The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-04-15
THE DAILY STAR
BROOKLYN LETTER.


1.-THE organization of an Associ-
alton Of sons OF Veterans Depre-
cated-Fully- Disabled Soldiers ana
Sailors Combining for Mutual
Protection-New Phase of the Gyp-
Case-How simple Things Some-
times Prove Incur mountable to
the Police.
Special Correspondence of the Star
BROOKLYN, N. Y, April II, 1880.
Whether the movement has extended
to Ohio know not, but certainly it has
been started in Albany, N. Y, and is un-
der way in this city. I refer to the ef-
forts being made to, in sense, reinforce
the Grand Army of the Republic, or
rather to compensate for the inroads
death is every day making upon its
ranks, by a supplemental and kindred
organization, known as Sons of Veterans.
The first chapter or post was organized
in Albany, and l believe outside of that
city Brooklyn has been the next to take
hold of the matter, and post is about
being established here under fattering
auspices. Commander Pruyn, of Post
No. of Albany, is credited by a news
paper with having recently stated the
objects of the order as follows at the in
ilial meeting in this city: "That it shall
be auxiliary to the Grand Army of the
Republic, subject to the wishes and Or
ders of the veteran body; to assist in the
observance of Decoration Day, and to
perpetuate the Grand Army Of the Re
public; to assist the members of the Sons
of Veterans in all honorable undertak-
takings." He at the same time exhibited
the following letter, which will have an
interest for Ohioans,
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE
REPUBLIC, NATIONAL SOLDIERS
HOME,
DAYTON O., February Is, 1880.
DR.. H. Pruyn, Treasurers Office, Albany, N. Y:
Ny DEAR SRA large correspon-
dence has prevented an earlier answer to
yours of the 10th inst. l have carefully
noted its contents, and not only very
strongly commend your organization,
but its individual members and the OBJ
iects had in view, | am thoroughly con-
WINGED that the time is near at hand when
the Grand Army of the Republic will
call for reinforcements, and it is most
natural that we should call first OF all
apon the sons of the heroic men who
drilled, marched, fought and fell at our
side in the days of our glory. 1t is we'll,
however, as YOU indicate, that these sons
Of worthy sires should be trained in the
organization of the "Sons of the Veter-
ans" preparatory to entering the "Grand
Army of the Republic" do not hesi-
tate to say that I expect to be one OF
the first to welcome as our successors in
the "Grand Army of the Republic"
when the time comes, our sons who did
rot participate in the fight, but who
have seen the shadow Of the great rebel
lion.
With many strong wishes for the sue
cess of the 'Sons of the Veterans" am
Yours sincerely,
WIN. EARNsHAW,
Commander-in-C Chief.
Far be it from me to even seem to ut
ter one word in disparagement of the
Grand Army of the Republic, or in der.
ogation of the priceless sacrifice its he
roes living and dead made in behalf Of
the cause of Union and of the cause Of
freedom. I never see an empty sleeve
nor hear the limping step of the Union
veteran without feeling like uncoverina
nv head; and maintain that the Ma
ton has no wards it is so bound to pro
tect, cherish and honor as the men who
in the hour of need leaped to their coun
try's defense. And yet I would not have
the Grand Army perpetuated beyond it
present membership. 1t is the prayer o.
all American patriots that time will eff
face all traces of the terrible struggle
that once divided the North from tn,
South; that the North and the Soul
may become one, one not only in com
merce and patriotism, but one in senti
ment, one in thought. Now, how is thi
to be accomplished if the feelings of tn
present generation are to be Transmitted
as a sacred heritage to the next genera
ton? And if transmitted to the next
why pot to the next and the next in per
petuo? And if the sons of the Uniol
veterans are to organize, why why ma,
not the sons of Confederate veterans a
well?
By the feelings of the present genera
ton do not mean passionateness takin
the form of hatred, for / believe tina
time has long since pretty effectuall
smothered the fires of wrath north an
south, that once blazed 50 fercely be
meath the Blue and the Gray; but
mean feelings taking the form of preju
dice, of separations, and such I believ
in degree still exist North as we'll q
South of Mason and Dixon's line, thoug