Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1901 — G. A. R. OF INDIANA. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

G. A. R. OF INDIANA.

VETERANS HOLD ENCAMPMENT AT LOGANSPORT. Hundreds of Old Soldiers Throng the Streets of the City-Annual Address of Commander Beem Condition of the Oreat Brotherhood. Lognasport correspondence: Hundreds of veterans were in Logansport to attend the State encampment of the Grand Army. All of the railroads sold round-trip tickets at a low rate, and few of the men who wore the blue remained away because of lack of funds. Citizens made ample preparations to entertain the visitors, aud the streets were prettily decorated. Nearly every store floated a Hag and the hotels an 1 boarding houses ifrere gay with color. Department Commander Beem in his address on Wednesday before the Grand Army Mid that of the original colonels of the loti Indiana regiments appointed by Gov. Morton only sixteen survive and that the average age of the survivors of the Civil War is over 00 years. He conned: Com in tinder Bcetn’s Address. “It is not strange, therefore, that the membership of this department should have steadily declined for several years. Regardless of this, however, the situation has some encouraging features. The membership last year was 10,015; gained during the year since, 1,700; total, if no losses, 18,3-1. Losses by death, 410; losses from other causes, 1,619; total losses, 2,110. Membership at the present time, 16,211. The number of posts in good standing last year was 455; since six new posts have been organized and eighteen have disbanded, leaving 443 posts i ngood standing now." The department commander notes with satisfaction the growing observance of Memorial Day—more general May 30, 1900, than ever before. He has a word of encouragement for Sons of Veterans, and then speaks of tiie Woman's Relief Corps as follows: "When God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and by that mysterious process which has always been the wonder and admiration of man, evolved woman from one of his ribs, it seems that the necessity for woman's help had its inception in the thought of. the infinite. It is a fact, however, that the idea never had its perfect development until the organization of the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. During the days of trial, hardship, suffering and battle, the soldiers of the Union had the sympathy, the prayers and the active help of the loyal women of the land. To the honor and glory of the women, be it said, they suffered with a heroism equal to the heroism of the battlefield. The loyal women of that day were equally patriotic and equally devoted to the cause of the Union, and they are now equally entitled to honor and credit with the men who bore arms. To aid and assist worthy soldiers in distress, to help care for his widow and orphans, to sympathize with and encourage the Grand Army of the Republic, to honor the cause for which he fought, to teach patriotism—these are the high and splendid purposes of the Woman’s Relief Corps. We welcome their kindly efforts in our behalf, and we appreciate tin* sympathy and patriotic support of all loyal women.” R. M. Smock’s Reports. The report of membership for 1900 is as follows: Members in good standing Dec. 30, 1899, 10,015. Gained during the year 1900: By muster iu, 599: by transfer, 243: by reinstatement, 804, a total of 1.700. making a grpnd total of 18.321. Loss during the year 1900: By death, 419; by honorable discharge, 27; by transfer, 474; by suspension, 1,189; by dishonorable discharge, 1, making a total loss of 2,110. Members in good standing Dec. 31, 1900, 16,211; members still suspended, 2,564, leaving a total of 18,775 on the rolls. Members dropped during the year, 1,898. Members and their families relieved, 212; others relieved. 88; amount expended for relief, $2,204.99. The grand parade Wednesday afternoon was a feature of the meeting long to' lie remembered. Veterans too old to continue the march were relieved at various parts by vehicles. Leo Rassieur of St. Louis, national commander-in-chief, was among the officers in carriages. It is estimated that 10,009 men were in line, including the 800 delegates, which is said to be the largest number attending a convention of the G. A. R. for years. The following officers were elected: Department commander, Captain Milton Garrigus of Kokomo; senior vice-coin-

mander, Rodney Strain of I.ogansport; junior vicecommander, Chas. W. Jones of Indianapolis; medical director, Dr. Warren R. King of Greenkeld; chaplain, Rev. B. F. Shepherd of Pleasn'ntville; delegate at large. Benjamin Starr of Rich-

nionil: alternate, I>r, A. It. Tucker of NobleavlUe. Captnin Uarr:"us won in n walk in his race over K. E. Georgia for State commander, the latter's name being withdrawn early in the session. Captain Garrigus was born in Wayne County in 18,'U. Before the war he taught school and was postmaster at Greeutowa. He served four years at the froiit with distinction. The Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic selected Mrs. E. C. Sawtell of Fort Wayne for president and Mrs. Mur-gnn-t ltlose of Richmond vice-president. In n secret session they passed a resolution condemning tho War Depart incut fur their action in-Jtussei! Harrison's dismissal from the army service. * The following will serve the Woman's Relief Corps the ensuing year: Department president, Mrs. Mary E. Swain of Richmond; senior vice-president, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown of l.ogansport; junior vice-president, Mrs. Laura Lower of North Manchester; treasurer, Mrs. Lamar. Richmond; secretary, Mrs. Scott.' Richmond; chaplain. Mrs. Fisher, Cicero; department inspector, Mrs. Clara Hess, Westville. The encampment closed Thursday afternoon as far as business sessions were conc erned, and the veterans were gueaU of the city that evening

CAPT. GARRIGUS.