Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 March 1888 — BOYS IN BLUE. [ARTICLE]

BOYS IN BLUE.

Encampment ol the Department of Indiana, O. A. R. The Ix>r*e»porl and Snath Bend Poets Reinstated— Proceedings of the Eq. eampment— The Woman’s Relief Corps. The ninth annual Encampment G. A. R. Department of Indiana, convened at Indianapolis, Wednesday. There was a very large attendance. Commander Chase presided. A resolution was adopted conferring on R. S. Foster, Nathan Kimball, Oliver M. Wilson and Lewis Humphries the title, honors and privileges of Past Commanders, in accordance withtho action of the National Encampment, the gentlemen having served as Commanders before the national association had been form ad. The Deparment Commander gave a* detailed statement of the operations of the brotherhood during the year, and in a statistical way his report showed that there were now on the muster rolls of the State the names of 23,173 "members of the G. A. R. In good (landing, an increase for the year of 9,876, with 1,269 suspensions, who, according to the rules are members still, making a grand total of 24,464 comrades. The total receipts for the year were $8,887.31; the balance of $1,518.35, an increase of SI,OOO over the balance of last year, The total assets of the order are now $5,261.50. The commander congratulated the members on the gratifying assurance that Indiana was soon to have the largest and finest soldiers’ monument in the world, and he said it was their pride that the G. A. R. of Indiana had fathered and fostered this gigantic undertaking. Regarding the Woman’s Belief Corps. Mr. Chase said that it was a matter of regret that this subject, which usually calls forth the heartiest indorsement and warmest gratitude, should have proven, this year at least, a root of bitterness. The various posts had not been of one mind as to the powers and jurisdiction of the encampment, even in an advisory way, regarding the Woman’s Relief Corps, and if he had been derelict in his duty, it had been on the line of not pressing his authority to the point indicated in the resolution passed by the last encampment. He spoke encouragingly of the growth and prosperity of the Order of Sons of Veterans, and gave an interesting account of the National Encampment at St. Lpnis last year. He complimented the various department officers for their efficiency and faithfulness. He paid a tribute to the memory of the dead comrad’s, and in conclusion gave an account of his administration. The report of Adjutant General Walker showed the strength of the department as indicated by the fourth quarterly-report, ending December 31, 1886, to be 440 posts, with a membership of 20,322; for the same period in 1887 there is a showing of 476 posts, with 23,195 members in good standing. The gains were, by muster,4,346; by transfer, 451 and by reinstatement, 3,510, making a total gain for 1887 of 8.307. The losses were, by death, 243; honorably discharged, 107; by transfer, 730; by suspension, 4,297; dishonorably discharged, 46; delinquent reports, 11. The total loss for the year was 5,434, and a net gain in membership 2,873. The number remaining suspended December 6,1887, was 1,269. Eleven disbanded posts have been reorganised, and seventeen posts have surrendered. The total amount expended in charity for the year was $6,042.16, and 531 families were relieved. The soldiers who did not belong to the organization, but who received assistance were 366. The report states that the sum stated does not represent more than half the sum actually disbursed, the remainder being informally given by comrades and not reported by posts. The amount received as per capita tax, for supplies and from all sources, was $8,837.21. Quartermaster Whitsit’s report shows total receipts of $8,837.21, and expenditures footing $6,867.21, leaving a balance of $3,018 33. The department has $2,500 invested in mortgage loans and other assets, making a total of $5,261.59.

The conucil of administration were in session several hours considering the annulment of the charters of the Logansport and South Bend Posts, for having issued a circular in disrespect to the department offices. The members of the two Posts disavowed intent to be unsubordinate or disrespectful, and the apology was accepted and the charters restoredj A communication was received from the Belief Corps, stating that all factional differences had been settled, and giving assurances of more continued work in the future. A committee, headed by General McGinnis, was appointed to make response to this communication. A committee appointed by General Bennett was directed to secure a badge for presentation to Commander Chase, in recognition of his faithful service in the department, ths same to cost not less than 1100. A report was submitted on behalf of the Sons of Veterans, showing 108 camps had been organised, with a membership in excess of 3,000, and it is believed the total membership will encampment The resolutions adopted embraced the 1 following: .- - 1. Instructing the Department Qaartermaater and Acstetant Adjutant General to procure pjrtraiU of Paat Aanunamdere, with hiaww of

service, etc., the -aid portraits to be framed and prevented to the Tuateesof the Soldier*' Orpnans’ Home, to be placed in the an gallery of the Home. , 2. That the 1889 National Encampment be (elicited to meet in Indianapolis, provided that tbe cltlxena of Indlanapolla guarantees sufficient fund lor the entertainment of that encampment before September 1.1888. 3 That each congreeaiunal district select one delegate and one alternate for the National Encampment, and also appoint one member of a committee of thirteen, wbo shall select eleven delegates and eleven alternates, shall constiiute our representatives: provided, that the one having the hggeat vote in the committee of thirteen shall be the delegate at large. 4. Requesting Senators and Representatives from this State to rupport the bill now pending, providing that the use of the site in Dearborn Park. Chicago, for a memorial ball be donated to a corporation. whi?h the veterans’ organization of the cl tv have authorized for the erection of such a building. b. Recommending that 918 001 be appropriated from available funds bv the Monument Commission for the foundation of the new monument. Angus D. Vanosdal, of Md-iison, was elected Department OummandOr on the first billot, receiving 416 votes to Gil R. Starmont, of Princeton, 122, and W. L. Daily, of Peru, 81. Sielby Saxton, of North Manchester was elected Senior Vice Commander and I. B. McDonald, ol Columbia City, Junior Vico Commander.

The delegates selected by the various districts to the National Encampment areas follows: Dist. DELEGATES. ALTERNATES 1 VishPT Dorneck, n P Hopkins, 2 SB A Condey, John Dearmin, 3 Joaeoh Balsley, Gen w Cowards, 4 J G Moore. W H Childs, fi COWatßonr, J V Hudley, « DPLelbhardt. John W M- coy, 7 Geo F McGinnis, C A MsPnerson, 8 M C Rankin, H R Tinsley, 9 DF A Ilea, 10 Mark L DeMotte, George W Waters, 11 Rsv N A Saxton, Charlo* W Watkins, 12 Allen H Dougle John II Hoffman, 13 J 8 Douge, Wm Kendall. woman’s REMIT CORPS. There was an immense attendance at the meetings of the Woman’s Relief Corps, which were held in the House of Representatives. The present convention is unique. It is the joint but not'the'consolidated assembly of the two corps in Indiana. It will be remembered that a year ago a difference sprang up which resulted in the division of the State Corps. The convention, which me in Indianapolis at the usual time and place, organized by electing Mrs. Flora Wulschner, President; Agnes Hitt, Secretary; and L. Mav Wheeler, (all of Indianapolis) Chief of Staff. Subsequently a dissatisfied element met and elected Lauretta J. Gcrsuch, South Bend,Treasurer; Ada R. Ewalt, South Bend, Secretary; and Martha M. Smith,South Bend, Treasurer. These respective sections have eome to be known as the “Indianapolis” and “South Bend” Divisions. Each has a full complement of officers, and has preserved as far as possible constitutional organization. The unfortunate disagreement which thus divided the State received no little attention in the National Encampment of the G. A. R. at St. Louis. There a plan of reconciliation was suggested, and national officers were designated to attend the joint convention of the two divisions which is now in session.

In pursuance of the St. Louis agreement, Mrs. Kate B. Sherwood, Past National President, of Toledo, 0., called the convention to order and served as chairman throughout the convention. At one side of the chair was seated Mrs. Wulschner, President of the Indianpolis Division, surrounded by her staff, while on the other side were Mrs. Gorsuch and her staff, the South Bend Division. The respective delegates from each division are, of courP not acquainted with the pass-words <. the other division. To avoid embarrassment, therefore, the pass-words of the National Corps were used for this occasion. To still further surround the convention with national and unprejudiced influences, Mrs. Armilia A. Cheney, of Detroit, National Secretary, acted as secretary of the sessions.

The roll-call showed that the Indianapolis Division had present about two hundred delegates; the South Bend Division about fifty. Others in attendance were visitii g delegates, not entitled to vote. The official delegates represent, it is understood, 105 corps in the Indianapolis Division and 32 in the South Bend Division. The Indianapolis Division’s strength includes 53 new corps and the South Bend’s 4. The presiding officer, representing the wisdom and wishes of the National Corps, delivered a happy, conciliatory and comprehensive address, designed to bring about union and harmony, She referred to the work of the women during the war—of Anna Blla- Carroll, who freed her slaves, expended her money for the Union soldiers, planned the Tennessee campaign, and who now lies in a hospital under the care of the W. R. C.; of Clara Barton, and of all the women who have contributed to the cause of the Union.

She discussed the differences which have divided the women of Indiana,and pointed out the advantages and necessity for a peaceable conclusion. She was sure the women of Indiana want harmony, and how this may be brought about furnished the speaker an ample theme. The National President, Emma Stark Hampton, of Detroit, was introduced by the National Aid. Adelia New, of Indianapolis. In speaking of Mrs. Hampton, Mrs. Sherwood said that “she represented 65,000 of the women of the United States.” Mrs. Hampton spoke a happy word of greeting. Both Mrs. Wulschner and Mrs. Gorsnch presented annual reports. Feace hovered over ~the dehberattffM of the W. R. C. until time -came to elect officers, when an outbreak became mminent. Mrs. Wulschner, in order to restore harmony, finally declineci to be a candidate for president, and after

that good fellowship, apparently, pre vkiled. The committee appointed to nominate officers recommended the election of Mrs. Haas, of Wabash, as president Mrs. Haas was an active supporter of the South Bend faction who were in the minority, and the opposing faction were unwilling that the highest office should go to the minority. They proceeded to nominate other candidates. The result of the election resulted as follows, Mrs. Haas being elected Senior Vice President in the interest of harmony: President—Mrs. Agnes HRt, Indianapolis. Senior Vice-president—Mrs. Laura Haas, Wabash. Junior Vice-president—Mrs. Jennie Myerhoff, Evsnsville. t haplsin—Mrs. Abigail D. Hawkins, Brazil. Treatuier -Mrs Sarah £. Haskell, Indianapolis. Executive Board-Mrs Juliet R Wood. Indianapolis; Mrs Sar-ih M Pittman, Bloomington; Sara A Foster. Fort Wayne; Mbs India Hackleman, Rushville; Mrs Martha Smith, Rtuhville. The appointed office™ a>e as follows: Becretary-Mrs. Flora Wuhchner, Indianapolis. Inspect'cr-Mrs. Nettie Bonner, North Manchester. Counselor-Mrs. Mary T. Davis Crawfordsville. Installing and instituting Officer-Mrs. L. May Wheeler.

The election of delegates to the next national convention, which meets in connection with the Grand Encampment at Columbus, resulted as follows: Mrs. Sarah E. Foster, delegate at large, and the following regular delegates: Mrs. Mcllvain, Mrs. Slkrmont, Mis. Sara Jackson, Mrs. Ella Lovett, Mrs. Ja’iet Wood and Mrp. Fisher. The alternates were Mrs. Emma Hanna, Mrs. Sarah E. Pitman, Mrs. Cochran, Mrs. Braxton. Mrs. Thompkins and Mrs. Augusta Payer.