People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 May 1895 — G. A. R. AT BLOOMINGTON. [ARTICLE]

G. A. R. AT BLOOMINGTON.

SwrtltM of tho lactafßMl Bogin < This Aftomeoo. • Bloomington, HL, May 14.—The town is filled with visitors to the twentyninth annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic for the Department of Illinois. Interest centers in the choice of a department commander for the ensuing year, the selection of the town for the next encampment, and the probable action of the army on the Confederate monument question. Gen. John McNulta and Gen. W. V. Powell are leading candidates for the head of the department. Selection of the place for holding the next encampment hinges largely on the outcome of the vote on the commander. There are four towns in the field for the honor, Cairo, Danville, Quincy and Springfield. The fight is thought to be between Cairo and Danville, ■with the chances in favor of the first named town. A lively discussion will surely take place in the encampment over the Confederate monument craze. It is held by many Grand Army members that the time is ripe for Union veterans to openly denounce the fad, and they propose to vigorously protest agd -it the exercises in Oakwoods Cemetery, Chicago, Decoration day. For the first time in the history of the organization the Illinois division of the Sons of Veterans is holding its encampment In conjunction with the Grand Army, on the invitation, of the latter. The cold weather prevailing has dampened enthusiasm. The city is well decorated with red, white and blue bunting, but the severe winds which tear off the banners in exposed spots have thus far prevented any attempt at elaborate effects. This afternoon the encampment proper opens with a big parade in which nearly a thousand veterans and Sons of Veterans are expected to be in line. In the evening there will be two big campfires at Turner Hall and the Grand Opera House. Wednesday morning a business session of the Grand Army will be held, and the afternoon and evening will be given up to campfires and receptions. Thursday the selection of a Department Commander will be made and the place of holding the next encampment fixed upon. The session is expected to continue until Friday mornIr.g.