y fulfilled the promise of those few brilliant years of conspicuous nerve and bravery. It is because they have "lived up to their record "that the record itself remains glorious; otherwise it would have become but a common-place memory so far as it was associated with their individuality. The heroic element is not manifested on the battle-field alone; it often finds its severest test under conditions the least resembling a conflict To do I I i iCI11 --- —----- -- -- HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. may be the feat of one supreme moment, and under the stimulus of unique circumstances; to be costs the effort of a lifetime, under all varieties of circumstances, sometii:mes ini the face of sad discouragements or in the midst of insidious temptations. lAs tlthe- years pass on, each individual veteran is honored mor e and more for wzhat he is, proportionatelv less for Utwh c he wcs.Os. Glorious as is the field record of the Grand Army of the Republi. thle tavrage of its claim to continued honor and respect is raised or lowere;d b.,y Wie personnel of its membership, and each man in its ranks is responstlible for some degree of variation in the scale. This fact. universallv true of organized societiesi is the strongest motive for that esip>'it de corps which is the life of all organizations. It is especially a motive for every one who has ever worn the blue to so order his private and public life that no dishonor shall ever fall on the veteran army to which he belongs. From'61 to '65 the soldier had a chance to show what he could do; from '65 to '90 he has been showing what he is. We are glad to believe that in this world full of erring human beings no class can show a better record, in respect of character development, than the veterans of the Union army. As individuals they are filling honorable positions in the State and in society, and helping to demonstrate in the every-day life of the nation the practical value of the principles for which they fought, and thus proving to a hitherto incredulous world that, in our country at least, no radical distinction exists between the soldier and the citizen, SPECIAL DUTIES OF THE LOYAL LEGION. Those who were in Philadelphia, on April 15, 1890, will never forget the celebration of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Loyal Legion. "Ah, General!" "Hello, Colonel!" "A Well, Major!" were cheery greetings heard at every other step as we threaded our way through the smiling groups oin Chestnut street. We felt curiously interested to study these types of the commanding element in our army, and we understood better than before why these men were chosen chiefs. We reflected that the old Saxon word for King meant simply "the man who cax." This potential force of character, which made the Loyal Legion the commanding spirits of the army, makes them also influential factors in the civil affairs of the nation. Since ete war many of them have born the titles of distinguished civil office. ' Governor," or " Senator," quite as often as " General," was heard in the greetings of these Companions; and the commander-in-chief this year, Ex-President Hayes, has filled the highest office in the land. During the war, te character of the commanding officer gave tone t his regimeat, or brigade, or division. S, in the veteran armj tIe * S} * HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. personal nobility and culture characterizing the Loyal Legion gives an example of the gentle manliness which the Grand Army in all its divisions may proudly emulate. When, on the evening of April 15th, we saw the Companions assembled in the Academy of Music, and especially that brilliant group upon the stage, we were impressed with this thought: that the commissions in our army were not bought and sold for money, but officers wore the rank which their own merit won for them. Was the air within that beautiful auditorium electric? Or were we only thrilled by the presence of so much concentrated will-powe-? May the Companions of the Loyal Legion ever maintain their high standard of honor and courtesy, and ever faithfully meet their responsibilities as examples to the rank and file of the veteran army. Noblesse oblige. CHRONOLOGY BY DEPARTMENTS. HE movement to establish the Order of the Grand Army of the Republic was far-reaching. Nearly every State in the Union was the scene of some effort in that direction in 1866-1868. In many cases the effort, for local reasons, was short-lived; and in a large number of States the Permanent Departments formed in those earlier years were after a time discontinued, and remained extinct for a longer or shorter period. In the majority of the States, however, the Order has been revived, and the State Departments have been permanently reorganized. In the following outline the several departments are sketched in the order of their final PERMANENT ORGANIZATION; that is to say, in the order of present seniority. DEPARTlMENT OF ILLINOIS. This department was the starting-point of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was organized with the informality usual in initial proceedings, about March, 1866. Its definite claim to official authority was first shown in the issuing of a charter for the first Post of the Grand Army, located at Decatur, Illinois, and dated April 6, 1866, and signed by B. F. Stevenson, Commander of the Depart. ment of Illinois. For some reason this department, out of which the National Organization speedily grew, suffered serious relapse of local interest during the first few years of its existence. While other departments, especially in the east, were flourishing and enthusiastic, the Department of Illinois was barely kept alive by the 1 '4) HISTORY OF: THE GRAND ARMY OF.THELRPUBLIO, - persistent efforts.De a few comrades. The political disturbances; and the attend... ant confusion of ideas as to the aims of veterans' societies, which hampered the progress of the Grand Army everywhere at that period, may: account for -h1:apathy manifested in the Department of Illinois, from '67 to '72. The senior post of the department is Nevius Post, No. 1, of Rockford, chartered October 3, 1866, and having an unbroken record of existence, while 123 other Posts chartered prior to this date were disbanded before 1872. Since the latter date, however, the department has steadily grown, and now ranks third in the number of its chartered Post:s, and furl-th in aggregate membership. The number of Posts in 1889, is 568. The aggregate membership in 1889, is 31,576. - The. effort to establish a Soldiers' Home was begun by the department in 1884, and was immediately successful, an appropriation being secured from the Legislature. The Home is beautifully located it Quinecy, 111. The State has, up to 1889, made appropriations amounting to ov.er 6-U 600,000. By Act of Legislature, dated. lay 3Q0 1881. MemIlrial Day oecame a legal holiday in Illinois. The Department of Illinois had the honor to enroll Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, the general having been mustered iino George.l Thomas Post, Nio: 5, of Chicago, in October of 1879. D)EP&iARTMEN:T OPF L tWISCONSIN. Permanent Organization, June 7, 1866, Gen. J. K. Proudfit first Department Commander. First Post chaie.ered, Pos.t o. 1. of Mtadison. The senior Post of the department now is Post N:o. 4, of Berlin, chartered September, 1866. Number of Posts in 1889, 250. A ggregate membership in 1889, 13,249. The State Soldiers' Home was established in 1887 by Act of Legislature. By a subsequent act during the same year, an appropriation was made of $3.00 per week for each individual received as an inmate of the home. Aside from this, the enterprise has been carried on,by the patriotic effirts of Posts, aided by the 'Woman's Relief Corps and many citizens. One special feature of this home is the admission of indigent widows of veterans. The home is located at "Greenwood Park," a tract donated bv the city of Waupaca, and lying about three miles out of town. SPECIAL LEGISLATION.-Memorial Day was made a legal holiday in 1879. An Act passed by the Legislature on A-pril 11, i887. forbids the unauthorized Use of the Grand Army badge, under penlalty. An Act approved April 2, 1887, orders a tax not exceeding one-fifth of a mill to be levied in each county, to provide a relief fund for veteran soldiers, the fund to be entrusted to a Soldier's Relief Commission, in order that no veteran in Wisconsin shall ever be sent to a poor-house. An Act approved April 8, 1887, provides for burial expenses of veerans who die in needy circumstances. - HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC - DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. Permanent Organization, January 16, 1867, General Louis Wagner first Department Commander. First Post chartered, Oct. 16, 1866, as Post No. 1, of Philadelphia. Number of Posts in 1889, 585. Aggregate membership in 1889, 44,781. The record of the Department of Pennsylvania is full of interest. Much of the stirring and vigorous action of the National Organization may be traced to the enterprising spirit of this department, A thoroughfare for marching troops during the war, Philadelphia has since been the scene of many impressive reunions. The Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association was incorporated April 30, 1864. Ever since, as funds could be gathered, the Association have been purchasing the historic ground; and although only a small part of the entire field has been thus secured up to date, the most conspicuously interesting spots are now the property of the Association. The national interest in this mournful victory is shown in the fact that contributions for the purchase fund and for monumental purposes have been made by at least fourteen States. The Gettysburg field is the scene of the Annual Department Encampment. " Grand Army Day" is observed throughout the State each October, by local parades and reunions marked by social and patriotic spirit, and naturally has much to do with the sustained interest of the department. Through the efforts of the Department of Pennsylvania the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home was finally established at Erie, in the buildings originally designed for a marine hospital, and was opened on February 22, 1886. Extensive improvements have since been in progress. From 1862 to 1865 efforts were made to provide homes for Soldiers' Orphans, andcharitable plans resulted in the founding, or developing, of several such homes and schools. In 1865 the Legislature began a course of conservative legislation for the support of these institutions. Their action in the matter from year to year, through the influence of the Grand Army, has been growing more and more liberal. The splendid results shown in these schools are a full justification of the enthusiasm of their projectors. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION.-Memorial Day was made a legal holiday May 26, 1874. By Act of May 13, 1885, appropriation was made for burial expenses of any indigent veteran. Gen. U. S. Grant was mustered into the Grand Army of the Republic, May 16, 1877, as a member of George G. Meade Post, No. 1, of Philadelphia, just before his departure on his journey around the world. On his return, in December, 1879, Philadelphia was the scene of a special reunion of the Grand Army in honor of its fbrmer chief. The demonstration was one of the most brilliant in the history of the Order. DEPARTMENT OF OHIO. Permanent Organization, January 30, 1867, Gen. Thomas L. Young first Department Commander. The Senior Post of this Department is Forsyth 134 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Post, No. 15, of Toledo, chartered November 19, 1866. Number of Posts in 1889, 670. Aggregate membership in 1889, 43,487. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.-The Soldiers' Orphans Home at Xenia was established by the Department of Ohio, but, owing to the depressed condition of the the Grand Army at that time, it was given over to the control of the State in 1870. But the department maintains its interest in the Home, and the Woman's Relief Corps has also been a conspicuous factor in its success. The Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Home was projected in 1866 on a large scale; and in 1888 the first of the several buildings was opened. Others are in progress. It is designed to provide accommodations for 1500 inmates, at a cost of over half a million dollars. MEMORIAL ENTERPRISES.-Buckley Post, No. 12, of Akron, is the only one of the Posts chartered during 1867, that has maintained its organization. This fact is commemorated by a beautiful memorial chapel, built on the plot of ground devoted to veterans' graves in the Akron Rural Cemetery, and dedicated on May 30, 1876. The chapel contains memorial tablets for Akron veterans, and several beautiful memorial cathedral windows. Memorial Hall, in Toledo, was dedicated on May 26, 1887. The same day a fine statue of Gen. James B. Steednman was also dedicated. A memorial building has also been erected at Zanesville, and another is projected in Columbus. The memorial idea seems to have taken a strong hold of Ohio, the Legisl& ture having authorized the issue of bonds, if needed, for this purpose. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION. —Memorial Day has been made a legal holiday. The unauthorized use of the G. A. R. badge is forbidden, under penalty. By an Act of Legislature, similar in tone to the celebrated "1754," preference in civil appointments is granted to veterans of the civil war. One of the National Military Homes is located at Dayton, Ohio, and was the scene of the National Encampment in 1880. DEPARTMENT OF CONNECTICUT. Permanent Organization, April 11, 186, General Edward Harland first Department Commander. First Post. No. 1, of Norwich, chartered February 15, 1867. Number of Posts in 1889, 67. Aggregate membership in 1889, 6,841. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. —Fitch's Home for Soldiers is the gift of the late Benjamin Fitch. Originally the farms and buildings were used for a Soldiers' Orphans Home, under the personal management of Mr. Fitch. Later, the property was donated to the State to be used as a Veterans' Home. Extended improvements have since been made. SPECIAL LEGISLATION.-Provision is made by the State for free hospital treatment for veterans who may require it. Special provision is made to assist any child under fourteen years of age, who is the orphan of a veteran whose death was directly or indirectly the result of his army service. Memorial Day became a legal holiday in 1874. 135 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPtBI/C. By Act of Legislature in 1883, the burial expenses of needy veterans are paid by the State. The property of all honorably discharged veterans, or of pensioned widows or mothers, to the extent of $1000 is exempt from taxation; and the soldier or sailor who suffers the loss of a limb in the service i exempt from property tax to the extent of $3,000. The unauthorized wearing of the Grand Army badge is forbidden, under penalty, by Act of Legislature in 1887. The principal memorial structure within the bounds of this department is the memorial arch, in Bushnell Park, Hartford, designed by George Keller, and erected at the expense of the city. The design is complex, and, for its architectural points and its commemorative features, deserves a close and intelligent inspection. DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK. Permanent Organization, April 3, 1867, Colonel James B. McKean first De. partment Commander. First Post, No. 1, of Rochester, chartered 1867. Number of Posts in 1889, 595. Aggregate membership in 1889, 39,281. PUBLIC INSTITUJTONs.-After a decade of fruitless effort, the New York $State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home was finally started, a Board of Trustees for the same being incorporated May 15, 1876. The Home was located at Bath, Steuben county, and was formally opened on January 22, 1879. The Union Home and School for soldiers' and sailors' orphans has provided for over 6,000 children. This Home was organized by private subscriptions, and mainly supported in the same way. SPECIAL LEGISLATION.-An Act passed June 25, 1887, authorizes any town in the State to provide a relief fund for needy veterans or their families. Burial expenses for veterans are provided for, by Act of May 21, 1884. Memorial Day became a legal holiday in 1873. Unauthorized wearing of the Grand Army badge, or of the insignia of the Loyal Legion, is prohibited under penalty. By several Acts of Legislature, from 1885 to 1888, preference in employment in public service, and protection from unjust removal from the same, are given to veterans of the civil war. By several Acts of Legislature, in '86, '87 and '88, the use of public money variously for monumental purpose is authorized. Other legislation facilitating the work of the Grand Army has occurred from time to time. Various associations, or "committees ' of the nature of bureaus of employ. ment and relief for veterans, have been organized in diferent counties in the State. The Department of New York is conspicuous for its notable parades. On. two great occasions tlhe entire department has been in line; on the celebration of" Evacuation Day" November 26, 1883, and on the occaion of the funeral of General Grant, on August 5, 1885. 1136 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY CO.i THE REtUBLIC. DEPARTMENT T OF MAASSACUSETTS. Permanent Organization, MaV 7, 18 7, 6 njcor A.. Cushman first Depart. ment. Commander. Senior Post of the De ptC:me nt, Post No. 1, of New Bedford, chartered October, l:66 Nl6lmcr of Posts- in 1889, 197. Aggrate membership in 1889, 21,- 7.PUBLIC INSTITUTITON. —The if assh-f.tr usetts Soldirs' Home was opened in 1881, and has received the o. st c:-rdii siui por f rom the S, and fttm Grand Army Posts, and not.a Y _-m thi L; o i an-'s Belief Corps and other patriotic women of Ma-ssaclhusil:tr The prp-i:erty of ie Home is located at Chelsea, and was formerly known 3:s r.:e l.: i7 i:.:, Park Kote!: el. The- late date at which this L.,me. a:?.n t,'tu-,i. mi-t t puzzle those who do not know that from the beginni-igz o.tf le war; i '6, the i Sate of Massachusetw assumed the care of all 'her soldiers ald their faTmilies. with the idea of rendering aid in such a way that each veteran couldi sti y in his own home so long as he had one. It was the grotwing number of reaiiv fiomeless veterans that made it necessary to add a Soldiers' Home to the ot'er methods of dispensing relief The same earnest patriotism that gave life to the earlier efforts characterizes, the conduct- of this later entereprise. In this connection it nmay he preoper to st. ate t!at, the Department of Massachusetts, which ranks sixth in ag,reaite.me:tir-' stads rst among the departments in the amount of r-:li:f ai.i-u!ly di-bursed by it Posts. SPECIAL LEGI;SLATION.-.'em:...1 "t.y ct-a ne 4s. leg:-l holiday in 1881. By Act of Ma.rch 10, 187, tihe uautl. horizI use i- f the G. A.. badge is forbidden under penalty. By Act approved June 16, 1i887 vete-ra:n of t:.i cvi.l wsar are preferred fr civil appointments. Another echo olfi 154.-T The Department of M'assach;setts 1:oaqrs severa.l very handsome Post HBall. The hall of CGeneral Lander Post, No. 5, is valuled at $810,000. The first general parade of the Grand Army of the Btpublic took place in Boston in the autumn of 1's67, the- occasion being a reception to General Philip H. Sheridan. This denionstr:ati t, aroursed intense interest, and gave the Grand Army a favorable introduclion to public favor. DEPARTMENT. OF,:'EW JE1R'EY. Permanent Organization, December 10. 18 7; General Edward Jardine first Department Commander. Senior Pocst of the Department, Kearny Post. iNo 1, of Newark, chartered Decelmber 6, 1866. Number of Posts in 1889, 11i. Aggregate membership in 1889, 7,724. PUBLIC INsTrrTTIo N.sT -New Je-rsey established the first State Soldiers' Home, by Act of Legislature approved March 23, 1865. The idea originated with Governor Marcus L. Ward, who, in 1863, petitioned the Legislature to consider the matter. Governor Ward w as identified with the project throughout tne temainder of his life, and his mantle of patriotic devotion has fallen on the UIIST ORY. OF -THF, GMAN ARMY OF' THR REPUBLIC?-__r shoulders of his son, Marcus L. Ward, Jr. The Home was first located in 1Xew'rk., in buildings used in war times ass a U. S. hospital. In 188-6, an petition of the Grand Armay IDepartment., a genero us appropriation by the Legisati secured a. new sbite, for the Home, in' Hudson county, on the shore of the Pasaicrivrwhere it is now located. SPECIAL LEGISATION.-New Jersey. also made liberal provision for its, soldiers and sailors and their dependents-, both, during the war and since iti close. Burial expenses are met by the State, w,.hen necessary Memorial day has long been a legal holiday. CON[MEMORATIVE.-Te most conspicuous memorial in New Jersey i's the bronaze statue of General Philip Kearny, at Military Park, in Newark. DEPARTMENT OF MAINE. Permanent Organization, January 10, 1868. General Geo. L. Beal., first Dep~artwn-t Co mmander. First Post chartered at Bath,, June 28, 1867, by charter froam Nation-al Headquarter&~ Number of 2V3'f54d in I&3., 156. Aggre. gaemmbership in -18893,9,363. r u LcIXsTrrUTI&NS.-The Bath Military andi Naval Orphans'Ayu was founded by. the State, 'in 1866. SEILLEGISLAIN-u Act Passed 1874 made Memorial Day a legalI baoliday. The State appropriates $315,000 a year for pensions to indigent soldiers and their widows and orphans. The sums thus paid range from two to eight dollars per month, according to circumstances. In case of necessity, burial expenses *br veterans are borne by the State. An Act approved February 15', 1887, forbids the unauthorized wearing of the G. A. R. badge, under penaltvy DEPA RTMENT OF CALIFORNIA (INCLUDING NEVADA), Per~manent Organization, February 21, 18638, General James Coey first Depart.' mient Commander. First Post chartered in San Prancisco, on April 22, 1867. The present senior Post of the department 'is Linicoln Post, No. 1, of San Fran.' ceisco. Number of Posts in 1889, 111. Aggregate membership in 1889, 6A411. PUBLIC INSTITUTIO~s.~-The Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Yountville. Call.' ~~rnia, was openved in 1884. The Department of California contributed. largely to the funds for the enterprise. The, State. Pow supports the irnstitution, but the board of managers is made, up of comrades of the Grand Army, and veterans of the Mexican War. A branch of the National Homnes has also been located at Santa Moniea, California, which, when finished, will give shelter to all needy veterans in the pacific coast region. S;PECIAL LEGIsLATnoN.~-Memorial Day becamse a legal holiday in 1880. COxoX4aiy,jjg-A unique menmorial -project is undertaken by Post 23 of~ E * ~ ~1 I HISTORTT1Y TTfl GtyiAy1 ' ARlt M '031 t~H RiPUTBLic. Stockton, California, that of building a monument to R. C. Gridley, the mer. chant of Austin, Nevada, who, during the war, raised a quarter of a million dollars for the Sanitary Commission by the device of selling over and over again at auction a thirty-pound bag of flour. According to the terms of -an "election bet," Mr. Gridley, the loser, had been obliged to carry this bag of flour through the streets, to the great amusement of the crowd assembled as usual to witness the performance. At the favorable moment, when every one' was ready for any jolly suggestion, the happy thought occured to Mr. Gridley to put the bag up at auction, for the benefit of the soldiers. The instant and overwhelming success that followed illustrates how a whimsical notion may sometimes be the starting-point of an intensely earnest-endeavor-: That the Grand Army should now plan a mornument to a private citizen seems like a reversal of the usual order of things; but it is after all a grateful recognition on their part of the service rendered to the army by patriotic civilians, -without which the prosperous conduct of the war would have been doubtfi, if: not impossible. The Department of California may be called the cosmopolitain departnient of the order, for it has this peculiar characteristic, doubtless due to the tide of emigration westward after the war, that its membership represents 1,564 regiments and batteries, and 128 war-ships, and every State and Territory that': furnished any-troops during the civil war.-DEPARTMENT OF RHODE ISLAND. Permanent Organization, Matrch 24, 1868, General A. E. Burnside first Department Commander. Senior Post of the department is Prescott Post, No. 1, of Providence chartered April 12, 1867. Number of Posts in 1889, 21. Aggregate membership in 1889, 2,802. LEGISLATION.-In 1885 the Legislature authorized the appointment of a Relief Commission to aid needy veterans and their —widows and orphans, also, provision was made for a temporary Soldiers' Home. When necessary, the State assumes-the burial expenses of deceased veterans. Memorial Day has been a legal holiday almost from its institution, and is observed with marked respect. The wearing of the badge or button of the G. A. R. by any other than a member of the Order is forbidden, under penalty. MIEMORIAL.-Prescott Post, Io. 1, has led the department in the enterprise of building memorial halls, and other Posts throughout the State are contemplating following the example of the senior Post. A colossal bronze equestrian statue of General Burnside has been placed in "Campus Martius," at Providence, and was dedicated July 4, 1887, with impressive ceremonies. A full parade of the department marked the occasion. The Department of Rhode Island has been distinguished for the cordial and )0home-like" hospitality that it has so often extended to national officers at d comrades of the Order. The little State is large enough, in area and in genero lity, to welcome all who come, HISTORY OF 'THE GRAND' ARMY OF THE EPUBLIC. DEPARTMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Permanent Organization, April 30, 1868, Captain W. R. Patten first Department Commander. Senior Post of the Department, Post No. 1, of Portsmouth, chartered November 6, 1867. Number of Posts in 1889, 90. Aggregate membership in 1886, 4,984. LEGISLATION.-Provision is made by the State for maintaining dependent Union veterans, or their widows and orphans, at their own homes, or in some place not a poor-house. A law was passed by the Legislature, forbidding the unauthorized use of the Grand Army badge, under penalty. Memorial Day was made a legal holiday in 1877. THE WEIRS ENCArMPMIENT.-Closely allied in interest to the Grand Army of the Republic, though formally distinct from it, is the annual reunion of New Hampshire regimehts and the various veterans' societies within the State bounds. This reunion occurs during the last week of August, at the beautiful camp at Wiers, on the banks of Lake Winnipiseogee, where extensive improvements have given ample facility for the soldiers of New Hampshire to spend a delightful week devoted to patriotic reminiscence. This camp in all its appointments is the finest one in the country. DEPARTMENT OF VERMONT. Permanent Organization, October 23, 1868, General George P. Foster first Department Commander. The first Post, Wells Post, No. 1, of St. Johnsbury, was organized January 10, 1868, the charter being issued from National Headquarters, General John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief. This Post afterwards disbanded, but was reorganized as Chamberlain Post, No. 1, in 1880. The senior Post of the department, properly, is Post No. 2, of Burlington, chartered April 27, 1868, which has maintained an unbroken record. Number of Posts in 1889, 102. Aggregate membership in 1889, 5,113. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.-Thie Soldiers' Home, at Bennington, was established by Act of Legislature in 1884. The trustees are mainly comrades of the Grand Army, and the resident superintendent is a Vermont veteran. The surroundings of the Home are peculiarly advantageous. The clear springs in the hills round about furnish an abundant supply of water for the buildings, and for one of the finest fountains in the world, throwing a stream tc the height of nearly 200 feet. The beautiful scenery and the homelike atmos phere of the place make it a welcome retreat for the worn and weary veteran. LEGISLATION.-MaJ 30th is a. legal holiday in Vermont. An Act of the Legislature forbids the wearing of the G. A. R. badge, by any unauthorized person, under penalty. DEPARTMENT OF THE POTOMAC. A Provisional Department from 1866 to 1869. Permanent Organization, February 13, 1869, Samuel A. Duncan first Department Commander. Post No. 1, of Washington, was chartered October 12, 1866, 140 HISTORY OF'THE GRAND ARMY. OF THE REPUBLIC. This department grew out of the National Organization of the "Soldiers' and Sailors' Union," a society formed in 1865 to look after the interest of veterans. The small area of this department, merely the District of Columbia, affords little scope for local interest; its enterprises have always been peculiarly national. The Provisional Department in those early years did efficient work in organizing Posts in the southern States, as well as elsewhere. DEPARTMENT OF MIARYLAND. A Permanent Organization was effected January 8, 1866, but the depart ment was discontinued in 1872. The Permanent Department was reorganized June 9, 1876, E. B. Tyler Department Commander. The first Post organized was Post No. 1, of Baltimore, chartered November 14, 1866. This Post ceased to exist in 1872, but was reorganized as Wilson Post, No. 1, of Baltimore, by charter dated August 23, 1875. The senior Post of the department is Post No. 2 of Frederick. Number of Posts in 1889, 39. Aggregate membership in 1889, 2,102. DEPARTTMENT OF NEBRASKA. Permanent Organization, June 11, 1877, Paul Van DerVoort, first Department Commander. The senior Post of the department is Post 1, of Kearncy. Number of Posts in 1889, 249. Aggregate membership in 1889, 7,669. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.-The Nebraska Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, at Grand Island, established March 4, 1887, and in progress of development, is in its provisions the most liberal institution of its kind yet planned. Veterans and their dependent families, and also hospital nurses and their children, are eligible beneficiaries. A two years' residence in the State and proof of actual need are the conditions of admission to the Home. A site of 640 acres of land, and the sum of $19,200 were donated by the citizens of Grand Island. The Legislature has made provision for the yearly expenses. The main building of the Home was-opened July10, 10888. Other buildings will be added as needed. 'SPECIAL LEGISLATION.-Funeral expenses of indigent veterans are met by the State. By Act of March 31, 1887, the property owned by veterans and purchased with pension money, to the extent of $2`000, is exempt from levy and sale upon execution or attachment. Memorial Day became a legal holiday in 1885. The unauthorized use of the G. A. R. badge is forbidden, under penalty. COMMEMORATIVE.- -By Act of Legislature in 1887, a room was set apart in the capitol building to be used as a repository of army records of the Nebraska volunteers, and also as a museum of mementoes and relies of the civil war, as they may be from time to time collected or donated. Also, by Act of Legislature in 1887, $20,000 was appropriated for a building on the grounds of the State University, at Lincoln, to be used for al armory and gymnasium, and to be known as the " Grant Memorial Hall'" 141 I:; ': -. "\ " ' HISTOR f OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. The Department of Nebraska holds an annual reunicn of soldiers and sailors at some camping ground each year selected. Arrangements are made on a grand scale, and the attendance is general and enthusiastic. The extent of the enterprise can be conceived when we are told that a tract of 240 acres is required to accommodate the camp. DEPARTMlENT OF MIICHIGAN. A Provisional Department was organized in Michigan in 1867. A more or less vague record remains of the department until 1872, at which time it was discontinued. A Provisional Department was again formed in 1875. A Per manent Organization was made January 22, 1879, with Major C. V. R. Pond, Department Commander. The Senior Post of the department is Post No. 1, of Coldwater. Number of Posts in 1889, 360. Aggregate membership in 1889, 20,977. PUBLIC INSTrITTIONS.-The State Soldiers' Home, at Grand Rapids, was established by Act of Legislature, approved by Governor Alger, June 5, 1885. The State appropriated $100,000 for buildings, and $50,000 for two successive years for maintenance. Citizens of Grand Rapids purchased a site of 132 acres, and presented it to the State. The large building was dedicated on December 30, 1886, and on January 1, 1887, the Home was opened. Governor Alger, now (1890) Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, was chairman of the first Board of Managers, who so promptly gineered the project at its start, DEPARTMENT OF IOWA. Iowa in effect repeated the history of the neighboring States. Posta were formed and a Department organized with much enthusiasm on September 26, 1866. In 1871, the department had dissolved and only one Post retained its charter. The effort at revival, shown all over the country in 1872, was feebly successful in Iowa; a Provisional Department was formed, and Posts were slowly established through several years. The Permanent Organization was established January 23, 1879, and H. E. Griswold was elected Department Commander. The senior Post of this department is Post No. 1, of Davenport, chartered July 12, 1866. Number of Posts in 1889, 403. Aggregate membership in 1889, 19,380. PUBLIC INsTIrr TIONS.-The Iowa Soldiers' Home was founded by Act of Iegislature in March, 1886. It is located at Marshalltown, on a tract of 128 acres donated by the citizens, who also made a liberal cash contribution. The Home will accommodate 400 inmates. A three-years' residence in the State is esential to bdmission. Three separate Soldiers' Orphans Homes have been opened in the State, but 142 HISTORY, OF THEl GRAM)D ARMTY OF TMiX REPUBIAC.* all have been consolidated at the home in Davenport, which wms founded i 1863, by private enterprise, but became a State Inst-it-ution in U1866. Over 300 children are cared for in this Homte. LEGISLATION.-By Act of Legislature in 1888, a tax not exceeding three.. tenthis of a mill is to-'be levied to secnre a Soldileim' Relief" Fund. Burial expeunses of indigent veterans -are ordered to be paid by the County Supervissors. The badges of the Grand Armv of the, 33epublic, and of the Military Order of the Loyal L~egion are protected by Ia-w fOm una-a-uthorized use. Memorial Day h-acs become a. legatl. holiday. DEPARTMENT OP IN DIA NA The tremendous enthusiasm. with which the Grand Armdy 'irie ~sprang into, i fe in 1866 was equalled only by the alm-ost total extinction that followed. The large number of Posts formed prior to 1871, and the large membership Of each, might ha've made Indiana a st-rongrhold of the Grand Army; but herei, as in several other States, various ca-uses, ch-iefly political, temporarily killed the interest in the Order, and after 1871 only one, Post, out of 300 chartered, remained in' ex-istence-the one now known,, as Auten Post, No. 8,, of South Bend. This Post, deserted by its mlother department, was adopted by. the Department of Illinois, and remained thereunto, att-,_ched until the Department of Indiana was reorganized. Auten Post i's deservedlyr the senior -Post of Indiana, but No. I1 is ass ign ieda t.o Mforton.Post4, of Terra Haute, the first Post enrolled in the reolrganized Depart..menlt of Ind'iana, After several dormant years the Perm,-anent Department was re-established October 3, 1879, with Capt. John B. Hag-,er as Department Commander. Number of Posts in 188,9, 495. Aggregate miembership 'in 1889, 24,431. COMME.IoRA,.TI~vE,.-Th-rougi(,h the inffluence of the Grand Army of the Re. public, ably sustained b-Y public sentiment, a ma2gnificent Sol1diers' Monument i being constructed in Indianapoli~s, " To In-dianma's Silenat, Victors, by a gratefuil State." The design is exceediingrly beautiful and,-symbolical. The estimated cost is over a quarter of a mnillion dolhl~rs; $200,000 was appropriated by the Legrislature, and the balance I's being contributed by counties and by regiments. This beautiful memiorial will suirely be an objecie Point for tourists and eight-seers in'years to come. DEPARTMENT OF KANSA11%S. A secret society known as the Veteran Brotherhood was organized 'in ]Kansas in 1865. One year later, after thre Grm,-nd Army -of the Republic was fairly, started,.the Veteran Brotherhood, at a State camp held in Topeka, unanimously adopted the ibilowing,: RESOLVF.a: That the Veteran Brotherhood, State of Kansas, be, and i OF~ai~0 THE G "AI1) ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. herby franirred to the Grand Army of the Republic, and that we hereby adopt the ritual, and agree to be governed by the Rules and Regulations of the Graind -Arwy of the Republic. By this trmnskr thirty-two camps of the Veteran Brotherhood became Posts of the G. A.. K, and the Department of Ksansas was formed. The Departruent was, however, short-lived, existing for about two yersoly. I 82a attempt. was made to revive it, but little wvas accomplished for several years. A- Permanent Organization was finally made in Mlarch 16, 1880, with J. 0. Walkinshaw as Department Commander. Post 1, of the presentDnumbering, is loae t Topeka. Number of Piosts -in 1889, 5.Ageaemmesi in 1889, 17,727.PUBLIC INSIUTIONS5.-By Act of Congress in 1884, the Nation'al Soldiers' Rome at Leavenworth was founded, providing for all disabled Union' veterans,, whether disabled in the service or not but no one disabled in service.. ag-ainnst the United States can be admitted. The Soldiers' Orphans' Home-is 16cited AtVAtchison. The city donated the aite of 160 acres, and $5,000 -in cas-h. Th6 State has borne the further expenixof buildings and maintenance. Besides the main building, cottages are in pro-. gress to meet the requirement of more room. The necessity, for further provision for needy veterans than i-s made by the Lekavensworth Home, has led the departmtent to take, action. 'Their' plan' is a compromise. between the two extremes of opinion as to the best way to care fo'r the, needy. The large public institution-wish b I ts vigorous -milit'ary disciplie or the assisting of the poor to live comnfort~ably in the, privacy and fr~edom ox their own homes-these are the two exti-eme plans. But there are cases where thie'latter is out of the question, an-d yet th-Ie fbrmer i's distasteful'to those. whose happiness depends on domesticity. The Kansasida(ls adopted to some extent in Nebraska) when carried out will. be tile beest union of tbe two ideas that has yet been suggested. It is proposed to h~ave a tract of land, not less than 640 acres, and to build' cottages, allowing wvith each some- land to be culti. vated by the occupants, so that -those -who are able may partly maintain themselves, In this way families otherwise homeless may, still have a home. Army nfurses, and widows of veterans are also to be admiitted to these privileg-es LEGr&.LATIoX.-ProviSiou is made for bur.ial expenses of deceased veterans. Memorial Day became a legal holiday in 1886. Preference in civil appointmaents is given to -veterans of the civil war. COM EMORATIVE.-The annual reunion, of' Kansas veterans is one of tho, notable events in the State. Two camnps are permanently located, one at Topeka and one at Elbworth, -where the reunions- will- be held alternately. DEPARTMENT OF DELAWARR A Provisional Department existed in Delaware from 1868 to 1872. In 1880 the Previsina.I.Departmnat was revived. The Permanent Organizatio'n wa 1:44 __ ________ BISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPMIWBo effxted January 14, 1881, with W. S. McNair Department Commander. The senior Post of the department is General Thomas A. Smith Post, No. 1, of Wilmington. Number of Posts in 1889, 19. Aggregate membership in 1889, 1,150. DEPARTMIENT OF VIRGINIA. Posts formed in Virginia prior to February 10, 1868, were attached to the Department of the Potomac. At that date Virginia Posts were constituted a Provisional Department. Permanent Organization, July 27, 1871, Hazlett Carlisle, Department Commander. Senior Post of the Department (latest numbering), Post No. 1, of Portsmouth. Number of Posts in 1889, 34. Aggre. gate membership in 1889, 1,214. Isolated Posts in the Carolinas, where no departments exist, are attached to the Department of Virginia DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTK. This department, first established in 1866, had a checkered existence untL 1879, when it lapsed. But during that time the department secured the founding of a Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Winona, which was in operation for ten years, and was maintained by the State. The existing Permanent Department was established August 17, 1881, Adam Marty being elected Department Commander. The senior Post of this department is Post 1, of Stillwater, known in the former department as Post 14. It is the only Post of that older period that survived; and it became the nucleus of the reorganization. N]umber of Posts in 1889, 139. Aggregate membership in 1889, 7,164. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONs.-The Minnesota Soldiers' Home was instituted March 2, 1887. Veterans of the civil war, of the Mexican war, and of the Indian campaign in Minnesota in 1862, are eligible to admission. The site of 50 acres. donated by the city of Minneapolis, is located at Minnehaha Falls In build* ings the cottage system is adopted. LEGISLATION.-A tax of one-tenth of a mill is levied to provide a Soldiers' Relief Fund, to be used in assisting veterans at their own homes in cases where this is the wiser plan. The Legislature made generous appropriations for immediate relief, until the tax could be levied and collected. Burial expenses for Minnesota veterans of the civil war, the Mexican wat and the Indian troubles, are, when necessary, defrayed by the State. DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI. This department was first organized May 7, 1867, with General Carl Schurz as commander. The record of the department for four years was much like that of other western departments at that period. In 1872 the Missouri depart. nent had ceased to exist. During the next few years several efforts were madp 145 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBMLI to revive it, and a provisional commander was appointed in 1880. The Per, Manent Department was reorganized April 22, 1882, and Major William Warner was elected department commander. To Major Warner's administration is due the re-establishment of the Order in Missouri, 160 Posts'being chartered during the two years of his official service. In his admirable management of the Missouri department Major Warner gave evidence of the executive ability that, in 1888, won for him the election as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army. The senior Post of the department is No. 1, of St. Louis.:Number of Posts in 1889, 383. Aggregate membership in 1889, 18,289. Ransom Post, 131, of St. Louis, has the honor to claim General W. T. Sherman is a charter member. Ever since his muster with the Grand Army in Missouri, General Sherman has been annually elected Representative-at-large from 'he Department of Missouri to the National Encampment. DEPARTMENT OF COLORADO AND WYOMING. In 1868 Colorado and Wyoming were constituted a provisional department, but in 1875 these territories, with several others, were consolidated under the title of the Mountain Department, and so remained for several years. The membership of the department was largely made up of soldiers at the various army stations in those regions, and suffered constantly from the changing about of regiments, etc., until it was found inexpedient to continue the department. It was accordingly dissolved July 31 1882, and Colorado and Wyoming at the same date reorganized as a Permanent Department, under their former title of Department of Colorado. This was practically an official transfer of the mountain department, as the officers of the latter remained undisturbed in their respective offices till the expiration of the year, E. K. Stimson being Department Commander. Post No. 1 is located at Laramie, Wyoming. Number of Posts in 1889, 63. Aggregate membership in 1889, 2,818. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.-A Soldiers' Home is being established at Montclair, v. few miles from Denver. LEGISLATION.-Veterans of the Army and Navy of the United States are exempt from militia duty, and from military poll-tax. Pensions received from the United States government are exempt from. execution and attachment. The Grand Army badge is protected by law from unauthorized use. Also unauthorized persons are forbidden to use the consecutive letters "G. A. R.," on penalty of'fine of not less than one hundred dollars, or imprisonment of not less than six months, or both. Burial expenses of indigent veterans are met by the State. DEPARTMENT OF OREGON. Permanent Organization, September 28, 1882, N. S. Pierce, Department Comr Iwader. Senior Post of the department, George Wright Post, No. 1, of Port I1., HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC., land, chartered July 18, 1878. Number of Posts in 1889. 43. Aggregate membership in 1889, 1,551. LEGISLATION. —The Grand Army badge is protected from unlawful use, by Act of Legislature. Memorial Day has been made a legal holiday. DEPARTMENT OF KENTTUCKY,.A Provisional Department was formed in Kentucky in 1867, and reported to National headquarters until 1874, but no records are preserved. A Permai nent Organization was made January 16, 1883, Captain James C. Michie, Department Commander. Post No. 1 is located at Newport. Number of Poso's in 1889, 98. Aggregate membership in 1889, 3,981. LEGISLATION. —MIemorial Day became a legal holiday in 1888. DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA. A Permanent Department was established in West Virginia in 1868, but discontinued in 1871. The present Permanent Organization was made February 20, 1883, W. H. H. Flick, Department Commander. The senior Post of the department is No. 1, of Martinsburg, chartered in 1880. Number of Posts in 1889, 74. Aggregate membership in 1889, 2,923. DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. To Comrade Horace G. Wolfe, chief mustering officer of the Department of Iowa in 1882, belongs the credit of developing the Department of Dakota. Through his efforts enough Posts were organized in the Territory to warrant the founding of a Provisional Department in 1882. The Permanent Organization was effected February 27, 1883, and Thomas S. Free was elected Depart. ment Commander. The senior Post of th-is department is Geo. A. Custer Post No. 1, of Fort Yates, chartered January 7, 1882, by the Department of Iowa Number of Posts in 1889, 91. Aggregate membership in 1889, 2,644. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON AND ALASKA. A Provisional Department was instituted July 10, 1878. The Permanent Organization was made on June 20, 1883, and George D. Hill elected Department Commander. The senior Post of the department is Stevens Post, No. 1, of Seattle, chartered June 27, 1877. Number of Posts in 1889, 33. Aggregate membership in 1889, 1,344. 14T HISTORY OF THE GR)AND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO. Grand Army Posts existed in New Mexico from 1867 to 1873, and a Provisional Department was early formed, but was discontinued at the latter date. Three Posts were afterward organized, and on MBay 28, 1883 they were constituted a Provisional Department, by Commander-in-Chief Van der Voort, then on his round of official visits. Other Posts were soon formed. The Permanent Organization was made July 14, 1883, and Henry M. Atkinson was elected Department Commander. The senior Post of this department is Thomas Post, No. 1, of Las Vegas, chartered May 30, 1882. Number of Posts in 1889, 9. Aggregate membership in 1889, 314. MEMORIAL.-At Sante Fe on Memorial Day, 1885, a monument was dedicated to the memory of Brevet-Brigadier-General "'Kit" Carson, Colonel of the First Regiment, New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry. DEPARTMENT OF UTAH. Permanent Organization, Oct. 8, 1883, Dr. George. Douglas, Department Commander. Senior Post of the department, Post No. 1, of Salt Lake City, chartered September 18, 1878. Number of Posts in 1889, 3. Aggregate mem. bership in 1889, 165. The Department of Utah formerly included Posts chartered in Montana and Idaho. The organization of these as independent departments leaves to the Department of Utah the Posts within its own territory only. DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE. This department was first organized as the Department of Tennessee and Georgia, on August 18, 1868, with F. W. Sparling, as Department Commander. At this time seventeen Posts were reported; but the department could not survive the political crisis of that period. In 1883 Posts were again organized in Tennessee, and in 1884 a Permanent Department was established, and Colonel Edward S. Jones was elected Department Commander. Up to 1889 this department included the existing Posts in Georgia and Alabama. Georgia and Alabama became independent departments in 1889. After these transfers this department met, on April 24, 1889, and reorganized as the Department of Tennessee, electing Augustus H. Pettibone, Department Commander. Post No. 1 is located at Nashville. Number of Posts in 1889, 53. Aggregate membership in 1889, 2,506. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS. An effort was made in 1867 to organize a department of the Grand Army of the Republic in Arkansas, with results similar to those noted in Tennessee at the sane period. Five Posts having been organized, in 1883 Commnider-in. 1w4 HISTORY OF THE GRAND -ARM~Y, OF THE REPUBLIC!, Chief Van Der Voort established a Provisional Department. On April 18; 1884, a Permanent, Department was formed, and the Provisional Oomman~ler, Stephen Wheeler, was elected Department ComL-mander. Post No. I is located at Little iRock. Number of Posts in 1889, 39. AggYregate membership in 1889, 1,437. The official area ofthe De-parftment of' Arkansas includes the -reservations of the Choctaw, Ch el ixL e e, nd~ Chickasaw navoios in Inudia n Territory., DEPART-MEN1T OP -LOUISIA~NiA_ AZND MIS~~SSIPPL (Formnerly Deo/- i fttc G'a.) When the rn ryo h Reulc waqs first instituted, uhItr~,was felt in the project by the Union soldiers in this region, chitfly colored troops still in the service. Ten Posts had been f'ormed before 1868, but the MUStering out o1f regimients,,3 ' from' ti-me to tiae, and the consequep& scattering of the veterans,, and the intense local feeIing, of hostility to the, Grand Army, combined to defeat ~the organization of a departmient. On April 10, 1872, wMas organie th onA oe Ost No. 1, of New Orleans, which remains the seuior Post' of the department. A Pro-visicnal Department was formed on March 28, 1883. The Permanent Org~anization was effected May 15, 1884, with William Roy as Department Commander. In 1888, the name of the department was changed from "Depar-tment of the Gulf " to " Department of Louisiana and Mississippi." Number of Posts in 18819,1 7. Aggaregate meuibership 'in 1889, 367. MEMORJAL.-Tbrough the efforts) of Johnu A. Mower Pot. No. 1, a Soldiers' and Sailors' monument, has been place.d in the Chalmette Nattional Cemetery., DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDAk Florida was consituted a Provisioncal Department in 1868, and so remained until 1875, when, the Posts having, been disb~andeld, the Provisional Department was discontinued...In 1880 a revival of interetst occurred, and by 1884 six Posts had been chartered. On July- 9, 1884, a Permanent Department wias established, and Frank _N. W icker was elected Department Commandler. The' senior Post of the department is Post No. 3. of Warrington, chartered in 1&30. Number of Posts in 1889, 112d. Aggregate mnembershi1p in 1889, 319. DEPARTME'NT OF MOINTANA. Montiana was a Provisional Department of the. Grand Army of the Republic as early as 1868; but owing to th,.e fact that almost the only veterans in that part -of the country were soldiers at the army stations, and liable to frequent. change of locati', the de atjetcudnt be Ssematicaliy orga~nized, L4a j.... *. e E&TORY OF Tr E GRAND' AMY OF THE REPUBLIC. *Bogh the spirit was well sustained. After many changes, the Department ot Montana was permanently organized on March 10, 1885, and Thomas P. Fuller was 'elected Department Commander. The senior Post of the department:is John Bufrd Post, No. 1, at Fort Custer, originally chartered as Post 15; of the Department of Colorado, on February 19, 1881. It was afterwards attached to the Department of Utah; and on the organization of the Department of Montana, was transferred to it, as Post No. 1. Number of PQsts in 1889, 16, Aggregate membership in 1889, 599. DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS. The effort made in 1866-'68 to establish the Order of the Grand Army of he Republic extended through the South-Atlantic and Gulf States, in all of widch temporary results were reached. The recoird of these pages is, however, confined to those departments which ultimately revived and formed Permanent Organizations. Scattered through the other States are isolated Posts that may some day consolidate into departments. Texas is one, on the list of the Gulf Slatee, that has finally organized a department ef the G. A. R. Its history in the earlier years is practically identical with that recorded of other Southern departments The Permanent Orgaaizatie was made March 25, 1885, with W. D. Wiley, Department Commander. The senior Post of the department 13 Post 1, at Sherman, chartered in the early days, and revived in 1876. Number of Posts in 1889, 23. Aggregate membership in 1889, 637. DEPARTMEST OF IDAHO. From 1882 to 1887 Posts formed in this territory were attached to the Department of Utah. The Provisional Department of Idaho was formed in September, 1887. The Permanent Organization ws made January 11, 1888, and William H. Nye elected Department Commander. The senior Post of the department is Garfield Post, No. 1, of Behlevue, chartered Jne 1, 1882. Nuamber of Poste in 1889, 12. Aggregate membership in 1889, 34. DEPARTMENT OF ARIZONA. This department was developed by efforts made by the Department of California. When six Posts had been formed in Arizona, a Provisional Depart ment was formed, September 10, 1887. The Pernamet Department wa& established January 17, 1888, and A. L. Grow was elected Departnnmt Commander. The senior Post of the department is Negley Post, No. 1, of Tucson, chartered October 28, 1881. Number of Posts in 1889, 7. Aggregate mei. bership in 1889, 315. SKETCH OF THE SONS OF VETERANS, U.. - DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA. The Posts first chartered in Georgia were attached to the Department of Tennessee. A Provisional Department of Georgia and Alabama was formed December 11, 1888. The Permanent Department of Georgia was established January 25, 1889, John R. Lewis being elected Department Commander. Post No. 1 is located at Atlanta. Number of Posts in 1889, 6. Aggregate membership in 1889, 232. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA. Posts formed in Alabama, like those of Georgia, were first attached to the Department of Tennessee, and afterwards included in the Provisional Department of Georgia and Alabama. Detached, January 15, 1889, to form the Provisional Department of Alabama. The Permanent Department of Alabama was organized March 12, 1889, and F. G. Sheppard was elected Department Commander. Post No. 1 is located at Birmingham. Number of Posts in 1889, 9. Aggregate membership in 1889, 223. i'.' FEMININE ALLIES OF THE G. A. R. B MERGENCIES are inspirations. It is the need of the hour that develops the latent force of human purpose. The crisis of 1861 marked an hour when a strange, appalling need confronted the nation. And not the nation, as such, merely; it stood in the pathway and solemnly challenged each individual witl the question "What canst THOU do?' It jolted the elbow of the merchant and the laborer; it obtruded itself between the lawyer and his brief; it snatched the Commentaries of Caesar from the hand of the musing school-boy and placed a copy of Hardee's Tactics before his 15:1 ' '' ' HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. flashing eyes; it went about relentlessly serving the summons in field and shop and office and college class-room; and men dropped their tools and pushed aside their books and arose to respond to the need of the hour. It made those who loved home best the first to leave it, that they might the more surely preserve it from the threatened danger. It transformed desultory groups of citizens into tramping battalions of troops; and when it had sent the regiment away it haunted the pillows of women who were keeping sleepless vigil, straining their ears to hear the last receding drum-beat to which their best beloved ones were marching away to the southward. And still it whispered in the silence, " What canst THOU do?" It was not long before the emergency inspired the answer. From the camp and from the field and from the wards of army hospitals came the urgent call. The insufficiently clothed, the sick and the wounded were in need of such aid and comfort as only home love and thoughtfulness could bestow; in need of the practical ministrations that would strengthen them to continue the strife and carry it to a successful issue; in need of more than army BADGE OF THE WO. "supplies," of more than the mere provisions of the MLS' RELREF COrPS mtost liberal commissariat; in need of the unmistakable assurance that their valiant endeavors were so far as possible seconded by those whose lives were bound up in their own, and for whose sake the soldiers were facing danger and death. And into the minds of thousands of women there flashed the meaning of the Creator's words-never before so clearly interpreted: " It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help-meet for him!" What canst THOU do?: By one common impulse women all over the land replied to the insistent need: "I can and will help!" SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETIES. Everywhere this magnetic resolve was the attractive point around which clustered groups of earnest women. In every city and village the Soldiers' Aid Societies sprang into existence. Time would fail to record the variety and extent of the work accomplished during the war-period by these Aids. Boxes of substantial underclothing and little accessories of a comfortable wardrobe, hampers of delicacies and 'bundles of lint and bandages for hospital use, were daily sent over the railway lines leading southward; while busy hands were moving from 152 HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. morning till night to keep the supplr equal to the demand. In some places, like Philadelphia, where one continuous line of regiments was passing through en route for the field, efforts were bent to the chief purpose of providing bountiful refreshments for the hungry troops. Mlany were the hands that drooped at their task, and were folded for the last time during that period of fatiguing care and anxiety. Many a woman really died at her post, the latest energies of her useful life devoted to the "Soldiers' Aid. ' So the four dark years went by. In 1865 the war was declared over; the regiments, one by one, were mustered out. No more scraping of lint and tearing of strips for bandages; for the bullet and the bayonet no longer were making havoc of precious human life. No more sending stores of wine and medicine and clothing, for the boys were coming home now for mother to nurse them back to ruddy health. The "Ladies' Aids" stopped knitting socks and packing hampers. They did not exactly disband, but all were busy in their own homes with the domestic preparations to receive the returning soldiers —the,remnant of those who had gone forth. Some came bearing the cross of lifelong disability; some suffering the weakness and discouragement of shattered health. Some came with grave faces and troubled hearts to fight a battle with poverty made doubly hard by the loss of opportunities which they had sacrificed in order to give these best years of their lives to the service of their country. Plainly, while it might be that for the majority of the soldiers, thus interrupted in their private purpose, life would again unfold prosperously and happily, still there would always be some, a large number it might be, who would never fully rebound from the shock of war, and whose recompense for sufferings past must come largely through the fraternity and charity of others. Soldiers recog. nized this; the strong discerned it before the weak realized it; and a noble spiriu of fraternity, charity and loyalty led representative veterans to establish the Grand Army of the Republic. WOMAN'S WORK NOT FINISHED IN '65. Perhaps, at first, few thought of continuing the Soldiers' Aid Societies, that had seemed to be only one of the "military necessities" that could have no raison d'etre after the restoration of peace. But habits grow into character fiber, and these patriotic wives and mothers and sisters had formed a habit of generous thinking and acting. And now, though they had no more active duties to perform for the soldiers in the field, they could not fail to watch with absorbing interest the muster of the Grand Arlny of Peace. The Post to which the husband or son belonged became an object of deep interest and pride to the wife and mother. HISTORY OF TITE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Perhaps, if no comrade of the Post had ever been in needy circum. stances, if none had ever been sick or disabled, if no muffled druambeat had ever sounded " lights out" beside an open grave, if no widow's sob or orphan's cry had ever broken the serene silence, perhaps then the Post would never have needed the co-operation of women in its work. But the tragedy of the individual lie goes on in times of general peace. The record of the Grand Army Posts, if fully written, would give many an instance in which the prompt aid rendered by the Post has saved life and hope to a comrade otherwise broken dcwn and discouraged. It would tell of many a dying veteran whose last hours were spared what would have been their keenest agony by the assurance that his comrades would care for the helpless wife and children that he must leave. It would tell of fraternal visits to disabled comrades shut in from active life and doomed to hopeless invalidism. And just here, if it finished the story, it would have to tell of how some comrade's wife came also, and brought the bunch of roses, or the sparkling jelly, or refreshing beef-tea, and when she went away left behind her a beam of "the light that never was on sea or land"-the indefinable uplifting of spirit that comes to a lonely invalid when the cheery presence of some good motherly woman has driven away from his morbid mind the moody sense of neglect, and put in its place the glad thought,"After all, somebody cares for me!" It was soon apparent that the Grand Army, which had so mrch needed the ministrations of woman in its days of warfare, could not prosperously do without the same helping hand in its peaceful campaign of charity. As the years went by, and the brotherly kindness of the Grand Army became more and more a necessity to suffering comrades and their helpless families, the need of woman's co-operation became more apparent. To nurse the sick and to comfort the bereaved, to clothe and educate orphans, were surely within the scope of woman's mission. And then, too, how swiftly a clever woman's wits could devise some bright and original method of raising money for the soldier's relief fund. These new occasions for benevolent ingenuity and work led to the reassembling of women, here and there, to renew in peaceful days the exercise of the same spirit of generosity so eloquently manifested under the sublime conditions of war. Again a central idea was the ragnet that drew the groups together; and again the soldiers welcomed them as the "Grand Army Reserve." Posts in many places were prompt to accept the assistance thus proffered, and the number of "Ladies' Aids," auxiliary to the Grand Axmy of the Republic, grew rapidly., v -— '^ s 7: -; - - W W r -- - Q z ~1-r - W- - W @ r -~. ----- -— ' ~ --- ---— * -- ~-~ --- —--- ------- -- -------- IHISTORY -OF THE GRAND ARtMY OF THE BEPUBLIC. THE ST, PAUL ENCAM ENT - What at the beginning of the rebellion was merely the Territory of rrme sota, but which had been built up by the discharged volunteers into one of the airest States of the Uinin, had again successfully claimed the-hb nor of enertaiHing the National Encampment, and it,assembled in the beautiful city of St. Paul on Thursday, Sept. 3, 186. rThe attendance was so grat x896. as to overflow both St. Pal and hier twin citv of tlinneapolis. The.b..-yet -:t to m 4 - location was admirable for bringing together to meet their old conadies great numbers of the veterans who had.made the fertile prairies of Minnesota, Iowa, northern Illinois, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Kansas and Nebraska, as well as the far-off valleys of Montana, WTyoming, Idaho, Washington and Oi egoni blossom with trim farms and comfortalble nh-nomes *: COMMANDER-IN-CHIF GR-ND AR1MY OF THE REPUBLIC, 1895. The weather was perfect —bright and sunny, with just enough of the coming Fall in the air to make it crisp and bracing. The people of St. Paul and Minneapolis outdid themselves in decorating and in extending a warm Welcome..' to the comrades. Brig.-Gen. E. C. Mason, U. S. A. Assistant Adjutant-General, G.A.R., a iled the Encampment to order, and introduced Mayor Doran,- Comrade Doran, Mayor of St. Paul, -wo made a pleasant address of welcome. Capt..Henry A. Castle, Past De:partment Commandlter of Minnesota, followed in an eloquent addrese of welcome by the Department of Minnesota. 155 2flSORIY OF THE GVAX1D ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Thne Modoc Club, of Topeka, Kan., followed with a song, after which, Gem~ M. E. Claipp welcomed the veterans on behalf of the younger generation. Commauder-in-Chief Walker made a fitting response, after which Comrade Henry MI. Nevius, of New Jer-sev, on behalf of th,*e Conmittee, presented the souvenir ordered by the National Encampment to Past Coimmander-in-Chief Lwler. The hail was then cleared of all but members of the G.A.R., and the CJomsnittee on Credentials reported 1,222 members entitled to seats in the Enc.-ampmnent. In his address the Commander-in-Claief gave in full the corrsodnewt Charles A.IIa'na, of New York, in which the latter proposed a grand Reunion and parade 'in thrat city of the ex-seldiers of both sd,"to assist in. bringinga togrether the mnad leaders on both sides- of the struggle to testify publil to the rTestoration of peace., and promote th-at earnest an-i fraternal feeling which isthe life of ou poperity and guarantee of greater thing tcme." Commander-in-Chief Walker had replied that the Grand Army. of the ItepublEC had always- been. -eager to meet on a common Plane of loy'alty all thosbwh wrstvigfor the good ofthe cortntrybthewtd farhriortoi are so to march as to be -distinctly representative of the lines" that then -divided them,1 loically they should mar~ch under different banners, and I, for 'one, wouki be umaatterably opporsed to seeing a column of gray mar'ching under the Stars and Bars, and contending for the plaudits of our citizens on equal. footingr with'the column in blue, marching, under the Stars and Stripes. Thosse two columns wvould not now represent the' same idea, nor did they ever: heretofore." Mr. Dana replied that there would be but one flag, carried in the proCession, but in order to differentiate the two bodies it would be -necessary to lbring outthe gray uniform. The Comimander-in-.Chief replied that the G.A.R, could not Join in any pro~cesson with meti "clothed in a uniform which, was shot to death by the Grand Army of the Rtepblic 30 years agyo. * * The gray uniform is just as objectionable as the flag, it fought under. The, distinctive color of the Union is blue. T'he sooner those who wore the; gray cease, tryn to symbolize the Lost Cause by flag or unifarau, and representing themselves as a distinct part of the p~eop~le of our common country, the sooner Will a faller realization of the 'Ifectival of patriotism and fraternal co-opera-_ lion' which y.ou, suggest lbe brought about." The re-port of the Adjutant-General showed that the Order had entered the year witb 3o5F7,639 members in oeood stauiding. It bad gained during the year 836,88, makriog a total of 39452-0, but had lost by death 7,293, by suspenwiou. 28,033, and by other causes to make the total 53,910, leaving the net MeM. bersirip in good standing 340,610, wvith 42,561 in suspension, or a total of ~........... a............'........................4.....1.. T S...A...O. CO~11'ANDER-N-CHIE GRAND.......F......P...C..89 t HISTOY OF THE GRAND AXMY OF THE REPa L-l2 The death rate had been 2.21 per cent.; the previous year it had been 206 per cent There had been $211,949.98 expended in charity, an increase of $12,000 over the previous year. The Quartermaster-General reported $3,011.67 in the general fund, $16,000 in 4 per cent. United States bonds, and other assets to the value of $1,556.13. Col. Henry H. Adams, Special Aid in Charge of Military Instruction in the Public Schools, reported much successful work done in that direction. On motion of Past Commander-in-Chief Palmer, of New York, Comrade Smith, Mayor of Buffalo, was permitted to present the invitation of that city to the Encampment to meet there. Comrade H. S. Vaughn, Colorado and Wyoming, presented the invitation of Denver. After some debate the name of Denver was withdrawn, and the invitation of Buffalo accepted unanimously. Comrade H. A. Castle presented a plan for "Picket Posts," which was adopted. Mrs. Wallace, from the W.R.C., reported that since its organization the Order had expended in relief of veterans and their families $621,669.25, given other relief estimated at $303,049.21, turned over to Posts $324,49615, making a total of $1,249,214.61. Comrade W. A. Ketcharn, of Indiana, from the Committee on Pensisg, made a brief report, strongly criticising the Bureau of Pensions for its delays and technicalities. The Encampment indorsed the Low Bill, giving preference in public employment to ex-soldiers and sailors; recommended that Gen. Miles be promoted to the command of the Armies of the United States, and indorsed the Vicksburg Military Park. Comrades Given, Iowa; Clarkson, Nebraska; Linehan, New Hampshire; Ballou, Bhode Island, were nominated for Commander-in-Chief. The other candidates finally withdrew, and Comrade Clarkson received a unaninious vote. Comrade John H. Mullen, Minnesota, was unanimously elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Comrade Charles W. Buckley, Alabama, was elected Junior Vice Commander.in-Chief; Dr. A. E. Johnson, Potomac, Surgeon-General, and Mark V. Y. Taylor, Massachusetts, Chaplain-in-Chief. Commander-in-Chief Clarkson announced as his Adjutant-General Comrade Charles E. Burmester, of Omaha. HISTORY OF THE GRAND AR3MY OF THE REPUBLIC. THE BUFFALO ENCAMPMENTo Buffalo, beautiful and bountiful, had exerted herself to prepare for an immense throng, but had fallen short of fully estimating the crowd that descended upon her from all points of the compass, thousands of Western comrades and their families taking the short cut to her gates through Canada. But though there seemed at times a shortage of eating and sleeping accommoda1897. tions for the multitude, there was good weather enough for all, and it remained as perfect as one could wish throughout the entire week.. The National Encampment met on Aug. 26, and was welcomed by Gov. Black, on the part of the State of New York; by Comrade Jewett, Mayor of' Buffalo; by Commander Albert D. Shaw, for the Department of New York, and by Brother E. D. Hatch, for the Sons of Veterans Commander-in-Chief Clarkson fittingly responded to all these. The Committee on Credentials reported 1,173 members entitled to seats in the National Encampment. The report of Adj't-Gen. Burmester showed that the gains during the year were 32,929, making a total membership of 373,639. Against this were losses by death of 7,515, and other losses making an aggregate of 54,183, leaving the number in good standing June 30, 1897, 319,438, with 43,360 on the suspended list, making a total borne on the rolls of 362,816. The Quartermaster-General's report showed that there was in the general fund $162.28: Grant Monument fund, $5,733; Sherman Mlonument fund, $221; Southern Memorial fund, $1,593.80; supplies, etc., $1,578.58; United States bonds, $16,000. The first business was the selection of a place for holding the next National Encampment. Hon. M. E. Ingalls presented an invitation from Cincinnati, and Comrade Woodruff, California, one from San Francisco. The vote stood 578 for Cincinnati to 215 for San Francisco. Two distinguished comrades —Gen. Lew Wallace and Archbishop Ireland —_ were invited to the platform, and made brief speeches. Comrade MIarsh, Indiana, from the Committee on School Histories, made an elaborate report, pointing out the errors which are being taught children by the histories now in use. Comrades George H. Inniss, Massachusetts; I. F. Mack, Ohio; J. C. Line. ban, New Hampshire, and J. P. S. Gobin, Pennsylvania, were nominated for Commander-in-Chief. The first vote stood: Mack, 253; Gobin, 296; Line. han, 181. 160 -"-7-R ---n"~._rr-T-::-r--2.-VT — —.-7 —1*.-rI -. -— 1-. ~ — -_C -- i7 - -- -— r~~.--'..'-r -- ----—.-~- T'. — l-;r — r - ----- -----— --- —— LIL-CC —TI ---IIILC — r r ~-r 'I '' ~:'4,.;.. ~~; ~I 'r: T f i ~d J. r: ~~ f ~: r -? r-:-r:: c r I -.: P 3orN P. a. ~om3 mmlmz-mt-C Ga&D A=, G o, ta -,ME t ~ - r;:: iS; HISTORY OF THE GRAND AR3Y OF THE REPUBLIC. The second ballot resulted: Mack, 253: Gobin, 358; Linehan, 1W Mack and Linehan then withdrew, and Gobin was elected by acclamation. Comrade Alfred Lyth, N. Y., was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief by acclamation. Comrade Francis B. Allen, Past Admiral or the iaval Veteran Association, was nominated for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief: Comrade Ross, Delaware; Carpenter, South Dakota Knapp, Kansas, and Cummins, Oklahoma, were also nominated. Comrade Allen was elected. Comrade David McKay, Texas, was elected Surgeon-General, and Frank C. Bruner, Illinois, Chaplain-in-Chieft Resolutions were adopted in favor of raising the pension of widows to 12 a month, in favor of a soldiers' sanitarium in Charleston Harbor, in favor of the National Park; at Vicksburg, in favor of a law compeiling all postoffices to have the flag flying over them, in favor of a Lincoln lMonument at San Francisco, in favor of Government roads to connect the battlefields around Fredericksburg, and in favor of legislation to compel military instruction in the public schools. A set of silver service was presented to Past Commander-in-Chief Ivan N. Walker. The Rules and Regulations were amended so as to make one black ball to every 10 white necessary to reject a candidate. The report of the Committee on Pensions was a very lengthy document, and reviewed all the conditions in the Pension Bureau. It made strong recommendations in favor of doing away with the obnoxious rulings of the Lochren regime, and restoring those of Raum, It contained correspondence with the Commissioner of Pensions, in which he juggled with the recommendations of the Committee in his usual way, but expressed opposition to most of them. The report concluded with recommending a service pension bill, with a minimum of $12 a month for all who served not less than six months, and are now 62 years of age. 163 RISTORY OF THE G3AND ARMY o. T. SEPULIT. THE CINCINNATI ENCAMPMENT; The old-time "Queen City of the West "-the home of art, music, and beer, the metropolis of the Ohio-had thi honor of entertaining the 32d National Encampment, which'met at Cincinnati, O., Sept 8,1898, with an immense attendance,,inl3 Cincinnati is a central point for the great soldier States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, and western 1898. Pennsylvania. The Encampment assembled at 10:15, Wednesday morning, Sept 7, in the magnificent Cincinnati Music Hall, and was called to order by Commander-in-Chief Gobin. CoMilton Blair, Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements, presented Gov. Bushnell, who welcomed the Encampment to the State of Ohio. Col. Gustavus Tafel, Mayor of Cincinnati, and the veteran commander of 'the 106th Ohio, welcomed the Encampment on the part of the city.. E., Ingalls, President of the Big Four Railroads, who had conveyed the invitation to the National Encampment to meet in Cincinnati, spoke of his pleasure at meeting the G.A.R., and was followed in the same strain by Wnm B. Mellish, the Director-General of the Citizens' Association. Cmmander-in-Chief Gobin responded appropriately to all of these. Comrade E. R. Monfort, of the Council of Administration, presented the Commander-in-Chief with a gavel made from the door-sill of the house in which Gen. Grant was born. In his annual address Commander-in-Chief Gobin alluded to the fact that it was written in his tent on one of the old battlefields of Virginia, in front of one of the lines of earthworks reaching from Washington to Centerville, where he was in command of a brigade enlisted for the Spanish War. He mentioned the un1tinted loyalty displayed by the comrades at the beginning of that struggale and recited among the various suggestions one that was urged upon him to offer the President the services of the entire Order. There was also a proposition to admit to the Grand Army membership all those who had enlisted for that war, This the Commander-in-Chief opposed. The Grand Army of the Re. public was created for a specific purpose, which purpose would beaccomplished when the last member had did. It should have no successor, as it had no predecessor. The Commander-in-Chief also repelled the suggestion made by some that the rebel battle-flags be returned. There was no one legally entitled to receive them. The States had not been in rebellion-only certain people. No good could come from such an agitation. The flags were the property of the United States, the same as any other captured property, and should be allowed 164 F4................................... "r-1-1............................................................................................................................................. - Z:....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Fi. V...................................................... t -HISTORY OF. THE GRAND) AMMY OF -THE EXU13LIC, to remain where they are and be forgotten. Iantigwrdoe it sould b~e to build a museum in Washington, where all the trophies of the war could be t-tored. Adj't-Gen. Stewart and Q. M.2Gen. Burrows were highly complimented for their services, given wvithout fee or reward, to the Order. Patriotic teachigand miilitary drill hiad made grreat prog,-ress in the public schbools. The Adjutant-General's report showed that there had been a 'gain duriang the year of 32,453 in the membership, makingr a total Of 351,909. Against this was a loss by death of 7,383, and other loszses, making the aggareae 46,306, and leaving a ne't mem bership in good stUAnIding June 30, 1898, of 305,603, with 36,658 suspended, or a total of 3042,'271 on the- rolls. The report of the Quartermaster-General showre-d that there was in the general fund $2,457.60; in the Grant MemorLial fund, $5,77-7.69; Sherman. e Iora fund, $226.65;- Southern MYemiorial fu-nd, $1,440.85; suppleec, j,482.29; United States bonds, $16,000 (market value, $17,920). MiEMORIAL TO GEN. GRAINT..PTst Commander-in-Chief S. S. Burdett, Potomac, Chairman of the Corn. an~e o the Memorial to Gen. Grant, reported that the statue of Gen. Grant.e~eu~edfor the Capitol of the United States had not proved satisfactory, and ~nit~ieartist was now making another. Part of the money had been paid heartis, sand the remainder was in safe securities. R~EPORT OF THE PENNN COMILI1TTEE. 'The, report of the. Pension Co'mmittee, conszis.tingr of WV. W. Blackmer, e huts; R B. Brown, Ohio, and Halbert 13. Case, Tennessee, did not voie thediscohtent of the comrades at the mismanagement of the W~eiafa Buireau. On motion. the report was referred, together with all reslti-.0Ons regar~dingo pensions, to the Com mittee on Resolutions, which the -next day.,pirted througrh Comrade James Tanner-, Chairman of the Sub-committee., ~Xesobtions severely criticizing the managoement of the Bureau for its delay's fadtechnicalities,, and for its denical of justice to veterans. and their widows..'Ile continuaiince of Lochren's Order 2995, and the limitation of widows' inZ esto $96 were specifically denounced, and thae revival of Order 164 an-d the raieing of the widows' limit to $3,0`00 were asked for. The report was ~unanimously adojpted..1 GREETINGS. Senator John M. Thurston, Win. T. D)ustin and E. G. R~athbone presented 'the greetings of the Sons of Veterans;- Mesdames Kinne, HItt and Hmpton those of the W.R.C., and Mirs. Lobdel those of the Ladies of the L,STOR *OF THE OKA.L2&*! OP?H Past Coimmander-i-Chief Louis Wagner invited the ae campmeut to meet tw0 nr-ct y ar inu Philadelphia. Department Commander May, Colorado, ihvite i 1t; D,nver. The vote stood 395 fo Phiiadelphia and 295 for Denver,. ad I. chIice of Phil)adephia was made unanimous. NATIONAL OFFICERS. ('omnmiailirenr Joh!n C. Black, IIlinois, presented the name of Col Jame$ A. Sextun for Commian(der-in-Chief. Comimaader Wood, Neew York, nimi.m nnted Past Commander Albert D. Shaw; Comrander Pugh, Ohio, nominaaed Past Commander 1. F. Mack; P. H. Coney, Kaonas, nominated Past CnmnInder T homas J Anderton. Mack and Anderson were withdrawn, and the blallot restllted: S..xlon, 424; Shiaw, 231. Comrade Shaw moved that: tLf, el'cicin of' Sexton e nm:ide unaninlmous. Conlrade W. C. Jotli.l of, of Oio, was tanimouly 'elected Senior Vice Cn Comlanlerin-Ciiief; JI)nirl Rs-s, Delaware, Junior Vice Commanderind Cllief; Dr. A. R. Pierce, Nelraska, Surgeon-General, and Daniel R L:cs, JI di na, Chp 1.in.i Cef.:;| Coma l m der-i -Cliie'f Sexton was appointed by the President a memher e! t!'ie Spanish W\ar In estigatin, Comnlission, an, while on that duty was taken i, ai11(t d aied at a lho ital in Washin.ton, SiInday morning, Feb. 5, 1899. Tlhe Ets Ils and Reti16tions of the G.A.R. provide that the National Council of Administration shall represent the National Encampment between essions. It therefore became its duty to provide for the succesion. The Judge Advocate-General decided that that duty could ba discharged by the Executive Con mmittee. Thismet in Philadelphia April 12, 1899, and after a protracted dieussion adopted the following: WHEREAS for the first time in the history of the Grand Army of tha Republic the Commander-in-Chief has died while is office: Therefore, be it Resolved, That as a mark of respect to the memory of James A. Sexton, late Commander-in-Chief, the Senior Commander-in-Chief shall continte to perform the duties of Commnander-in-C~hief and the offRce of Commander-aChief remain without an incumbent until the meeting of the 33d lNatiia Encampment. Comrade Johbnon thereupon assumed the title of "Acting Connmander4om., Chie16 168 '':: E~ HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. THE PHILADELPHIA ENCAMPMEMT, The City of Brotherly Love, the birthplace of Independence, the rich, populous and prosperous Metropolis of the Quakers, on the banks of the placid and historic Schuylkill, was the meeting place of the 33d National 1899. Encampment for the year 1899. In spite of her Quaker history, Philadelphia was a pre-eminentlv soldier city, and none in the country sent forth a larger proportion of her sons to battle for the Unionnor has held them and their services in higher esteem ever since. Naturally, therefore, she was second to none in her preparations for their entertainment and welcome when they arrived. The formal opening of the Encampment took place Tuesday evening, Sept. 5, at the Academy of Music, in the presence of a crowd which packed the immense auditorium to its utmost limit. It was a happy idea of the Program Committee to make the opening ceremonies so entirely public, and have them take place the evening before the business session. Heretofore these have taken place at the opening of the business session. But a limited number of citizens could be present, and the different addresses took up much time, and immediatley after they were concluded it was disagreeable as well as impolite to hle the hosts out, and clear the hall of every one but members of the Encampment. It was saying, in efflct "Yes, thank you for your warm welcome, and all that you have done for our entertainment; but skip out now, because we prefer our own society." To hold the ceremonies in a great public hall, packed with the citizens, who could hear the speeches and see the leading men, made a splendid introduction of the Encampment to Philadelplia, and made every resident feel that he was one of the hosts of the gathering. The Committee on Program are entitled to great credit for this innovation. The stage of the Academy was a brilliant sight, with its plentitude of lights and decorations, the crowd of naval officers in full uniform, the G.A.R. officers in striking but plainer uniforms, and the background of citizens in every-day clothes. Gov. W. L. Stone made a brief, well-,worded address of welcome from the State of Pennsylvania, and was followed by Mayor Ashbridge, representing the City of Philadelphia. Th, Commander-in-Chief directed Judge-Advocate Ell Torrence to reply, which he did in excellent manner and spirit. PRESIDENT SPEAKS. The President was introduced as "Comrade" McKinley, and said in part: "It has given me great pleasure to associate with you to-day. I have been deeply touched by many of the scenes which many of us have witnessed. With the iov aside of the glad Reunion of old comrades who fought side by 169 ,<~:~.<:-+, '.: '.: '...t V'U. _-. X ' i.. *.: *.:i:., ^:; - *.* i,.; <? ":.'...........,,.....:rU '.i. y -- *,....! HISTORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC side for a common cause and for a common country theie was the other sad side, that so many of our comrades who two years ago had malched proudly with you through the city of Buffalo are no longer in the ranks. ' The circle grows narrower. As years roll on one after another is not present at our Reunions, but accounted for. Thev have gone to join the great majority of our coTmrlades who sleep to-night beneath the green tents whose curtains never outward sway." Gen. Sickles was next introduced and made a brief address, expressing his admiration for the Nation's Chief Executive and his gratification for Philadelphia's welcome. The Encampment assembled for business in the Grand Opera House Wednesday morning. In his annual address the Acting Commander-in-Chief recited the sad circumstance by which he had acceded to the command of the Order. Hie had spent much time traveling about the country, visiting the various Depart^ ments. ( Everywhere I have found the membership active, enthusiastic and in a healthy condition, and have been received most cordially, and been given a comrade's hearty greeting and -welcome. In this work I have been most efficiently assisted by Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Ross, who has cheerfully responded to every call and officially visited many of the Eastern Departments it was not possible for me to reach." The following are other passages: "At no time in the history of olr Order has Memorial Day been so generally, sacredly and p-atriotically observed as that of the year just past., not only within our immediate borders, but in Alaska, where many of our comrades have turned their attention during the past two years, Hawaiian Islands, City of Mexico, and in the Doominion of Canada. In all the above, the exercises were largely attended by all classes of citizens, and were of a most impressive character; so also in Cuba, Porto Rico and far-away Manila, for the first time, interesting and appropriate exercises were held, in which the public generally participated." SONS OF VETERANS. "Commanders-in-Chief in the past have embodied in their reports. many encouraging words for this organization. It has now successfully passed through the difficulties incident to youlng oraniizations and fairly settled down upon a more solid basis, with a more substantial and reliable membership. Having gone safely through the formative crisis and tested well its basis, methods and principles, it is in most excellent shape for a healthy, prosperous growth. Its object is a noble one. Into whose hands could we more safely place the sacred trust of carrying forward those great principles of patriotism, loyalty, love of country and her hallowed institutions (which we fought for and cherish so dearly) than into the hands and keeping of our sons and daughters? They are 'bone of our bone' and ' flesh of our flesh,' and are imbued with the spirit of their fathers. As a help to our Order in its declining years, they are devoted and their assistance invaluable. It seems clear to me that we should foster and encourage close relations with this splendid young organization. 5 trust such practical measures will be devised h, our Order as will tend to ISMT0RY-OF T.111,GRAND'ARXY OF.~THE -21PUDLICL strengthen, build up auid.encourage our Sons, of Veterans to ~a Still hige phere of usefulness an~d citizenship." The Woman's iRelief Corps was highly commended. During the year. the W.ThU had -contributed $1,025.86 -to the'So'uthern Mlemorial fund, and expended $180,000 for relief,-making a tot-al'expen-ded this" way ztincit orgauization of' $1,873, 991. 71. A con siderable portion of the addres-s was devoted to pensions, des-cribing the widespread'discontent of the comrades at the mismauazement of the Pension Bureau, which led the Acti-ng Commnan,,der-in-Chief to direct the Pension Corn. mittee'to meet. in Washington., July 11, 12,and 13, for consultation., investigaa -tion and consideration. In concluding this portionl he said: "The old soldiers ask oinly that- there be fair, cealing and ajutadfi -construction- of the laws as intended b - tho-se' WhIo 'efiacted them, and upon this basis-there, should be no question, no interpretation or construiction-of th astha deprives them o0-f the ben efits, 'tus provided. The amount paid -for pensin ilagbut niot ey6vnjd the6 abilit'y of'th Government to pay, n or does' it obutreach -the. obligation -or gratitude of the American people, to those to whom It is paid. It should- be remembered that the pension list con. tans many who'a-re- not claimants frorm the civil war, 1861-'65, but incluides - all -classies of pensions from the WaLr of: 181 2 down to the present time. -I cannot believe that the good, loyal people of thsis country are so anxious for a rduction in'the pension lit n the amount paid out for pensions., that they would insist upon its, being done in a manner that would be unjust or unfair to its defenders. The cry of " 'great numbers of frauds upon the pension-rolls' Ibelieve ha-s well nigrh exha~utd~~~ nd tat. longo agro, when the effort to establish that charge was largely a failure. I. -am sure the worthy old soldier -is opposed to' 'frauds, whether on- the~ pension-rolls or elsewvhere. I believe be can always be found upon the side of -right, justice, and obedience to law, whte ntePension or 'any pther PDi' met fthis great Government. THE ADJUTANTGENERAL'S REPORT Summed up as follows: Members in good standing June~ 30, 1898..305,603 Gain by muster-in...7,542 Gain by transfer...3,18 Gain by reinst'atement. I..1,5 Gain from delinquent reports............ 4,715 Total gain..28, 2133 Aggregate....... 333,838 Loss by death'.. -..4 Loss by honor'able, discharge.7,054 Loss by transfer -.,6 Loss by suspension. 22, 952 Loss by dishonorable discharge.....1071 Loss from'delinquent reports-9,366 ILoss by surrender of charter. 513 Total loss.-....45,855 Mmbrs in good standing June 30, 1899..2.. 7,9 171 I7 07 7Yl A l y4 1- 1, ,, - Ii -t~ UARTERXA STEU- OENCERA MffadJe the following exhibit of the Order's finances: Received from Charles Burrow; Quartermaster-General, Oct. 7, 1898:Gen eral f und.$ Southern Memoral fund. Grant Monumnent fund.... S~hermana Mermorial fund. a.4I.0 1. lReceived from jas. A. Sexton, Commander-in-Chief; contribution froma W. R. C............ $2~ Received interest on Southern Memorial fund to April 11, 199. Receive d inte'rest on Grant M-1emorial fund April 11, 1899. ]Receive-d interest'on Sherman Mem~orial fund April 11, 1899. I -. a 'Other sources.. 14.9"36 14.Expeiiditures. For MAiemorial day, 181-99.$1 For supplies.... 4 For travelintg expenses.. For salaries....... For postage, "stationery. and credentials.4 i I,1~790 29 1465 85 i x7 7 6 9 2 26 65 - $926 48g-",?000 00 21 99 86 67 3 40 To-tal balance on hanl. (Ct'iedit tto fai~ds uIdic~'ded.) rash Genera'l fund. " Gralnt Monument fund. "4 Sherman Mlemorial fund........... 6'Southern Memorial fund........... " Contribution fund, W.R.C........... Totfal ca'sh. Value ofgsupplies on hand (cost).......... Gun metal in hanids of J. K. Divison Lithograph stones.............. Electrotypes. $1 2.,306'63,.095 88, 398 08 3.301 33 514 31.607 6,1864 36 230 05.,940 42?.030 00 0*. $14,9636 23 $11,672 45 $II,672, 45 1,09 —94 2,..9 20 20 00 9 00 $13,010 59 $16,000 00 In veslments. United States B~onds, 4 per ce'nt. due 19G7, pa r value. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The Senio'r Vice Com'mander-in-Chief was elected Comm'n'der-in-Chifet, and Junior Vice Comm an der-in-Chief- Ross Senior Vice Comm~ander-in. Chief. They were duly installed by Past Commander-in-Chief Louis Wagner. The Report of the Committee on Peinsions was waited for with intense, inter'est by all present. It was pyesented by Past Department Commander R.B Brown, was long, comprehensive, and exceedingly able. It reviewed the whole history of pension legislation, and analyzed Commissiz-oner Evans's pretenses tha4s he was Properly executing the laws, and' decided strongly against him. The report was received with the greatest satisfaction, and the Committee in172 i-:r~r r:;pi i:;:::.:::: t. ~~ -i:D;;s.1:t,,i;z;i: %. iX-l:2: -t ~. -"-I-t~I;L!Ip ~r, :"it ~~~ I -.b ~~ r i;;~ ~ i '~ ' ~. C' 'ft: r-.:i I; Lh -:- I::: " - -1 ii: —:- r 3 ' ~ _-: - J~e.:CL; -'"7i; ~;.1: ".. ii r~ ~r,... P t':i3 -I — i. _.i:Q r 7iil. — )1. i'B:: 3e:.- t '' ~~ I"i; -:sr~: ~ ' ~: i. m i L*rii~I2 5 -~ —Z :.CC -—: it~ —C.-.* ALBEIT D. SIAW, CormrAnTmAl3M3TN-CIEF M&era ARMY a --- TEs r r-rBLI c, 1900 t ) E77 i,7 77.- X; m0ISTORY OR THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUB. ' -i~I! structed to present a supplemental report embodying their conclusions in the form of resolutions. These were as follows, and were unanimously adopted: Your Committee on Pensions respectfully presents this supplemental report lursuant to the instructions of the Encampment. We respectfully direct attention to Section 471 of the RevisedStatutes of the United States, which reads as follows: The Commissioner of Pensionsshall perform, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, such duties in the execution of pension and bounty law which may be prescribed by the President. Resolved, That this Encampment respectfully represents to the President its earnest conviction that Rule 225, now in practical effect in the adjudication of claims for pensions, under Section 2 of the act of June 27, 1890, in the Pension Bureau, works grave injustice to the worthy ex-soldier and ex-sailor, and we express the hope that you will not find it inconsistent with your duties as an executive officer to abrogate this rule and re-establish the principle as defined in Rule 164. Under the operation of Rule 164, formulated and put into effect soon after the passage of this act, unquestionably responsive to public sentiment and based upon sound legal propositions, in a word, the simple expression of the letter and spirit of the law, 400,000 names were added to the pension-roll of the Republic, and to which no objection was heard for years after its promulgation. Resolved, That this Encampment respectfully represents that the practice in the Pension -Bureau in barring widow claimants who have an income of $96 a year is not warranted by the terms of the law, and we warmly indorse the recommendation of the Commissioner of Pensions to successive Secretaries of the Interior that the limitation be increased to $250 a year. Resolved, That the Commander-in-Chief appoint a committee of five comrades to present to the President a certified copy of the action of this National Encampment, with an expression of our earnest desire for justice only to our disabled comrades and the widows and orphans of our dead under the letter and spirit of the law. Resolved, That this committee is hereby authorized and directed, in the event that it is determined that relief may not be accorded by the administrative officers of the Government, to present to Congress a request for the amendment of the law in such form as to make certain the true intent of the statute, as we believe it can be construed as herein presented. A committee, consisting of Comrades R. B. Brown, John Palmer, J. W. 'Burst, Charles Clark Adams and D. E. Sickles, was appointed to present the report to the President of the United States. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Past Commander-in-Chief Wm. Warner nominated Past Commander Leo Raisseur, Missouri, for Commander-in-Chief. Commander Jos. W. Kay, New York, nominated Past Commander Albert D. Shaw.: Comrade Raisseur withdrew in a handsome speech, and Comrade Shaw was elected by acclamation. Past Comrade Irvin Robbins, Indiana, was elected Senior Vice Commander-. I 5in-Chief; Michael Minton, Kentucky, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief; Win.; I I t I 'HisTORY OF THE GRAN-D A-RM-,Y O'F THE iiEPUBLIC. Ba Arfassach ulsetts, S~urgeon-Generai; and i te r., &rn Maryland, Chplain-in-Chief; aI baclation. The followina resolutions wAere adopted. Re~1tionfro NewYor a~austany one outside, the army andny we~qring 1r imita t ionrs of the insin,_nia' or unhb.,rm-. ',`Resolution askingr Con a~IeSs;- to pas egislatioa to prtc the, flagc agrainst desecration. Adopted. 'PResolIu tio n i;n favor of rem-ovfirng rto- ofCv:ervice exanivu'tion PIm plcs euiigopatcular amount of education. Ad opted. *Resolutions in favor of special s e rvi ces on the centennial of Washing'ton's death., Adop~ted. - THANKS TO THE PENSION- COMM13ITTEE. Oomrade Semple, Pennsylvania, offered a resolution giving the thanks of the aatIon Encampmntto the members of the National Pension Committee fojr its able, pantaking, and very satisfactory labors. This was pa -snasssed by acclamation. o CHANGE IN THE RULES. Comirade R. B. Beath reported a n umber of changes 'in the Rules and 11egu_ lations. The most important of these was the provis~ion that hereafter, uponthe' death of the Commanuder-in-Chief, the Senior Vic'e Commander-in-Chief ahallscceed to the place, and the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief to the Senior's place. The same rule shall apply to Department officials, Posts to continue as heretofore to fill vacancies bv election. Adopted. -It was further recommended that the Senior and Junior-Vice Commanders-1n-Chief be made members of the Council of Lkdministration. Referred back 14o ~the committee. PRESENTATIONS., ETC. Adj't-Gen. Stewart and Q.-M.-Gen. Burrows were each presented witha fne Idiamond ring and a set of diamond shirt studs, in recogonition of their. gratuitous, services duringa the past year. A resolution of thanks to the comrades and'citizens of Philadelphia for their magificen etrtainment was passed by acclamation. Past Commander-in-Chief Wagner, the senior Past National officer present, 'then installed the newly-elected officers. Commander-in-Chief Shaw announced as his Adjutant-Gen'eral Thom as J Stewart, of Pennsylvania, who was then installed, and the Commander-in-Chief,announced th 3dNtinlEn'-mrnt4 he Grand Army of the Republic adjo~urned sine die. t i?*: i I 1. m r~ I.rr r i ~4; ~: r i c i - J i~ ~ 1 -~