Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 September 1893 — G.A. R. ENCAMPMENT. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

G.A. R. ENCAMPMENT.

‘‘TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP, THE BOYS ARE MARCHING. ’ Twenty-Seventh Annual Meeting of the G. A. R. in the City of Its Birth. Indianapolis In Holiday Dress—Profuse and , Imposing Decorations—Vast Gathering of the Survivors of the Union Tr T~' ~~ Armies—Scenes, Notes and Incidents. 7 The eighth annual convention of the Naval Veterans’ Association met In Masonic Hall at 9 a. m., Monday. Admiral Osbon called the meeting to order. Chaplain Alman offered prayer. Minutes of the seventh annual convention, held at Baltimore, Sept. 16.1892, were read. Admiral Osbon read his annual report. The convention proceeded to ballot for officers. Admiral Osbon was re-elected on first ballot. Cyrus Sears, of Baltimore, was elected commodore, on the second ballot. Resolutions of thanks to the citizens of Indianapolis for the unprecedented hospitality extended to visitors were unanimously passed. The admiral then reappointed George W. Bostwick, of New York, national secretary, W. E. Good-

nongh, New Haven, Conn., national boatswain, And WilHamJSlmmons, Philadelphia, national historian. Considerable discussion tpbk place on the question of electing the national secretary, boatswain and historian, and, after many motions pro and con on the subject, it was decided to leave the appointing power with the admiral. Monday night a reception was given at Tomlinson Hall. The hall had been beautifully decorated with flags, bunting, electric lights and plants. A brilliant assemblage gathered and the evening was spent in an informal and social way. The floor was cleared for dancing and the stage was occupied by the orchestra and chorus. Previous to the hall Mayor Sub llvan presented Gen. Benjamin Harrison in a brief speech. General Harrison was given a great ovation, and when quiet had been restored, he said: GEN. HARRISON'S SPEECH. “Commander Welssert, Delegates to the Twenty-seventh Annual Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. Comrades, Telldw-CHlzens—Has not Indianapolis already spoken to you? Have not these gay .streets, these brilliant'flags, these smiling faces, given you assurance of welcome to toe capital of Indiana? Can I add anything to that magnlflccnt demonstration which has already greeted your eyes, and, I have no doubt, filled "your heart, with a full sense of welcome? “We welcome you tonight because we are in accord.' A distinguished citizen of the United'States senate objected to the Chinese because they did hot, as he said, ‘homologate:.’; X want to assure you that you thoroughly ‘homologate’ with iis. To make a reception altogether pleasant to host and guest, then: arc mutual qualilles to tie thought Qf; there must he sympathy between tlmMo; and I declare to you tcnight that tlio 1 citizens of Indianapolis and of theStjUeof Indiana are in thorough sympathy tvith the organization' and the aims of the Grand Army ol the Republic.

We welcome you because you come with the greatness of things <tono In behalf of the nag and of the country. “Our hearts and eur homes are open to yon. If we bowed the knee to any It would bo to you. Can it be possible that while the survivors of this great struggle are still with us. while they walk our streets, a generation has come on forgetful of their great achievements? Has the moth of avarice, the canker of greed so entered into tho hearts of this generation that they are unmindful of these men? God forbid! “The Grand Army of the Republic has rightfully claimed that men who fell by the way in the battle of life from disease or advancing years and lost the capacity to maintain themselves, should bo cared for bv the nation they saved, and not be dependent upon the township poor farm. “I do not propose to discuss the pension question. Many considerations limit me In the freedom of speech concerning it,bnt

1 1 may say this, that when corgrass, In its I generous recognition of the rightful claims of the soldier has passed a law lor his benefit, we may and we will demand that it shall be beneficially construed in his behalf. (Applause).

“I shall hope to see mauy of you personally during your stay. And ,if we can send you away after your work Is complete with a pleasant Impression of this city that we love so much, this city of pleasant homes, of hospitable, loyal people, we shall hope that you will cherish long in your renre.nberance this great everft.” The cheering at the close was long aud

hearty and Gen - Weissert was introduced to reply to the preceding address of welcome. He said:. GEN. WEIBSERT’S RESPONSE. “Mr. Chairman. Comrade Harrison and Friends—ln the name of the Grand Army of the Republic, whose representatives are gathered tHiyoar beautiful city for the purpose of holding its Twenty-seventh Annual Encampment, I' thank, you for thfs co.rdial, this hearty welcome. We look bAck to the date of the organization of this great order and we find ourselves in the city of Indianapolis: and twelve or fifteen years later, on the invitation of tlje citizens of Indianapolis we come again to your city; and here, after twenty-seven-years have passed;whenthe organization has become great and influential, on the hearty invitation of the citizens of Indianapolis, we again come to your city, and we thank you for all the evidences of vour kindness. Washall always rememoer you, and If ever you in vite us again,we will come to Indianapolis.” The entertainment part of the reception closed with the completion of the program and the whole ended with a ball preceded by a grand march in which all present joined. THE GREAT PABAD*'. At 11 o’clock, Tuesday, the Grand Army of the Republio started upon its annual parade from the corner of Seventh and Meridian streets, the point being about two miles north of Washington street, the main thoroughfare of the city. The route had been wired off at the: curb line, and the streets were cleared by mounted police. Meridian street, a beautiful shaded residence avenue, was literally packed with spectators throughout the length traversed by the procession. So great was the crowd that the decorations, beautiful and extensive as they were, were mostly hidden from the view of the veterans for whole honor they were displayed. General Carnahan, the Grand Marshal, rode first followed by the escort cavalry. Then

came the Commander-in-chief of the Grand Army on a beautiful gray horse. His appearance was everywhere greeted with enthusiastic cheering. Illinois led the column of veteran soldiery, with prominent crippled veterans in carriages, a monitor naval float filled with old sail 1 - ors and an almost endless succession of G. A. li. posts. Then followed Wisconsin, New York, and ail the other States whose representatives were present, in the order laid down on tho program. Hour after hour the grayhaired veterans filed past, and at 4 p. m. the twenty-seventh annual parade of the Grand Army of the Rcpulic bad passed into history. The first business meeting of the Encampment met at Tomlinson Hall at 11 a. m., Wednesday. Commander-in-chief . . '

Weissert was escorted to the Hall by Columbia Post, of Chicago. A large number of veterans were denied admission, because they could not give the countersign, whip, to their great disgust, .they had forgotten. Gov, Matthews being present, was introduced by Col. I. C. Walker, immediately following the call for order. Gov. Matthews responded In an address of welcome, as follows: THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS. “No prouder privilege ever fell to the lot of a Governor of Indiana than is my proud and happy privilege to welcome within our State this day representatives of the remnant of that grand patriot army that but one generation ago marched out to battle for their country. We have leaked for you, and hoped you would come, and now that you are here, we rejoice and feel honored at your coming. Not only the voices of sixty thousand Indiana soldiers living rise to cheering anthem to greet you, but from the graves of thousands of Indiana soldiers dead there exhales a blessing sweet and divine, chaining our memory to their deeds of vaior, immeasUreable sacrifices and soul-inspiring devotion. h an occasion as this carries ’ us back with reverence in our hearts to the stirring; times when you and your comrades, loving the institutions of our country, with an abiding faith in its future greatness, and a firm belief in the grandeur of its destiny as the hope and refuge of human liberty, resolved that rather than one star should disappear from its diadem,you would perish 1n its defense. We owe you much, and wherever you meet in National Encampment there will be kindled anew the fires of patriotism in the hearts of our youth. Standing here within the shadows of the grandest monument ever erected by the loyal living to the loyal dead, in the name of her soldiers, living and dead, of her citizens and her youth, I bid you warmest welcome to Indiana.” Mayor Sullivan followed the Governor in an address of welcome on behalf of the city of Indianapolis. Col. Ell Lilly spoke on behalf of the committee on arrangements, and presented the Commander-In-Chief with a gavel made from oak taken from the old State House. Commander Weissert responded in a happy way about “getting there, Ell,” and the committee on withdrawing were given a generous recognition by the delegates with three rousing cheers. General Raum being recognized on the platform was called out and addressed the meeting. In the afternoon the Commander-in-Chief submitted his annual report. He began by calling the attention of his “comrades and shipmates” to the fact that “for the third time we assemble in the patriotic metropolis of Indiana, where nearly a generation ago the National organization of the Grand Army of the Republic had its birth.” Then he continued: “Time has dealt gently with us. Since then nearly a million of our comrades have left the shores of time and pitched their tent on eternity’s camping ground. Our organization has developed in tremendous proportions, consisting to-day of nearly half a million veteran soldiers.” After some reference to the physical infirmities he continued: “We have assembled for the transaction of the necessary business devolving upon the National Encampment, with special reference to the man-

agement of the organization for the ensuing year. The membership of this Encampment Is the largest since US organization—l,lß7 comrades are entitled to seats in this body, and thpy are the legitimate representatives of more than 200,000 soldiers who * * resented the attacks of traitors.” “He stated that during the year he had visited 37 of the 45 departments, 41 States and territories, attended 18 department encampments and traveled 48,000 miles. He reported a falling off in membership of 2:003 in good standing as compared with June, 1592. The dellnquent list, however, is reduced 4,030. The total membership is 443,554, of which 397,223 are in good standing, suspended 41,661, by delinquent reports 4,670. The gain by muster during the past year was 24,954. Jn Canada there are fourposts, one in the City of Mexico, one In Honolulu, one In Juneau, Alaska, and application fora charter has been made from Lima, Peru. In speaking bn the subject of pensions Commander Weissert said: “More recently wo learn that thousands of worthy soldiers, who hive prbved their cases to the satisfaction of the pension bureau, have had their pensions stopped upon one pretext or another. * * * The pension laws of our country affect the interests pf veterans of various wars, but somehow the indiscriminate takings away of pensions affect only those who served in the war against treason and rebellion.” The Speaker i called attention to the fact that every person who served in the Mexican war thirty days gets a pension irrespective of disabilities or financial condition, although many never reached the seat of war, but not a Word is said against Mexican war pensioners, while men who fought in the late war against treason and rebellion are abused and traduced as no soldiers have ever been. The address was very lengthy, covering every matter of interest to the oner. - In conclusion the Commander said: “To my associates of the staff, the past command-or-in-chlef, department commander and thecouncil of administration, I shall alhaAAatefiil for their courtesy and assistance. To my comrades I return a comrade’s thanks.”

Following the Commander-in-chiefs address, the question of the place for holding the next annual ; encampment came up, and Pittsburg was selected by acclamation, Nouilnations for coromander-in-chlcf were next in order. John Gregory Bishop Adams, of Massachusetts, was elected without opposition. The new Commander was escorted to the stage and spoke briefly. In the course of his remarks he said, in the language of an inscription on a tombstone in his own State, that “Heexpected this, but not so soon.” Col. I. N. Walker, of Indiana, was elected senior vlce-commandor-In-chlcf by acclamation. Thursday’s session was devoted to routine business, A resolution favoring the erection of a National monument to the rank and file of the Union armies of the Rebellion at Washington was unanimously adopted. A delegation from the W. R. C. was received with full honors. The committee on pensions submitted a report and resolutions denouncing the Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Pensions for their course in suspending pensioners under tho disability pension law of 1890.

The following resolution was accepted with, a hurrah*. , Resolved, That our thanks are doe ami dow expressed in the sincerity of a soldier s plain speech, to the Executive and the people of Indiana, and to the Mayor and the citizens of Indianapolis, for the welcome which met ns at the threshold of the commonwealth and has followed ns up to the city, has abided with us and made us welcome. Citizens, friends, comrades, accept our thanks and good wishes. Peace be within thy gates and prosperity within thy palaces! At the afternoon session the Encampment instructed the Commander to carry the question of the legality of the suspension of pensions to the Supreme Court of the United States. The committee on resolutions made several recommendations: Recommending

that the pay of soldiars in the late war be made up to a gold basis; favoring free transportation of soldiers needing artificial limbs to places where they can be obtained: to observe Washington’s birthday; favoring reservation of lands in Oklahoma for soldiers. After the adoption of amendmentments to the rules and regulations, Commander-in-Chief Weissert gave his last command by ordering the Adjutant-GeneraiLtoaum* mon the newly elected officers to the platform. This being done, he administered the p’edge of office and they were duly installed. Commandd!&ln-Chief Adams made a few remarks and announced as a part of his official Staff J. F. Meech, of Lynn, Mass., as Adjutant-General, and Gen. Louis Wagner, of Philadelphia, as Quartermaster-General, and they were installed. After three cheers for the new administration the encampmeilt adjourned sine die. NOTES. Tuesday, September 5, 1893, will always remain a red letter day in the history of Indianapolis. The weather was very warm and the unpaved streets were dusty, but the town was in fine shape for tho reception of visitors. And the visitors came by tens of thousands. Battalions, posts, divisions, companies, corporal’s guards, stragglers, sutlers, and camp followers, were there in force, to A reception was given to the Woman’s Relief Corps at Tomlinson Hall, Tuesday night. Mrs. Flora Wulschner, of Indianapolis, chairman of the executive reception committee, welcomed members from abroad. Mayor Sullivan introduced Gen. Harrison, who spoke at length, and in a feeling manner, of the organization and its hims and purposes. Gen. Noble followed the ex-Presidant in a brief address.

The Chesapeake & Ohio train from Washington, D. C., Monday afternoon brought in six hundred people—four hundred of whom were veterans. The G. A. R. auxiliary—the Women’s Relief Corps—were in session during the week. Tfls order has had the cordial support of the G. A. R. from its inception, and is very popular and prosperous. Our space will not permit giving any details of the proceedings of their convention. The president last year was Mrs. Margaret Ray Wickins of Sabentha, Kan. Two fat women passed the wire “dead line” near the grand stand, while the backs of the police were turned, ans*rere given an ovation by the crowd. At the meeting of the Shiloh Battlefield Association, Tuesday night, it was resolved to ask Congress to purchase the battle-field. Quite a large number of “comrades” surrendered to John Barleycorn, and his “influence” was paramount to all other considerations as they went staggering by. Gen. HArrison entertained the Connecticut delegation—sixty odd members — Tuesday night at his residence. The exhibition of lire works east of the city, Tuesday evening, was viewed by 00,000 people, and was a superb success in eve-v way.

The reunion of £cn. Harrison’s brigade at Masonic Hall, Wednesday morning, was attended by all who could gain an entrance to the room. Gen. Harrison’s appearanc; was the signal for a hearty greeting. But little ballty was observed in the proceedings. The ex-Presl-dent spoke in his usual happy way, but. owing to the great length of the address, we arc unable to give an intelligent resume of it ami omit it altogether. Following Gch, Harrison's ad di-ess officers were elected for the ensuing year. Gen. Harrison was elected President and Samuel Merrill, Vice-President. Mr. Harrison was visibly affected while dismissing the audlerfcc, and closed the meeting with: “God be with you till we meet again,” to which came a heart-felt “Amen.” 4 Gov. McKinley arrived In the city Wednesday. His coming was unexpected and created a sensation.

INDIANA STATE SOLDIERS’ AND SAILORS’ MONUMENT, INDIANAPOLIS

THE KEARSARGE.

COMMANDER WEISSERT

COMMANDER OSBON.

CAPT. J. G. B. ADAMS.

BENJAMIN HARRISON.