Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1901 — G. A. R OF INDIANA. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

G. A. R OF INDIANA.

VETERANS HOLD ENCAMPMENT AT LOGANSPORT. Hundreds of Old Soldiers Thronij the Streets of the City—Annual Address of Commander Beem Condition of the Great Brotherhood. Logansport 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, and the streets were prettily decorated. Nearly every store floated a flag, and the hotels and boarding houses were gay with color. Department Commander Beem in his address on Wednesday before the Grand Army said that of the original colonels of the 156 Indiana regiments appointed by Gov. Morton only sixteen survive and that the average age of the survivors of the Civil War is over 60 years. He conued:

Commander Beem’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 16,615: gained during the year since, 1,706; total, if no losses, 18,321. Losses by death, 419; 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 Vetqfans, and then speaks of the Woman’s Relief Corps as follows: “When God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and by that mysterious process which hqs 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 Ibat 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 the sympathy and patriotic support of all loyal women.”

R. M. Smock’s Report*. The report of membership for 1900 is as follows: Members in good standing Dec. 30, 1899, 16,615. Gained during the year 1900: By muster in, 599; by transfer, 243; by reinstatement, 864, a total of 1,706, making a grand 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, 190®, 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 thejr 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 be remembered. Veterans too old t& 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 10,000 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-eom-

m and er, Rodney Strain of Logansport; junior vicecommander, Chas. W. Jones of Indianapolis; medical director, Dr. Warren R. King of Greenfield; chaplain. Rev. B. F. Shepherd of Pleasantville; delegate at large, Benjamin Starr of Rich-

mond; alternate, Dr. A. R. Tucker; of Noblesville. Captain Garrigus won in a walk in his race over E. E. Georgia for State commander, the* latter’s name being withdrawn early in the session. Captain Garrigus was born in Wayne County in 1831. Before the war he taught school and was postmaster at Greentown. He served four years at the front with distinction. The Ladies of the Grand Army of the, Republic selected " Mrs. E. C. Sawtell of Fort Wayne for president and Mrs. Margaret Blose of Richmond vice-president. In a secret session they passed a resolution condemning the War Department for their action in Russell Harrison's dismissal from the army senice. 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 Logansport; 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. Tlte encampment closed Thursday afternoon as far as business sessions were concerned, and the veterans were guest* of the city that evening

CAPT. GARRIGUS.