Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 78, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1899 — INDIANA GRAND ARMY [ARTICLE]

INDIANA GRAND ARMY

ANNUAL G. A. R. ENCAMPMENT AT TERRE HAUTE. Battle of El Caney Reproduced—Grand Parade Witnessed by a Vast Crowd —Election of Officers—Next Encampment at Indianapolis. The Grand Army of the Republic of Indiana held its twentieth annual encampment at Terre Haute and remained in session for three days. The opening day, Tuesday, was marked by the arrival of the twenty thousand visitors and delegates. The famous Culver Black Horse Troop, accompanied by the Culver Military Band and three companies of Culver Cadets, arrived at noon in Charge of Maj. Gignilliat and Lieut. Floyd. The Black Horse Cavalry gave an exhibition drill at the fair grounds in the afternoon. The sham battle at the fair grounds was witnessed by a crowd of nearly 20,000. It was a representation of the American attack at El Caney, the battlefield being laid out inside the famous race track under the direction of Capt. George W. Bigler, late of Company B, 159th Indiana. Capt. D. F. Allen commanded two companies of infantry and one of artillery representing the Spanish forces, while Capt. Rich, with four companies of infantry and one of artillery, represented the commander of the United States forces. The battle was carried out with all the advances and retreats of the original and terminated with the final capture of the blockhouse on the hill by the Americans. After supper the visitors were given receptions at the various brigade headquarters and at the State Normal School hall. At the latter place the big reception was held, and from there the guests adjourned to the armory of Company B, where a second reception was given. At both places speechmaking and musical pro. grams were carried out. Wednesday was the big day of the encampment, fully 30,000 people being in the city. The parade was a great success. The Grand Army turned out in large numbers. The National Guard showed the discipline of the past year in its splendid marching. The Culver Black Horse Cavalry and the infantry attracted much attention, as well as the civic and local military organizations. An immense crowd filled sidewalks and streets through which the procession passed. A notable feature was the marching of the Terre Haute school boys. The Governor and his staff in full uniforms added brilliancy to the occasion. The welcome of the city was officially extended by the Mayor. Following his brief remarks came a most happy speech by Col. McLean. Commander Ryan responded and Commander-in-Chief Johnson spoke at length on all topics affecting the Grand Army. Gen. John Q Black made a gem of a speech, setting forth that the great nation of to-day, with its wonderful development and with its greater promise was born of the sentiment which inspired the Union soldier. Gov. Mount received a hearty welcome and spoke feelingly to the old comrades, but made his address brief. The annual address of Commander Ryan was listened to with interest. He and the other officers, in their official reports, showed the great order to be in a prosperous condition. The election of representatives and alternates to the national encampment was the first business of Thursday’s session. Comrad| Irvin Robbins put Admiral Brown in nomination Tor Representative at large. The announcement was received with applause and he was unanimously elected. Col. W. E. McLean of Terre Haute was unanimously elected alternate. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: William L. Dunlap, Franklin, commander. Morton C. Rankin, Terre Haute, senior vice-commander. Solomon A. Pennington of Kokomo, junior vice-commander. Dr. Charles M. Gravis, Martinsville, medical director. Rev. Charles W. Stewart, Danville, chaplain. Council of Administration —Ben Starr, Richmond; J. S. Conlogue, Kendallville; W. E. Shilling, Indianapolis; Henry P. Rost, Michigan City; James D. Carmody, Evansville. The proposition to permit those who served in the Spanish war to join the Grand Army received no favor. The resolutions passed indorse President McKinley’s administration and laud the achievements of Admiral Dewey. The encampment of 1900 goes to Indianapolis by unanimous vote. The convention of the Woman’s Relief Corps was attended by 384 delegates and officers. Upon election of officers the following were chosen: Mrs. Maria Slater of Logansport, president; Mrs. Mary A. McElvain of Terre Haute, senior vice-presi-dent, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, junior vicepresident. The convention of the Ladies of the Grand Army was attended by about sixty delegates. During the year three circles have been organized, making the number sixteen, with a total membership of 875.