Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-30
Annual Encampment q. A. X.

The annual encampment, Department of Maine
Grand Army Of the Republic was held at Skowhe-
gan, commencing Thursday evening at o'clock
The Council Of Administration held meeting at
the Turner House at z. NJ. 10 close up the bus
mess of the year and make arrangements for the
encampment. At : o'clock a procession was
formed under the direction OF Col a. W. Wildes
of Chamberlain Post and marched to Odd Fellows
Hall where the encampment was held. The fol-
lowing department officers were present:
Selden Conner, Grand Commander; Isaac Dyer
Senior Vice Commander; Will A. Woods, Junior
Vice Commander; S. j. Gallagher, Asst. Adj.
General; l.. B. Hill, Asst. Q. NJ. General; w. H.
Pennell, Inspector General; Franklin NJ. Drew,
Judge Advocate DR.. Atwood Crosby as Medical
Director; \. W. Wildes as Chaplain and Comrades
w. II. Green, T. II. Cummings and Herman
Bartlett, Council OF Administration.
Posts were represented by delegates as follows
Bosworth No. ., Portland, f. IL. Harmon, Geo.
H. Abbott Richard X. Galley and Harlan p. In
gals.
A. A. Dwincll No. 3 Mechanic Falls, Elliott
King.
Heath No 6, Gardiner, Levi Goodwin John I.
Richards
Vincent Mountford, No. !, Bruins wick, I. H.
Danforth. james c. Moody.
Knox No9, Lewiston A. b. Holland.
Berry No. 10, Lisbon, E. 0. Small, f. NJ. shaw.
Beal No. IL, n. j. Desmon
Seth Williams No. -, Augusta, :. j. Gallagher,
Il. c. Clement.
W. $. Heath, Nc. "A, Wateryille, Atwood Cros-
by.
Daniel White No. 10, Kenduskeag l.. J. Blanch-
ard, L. A. II. Stackpolc.
Chamberlain No 81, SkowseSan, y. w. Wildes
w. S. Wright.
Sheridan, No. %, Biddsford, Chas. W. Ross, A.
F. Desring, Charles F. Knights.
Folsom, No. A, Auburn, Joseph lttlefield, +.
W. Campbell, Abram Libby.
Cutler, No. 4S, Harlan +. Crane.
(nite a nur her of comrades were DVescnt who
were not delegates making respectable gather
ing considering the state Of the weather and trav-
cling facilities.
After the meeting was opened the Grand Com
mander read his annual report, only a portion OF
which we are able to publish for lack of space. Ii
was one of the best reports of the kind that has
ever been made in the Department and we regret
that we cannot give it entire
1t begins as follows;
Comrades Il heartily greet you at this en-
campment of the department, and in accordance
with the established custom l have to report to
you the general history Of our order during the
past year and the condition of its affairs
am glad TO be able to declare to you that this
department of the Grand Army is, on the whole
in healthy condition. 1t is not in that flourish
ing and vigorous state which it is capable Of at
tanning and which it ought to reach; but 1t In
cludes several Posts that are all that could be de-
sired, and believe there is feeling among COM
rades and soldiers that will give it renewed life
and establish it more firmly. The reports of the
staff officers of the department are accurate and
full and contain valuable suggestions arising from
| their intimate knowledge of the condition of the
| posts and from the difficulties they have had to
encounter in the discharge of their important
duties. thrust that the criticisms they have beer
called upon to make, through just sense of theil
| responsibility, will be received in good part anc
with the spirit in which they are made-a desire
to promote the usefulness, prosperity and attract
| iyeness of our order; and furthermore, that they
will awaken a determination among us all to have
no more lukcwsrmness or short comings, but tt
labor together to strengthen and perfect our or
ganization, to make our fourishiug Posts strive
| for further advancement, and our weaker Posts
! in their degree, equal to the best.
| The financial exhibit of the Quartermaste
General is an exceedingly satisfactory statcmen
of our financial standing. He reports balance
on hand of S43l.07 outstanding liabilities abou
| $60.42; thus leaving net balance of 1871 So
Among the dues to the department are charge.
against several posts for supplies. L would re
spectfuly suggest that the Quartermaster Gen
| be authorized to balance such accounts and tina
no charge be made in furture for such supplies tt
posts, but that they be furnished at the expense
Of the department. Such a course would simPllf,
business and be perfectly equitable, since thu
Posts will require blanks, &C. in proportion te
their numbers and consequently to their dues tt
the department.
The officers of the department staff have full
| filled their duties with zeal, promptness an'
| thoroughness that entitle them to your highes
commentator. For myself, personally, tende