Jasper County Democrat, Volume 3, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 May 1900 — INDIANA “OLD VETS." [ARTICLE]

INDIANA “OLD VETS."

THEY MEET IN ANNUAL SESSION IN INDIANAPOLIS. State Encampment of 1900 Is Attended by 18,000 Soldiers of the Grand Army that Fought in the Civil War—Com-mander-In-Chief Shaw Present. ludianapotls correspondence: •_ Eighteen thousand veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic and somewhat more than that number of visitors gathered nt Indianapolis for the tweirtytirst annual encampment of the department of Indiana. The city was gay with flags. The most important event of Tuesday was the.annual meeting of the Loyal Legion, at which Rear Admiral George Brown of Indianapolis was elected commander, A, C. Ford of Terre Haute senior vice-commander; W. R. Myers of Anderson, junior vice-commander; recorder, Brevet Col. Zemro A. Smith; treasurer, Capt. Horace McKay; chancellor, Capt. John C. Nelson; registrar, Capt. Joseph Balsley; chaplain, the Rt. Rev. Jdhn Hazen. A reception for the commander-ia-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic was given at the German House in the evening. The encampment began its sessions in Tomlinson Hall shortly after 10 a. m. Wednesday. The meetings were secret and all the doors were carefully guarded. A regular guard with officer of the day and reliefs just like they had when chasing the Johnny Rebs, looked after this part of the meeting. Department Commander W.. L. Dunlap called the encampment to order and read his annual address. It regretted that the largest loss of membership is due to suspensions, because comrades fall in arrears. He said the death rate during the last year was greater than ever before. He urged a plan to reclaim suspended members. He called memorial day the most sacr.ed of the 365 and hoped the time will come when all sports, games and races will be laid aside. R. M. Smock, assistant adjutant general, reported that the total number of Indiana members in good standing Dec. 31, 1809, was 16,615. The year before, there were 17,537. The loss by death was 411 and by suspension 1,480. The total number, including suspended members, is 20,456. The order has spent $1,884.50 for relief. There were 154 posts in good standing, Dec. 31, 1899. The report includes the correspondence with Gen. Lawton after his Philippine victories. The report of Mr. Smock as assistant quartermaster general shows total receipts for the year ending April 30 to have been $5,858.90. Disbursements were $4,031.22, leaving a balance of sl,827.68. The adjutant general’s report recommends that small and weak posts be consolidated to save expense. A. D. Shaw<»f New Y'ork, commanfler-in-ch:e!!! of the G. A. R., was introduced amid applause, and made a patriotic address. The grand parade took place Wednesday afternoon. James Whitcomb Riley was given an ovation at the camp fire at Roberts Park Church Wednesday night, when he arose to recite “Old Glory.” Addresses were made by Chairman Marsh, Col. Samuel Merrill of California, Frank Martin, former commander of the Sons of Veterans of Indiana; Col. W. E. McLean and Rev. Daniel Ryan. The comrades got down to business early Thursday, most of theai being in Tomlinson Hall by 8 o’clock, to hold caucus on the election. Order was called at 9, and the election proceeded, the final result being as follows: Commander—David E. Boom, SpenCer. Senior Vice Commander—A. It. Seward, Indianapolis. Vice Commander John Gordon. Argos. Medical Director—Dr. J. E. Sterrett, Logansport. - Chaplain—Rev. H. E. Butler, Warsaw. Council of Administration Benjamin Starr, Richmond; Theodore Wilkes. Shelbyville; A. I». Miller. Wabash; William E. Shilling, Indianapolis; Henry A. Root, Michi gan City. Representative at Large-Admiral George Brown, Indianapolis. Alternate at Large—Gov. James A. Mount. Indianapolis. Logansport was selected as the place for holding the encampment of 1901. The Woman’s Relief Corps, which met in the city at the same time, chose these officers: President—Laura 8. Burr. Anderson. Senior Vice President-Thes a Allee Ross. Indianapolis. Junior Vice President-Isabelle Neal, Albion. Secretary—Hettle Forkner, Anderson. Treasurer—Ret tie May Metcalf. Anderson. Counselor—Eliza J. Crlsler, Greensburg. Inspector-Julia Smith, South Bend. I. and I. Officer Allee Yonkey, Lafayette. Patriotic Instructor- Ella Nye. Liberty. Executive Board—Emma Druley, Middletown; Belle Ephlln. Tangier; Kate Scott, Richmond; Latin* Crider, Alexandria; Josephine Thomas, Danville. The seventh annual convention of the Ladies of the G. A. R. came to a close Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Jennie Irvine of New Albany was unnuhuoiisly chosen State president of the organization. The other officers elected arc: Senior Vice President—Mrs. Mary Colwell, Aurora. Junior Vice President- Mrs. Rebecca Hollis, of Washington. Chaplain—Mrs. E. C, Sawtell, of Fort Wayne. Treasurer—Mrs. Carrie Porter, of Rensselaer. Council of Administration—Mrs. McCoy, of Vincennes, aud Mrs. Emma Beech, of AuAllee Kramer, of I*, fayette.