Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1866-12-07
Grand Army Of Che Republic.

LA0 AOAlOWlng are the resolutions
adopted by the recent National Con-
vention Of this popular Union soldiers
organization at indianapolis
1. That the Grand Army of the
Republic is organized to maintain In
civil lie those great principles for
which It stood in arms under the ma
tlonal nag that it stands pledged TO
crush out active treason, to advance
and support active loyalty, to secure
sound Constitutional liberty to all
men, and to vindicate everywhere,
and at all times, the full aud complete
rights Of every loyal American citizen
\ against all combination of force or
fraud that may attempt to deny or de-
prive them Of such right.
2. That we pledge all the power and
( influence which, as individuals or as
an association, we can legtimately
WELD in the most especial manner to
those gallant men who stood fast by
the country in its hour of agony, in
the rebellious States, and who, through
all manner of losses and injuries, per-
secutlons under color of law, main
tanned their integrity and yindiCated
their loyalty and we solemnly declare
that no power that we can use shall
be neglected until they are thorouphlv
and completely protected in the active
exercise Of the rights of the Americ-
an freeman, through the entire cOun-
try over which our flag floats.
3. That Congress, in justice, and not
in charity, should pass a law, equal
iZing, In just manner the bounties Of
all Union soldiers and sailors.
f. That we now, as heretofore.
uoEadnra nruwunIvrna 70 haeA
deavOrs to procure appropriate State
and national legislation for the educa-
ton and maintenance of orphans and
widows of deceased comrades and
manned brethren, and to enforce q
speedy adjustment and payment of all
lawful claims against the Government
due soldiers and sailors and their
heirs.
8. That in our opinion no man is
worthy to be a free citizen of a free
country who is not willing to bear
arms in its defense, and we there
fore suggest to CONGRESS the passage
of a law making il the inexorable du-
ty of every citizen TO defend his coun-
try, in time of need, in person and not
by substitute.
g. That as a matter Of justice and
and dangers encountered by the Uni
on soldiers and sailors who served in
the late war for the preservation Of
the country can not ever be fully re-
paid, we respectfully ask that those
In authority bestow upon needy and
worthy soldiers and sailors such pO-
sitions of honor aud profit as they may
be competent to fill, and while we seek
nothing for ourselves or those Of our
comrades who are able to maintain
themselves, we do earnestly recon-
med this request to the consideration
Of all in authority, and we especially
ask the attention Of the President to
his policy heretofore declared on this
subject.
The following are the results to be
attained by the organization, as stated
in the Constitution.
1. The preservation Of those kind
and fraternal feelings which have
bound together, with the strong cords
of affection, the comrades In arms of
many battles, sieges and marches.
2. To make these ties available in
works and results Of kindness, of IA
vor, and material aid to those in need
of assistance.
3. To make a provision, where it is
not already done, for the support, care
and education of soldiers orphans,
and for the maintenance of widows of
deceased soldiers
4. For the protection and assist anoe
of disabled soldiers whether disa-
bled by wounds, sickness, old age, or
misfortune.
5, For the establishment and de-
tense Of the rights Of the soldiery of
the United States, morally, socially
and politically, with a view to incul-
cate proper appreciation Of such
services and claims BY the American
people
Recruits presented for enlistment in
the Grand Army of the Republic,
shall be soldiers or sailors honorably
serving, or honorably discharged sol
diers or sailors of the United States
Volunteers or Regular Army or Navy;
and shall exhibit their discharges on
or shall produce satisfacto-
ry evidence of having been hOnOTably
No soldier or sailor who
has been convicted of desertiOn or any
other infamous crime shall be eligible
to membership.
The association Is composed of Ma
tional, State, County, and Precint or
ganizations. OF the National Organiza-
tiOn Gen. S. A. Hurlhut has been
chosen Commander-in-Chief, Head
quarters at Springfield, III. Each
State organization is called a Depart
ment, each county District, and each
precinct a Post Each State, District
and Post has its own officers including
a Commander, Adjutant and Quarter
master. Each Department and Post
has, In addition, one Surgeon and Chap
lain, and each Post an officer of the
Guard and officer of the Day. All
officers are selected without regard to
nraVioua rank In the service.