The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1882-10-03
-eESiimAied.
1t is estimated that the G.. A. r. now
5000. General Merrill in speak

1t is estimated that the G.. 4. R. now
numbers 5000. General Merrill in speak
ing OF the growth Of the G. A. r. year ago,
said: ''rhe rapid growth Of the organiza.
tion during recent years has been largely
due to the fact-in the East espccially-of
its non.political character, inviting TO its
ranks all lovers OF their County,. During
1881 the Department OF Ohio has increased
from 43 to POL Posts and from member.
ship Of 800 to above 5000. Permanent
departments have been organized in Min
nesota, Washington Territory and Oregon.
Three Posts have been organized in
Dakota, two in Kentucky, two in Tennes.
see aed one in North Carolina, and there
is MI early prospect Of an organization OF u
Postiu NewMexico. There are nowtve Posts
in Kentucky, one in New Orleans, and one
in Florida. They may be organized in any
locality, where they do not now exist, upon
the application OF ten or more soldiers and
sailors. -U1-. ,..E
Alter the lapse Of twenty years since the
opening OF the war the feeling has been
constantly increasing among the veterans
OF the Union to unite themselves with the
representative organization OF their class.
Very many who ut the immed late close OF
the war declined to join any organization
Of this character are now saying, "Iet US
keep up and perpetuate the memories OF
the dnys OF our service, and seek to incul.
cate the spirit OF loyalty that led us in the
hour OF danger to offer ourselves in behalf
OF our country" Since the organization OF
the Grand Army there has never been a
period OF SO much enthusiasm with rela.
ton to it, and the disposition TO form
posts and extend membership has never
been so strong as it is to-day.
OF the l,W0, SIG soldiers and $3.50 sailors
mustered out Mt the close ot the war less
than 100000 are members, bat all soldiers
are seeing the necessity Of joining and it
will not be long until the great majority
will be entitled 10 wear the honorable
badge OF the order.
The badge is made Of bronze from the
metal Of captured cannon, presented by act
OF Congress, and is very handsome. Atthe
top is an eagle with outstrctched wings,
sitting on cross cannons, pile Of balls and
saber; from this, extending one inch, is a
miniature American flag with the stars
running up to the base oi the canuons, and
fastened below 10 star Of about one and q
quarter inches in diameter.
The objects OF the order are to preserve
and strengthen those kind and fraternal
feelings which bind together soldiers and
sailors and mariners who united 10 suppress
the late rebellion and 10 perpetuate the
memory and history Of the dead; 10 assist
such former comrades in arms Us need help
and protection, and to extend useful aid to
the widows and orphans OF those who have
fallen; to maintain true allegiance to the
United States OF America, based upon a
paramount respect for and fidelity 10 the
National Constitution and laws; to dis.
countenance whatever tends. to weaken
loyalty, incite to insurrection. treason OF
rebellion, or in any manner impair. the
efficiency and permanency OF our free insti.
tutions, and TO encouage the spread ol
universal liberty, equal rights and justice
10 all men. 8l ,-fsli 4, IS
The first Commander Of the Department
OF Pennsylvania was Louis Wagner, who
was succeeded by Gen. A. l.. Pearson
Since then the department has been com
manded by Col. 0. G. Bosbyshcll, Gen. r.
B. Beath, Col A. Wilson Norris, Maj. W,
Tyson, Gen. James W. Iatta, COL, John
Taylor, S. J. Given, G. F. Hull, George l.
Brown, Col Chill W Hazard and J. NJ
Vanderslice. the present incumbent. 3'
Commander.in.Ch Chief Vandervoort says
] he has Just completed tour Of inspection