The National tribune., 1882-12-21
GRAND ARMY ORDERS.
ICireuIar.1
HEADQUARTERS G. A. r., UNION BLOCK,
(COr. Fifteenth and Farnam sts.,)

HEADQUARTERS G. A. R., UNION BLOCK,
(COr. Fifteenth and Farnam sts.,)
OMAHA, NEB., Dec Is, 1882.
i. The unprecedented growth of the Grand
Army of the Republic since assumed command
fully justifes the belief that the present ad-
miniStratiOn will have the crowning glory of
the greatest gains in the history of the Or
der / fully realize that the efforts of Past
Commanders-inC Chief Wagner and Merrill
aided largely in preparing the field for
this abundant harvest. A new year is at
hand. New officers of Departments and
Posts will be installed. If the comrades called
to these positions work as faithfully as those
just closing their terms, the growth of the Order
from June until June will be fully one hundred
thousand comrades. We must accomplish this
work. We have abundant cause for rejoicing,
yet much remains TO be done to make the%ork
permanent The continuous changing of ad-
ministratiOns is right and proper, yet / am
satisfied that the prosperity and discipline of
the Departments of Pennsylvania and Massa-
chusetts is due largely to two reasons-1st,
each had the faithful services of one Assistant
Adiutant-General for several years; ID, the
fact that they were uniformed Departments.
believe 1t to be for the best interests of the
Order to secure the very best comrades for
Assistant Adjutant-Generals and Assistant
Quartermaster-Generals,a and to retain them.
The annual change Of these officers is detri-
mental to the interests of the Order.
II. l earnestly desire each cOmrade desig-
mated to install officers of Posts to use the
strongest language possible in impressing upon
them the sacred duties they assume. and that
an acceptance of the position. and the obliga-
ton taken, makes it their sworn duty to for
ward all reports at the times stated IN Rules
and Regulations. | trust that at the first meet
ing after reports are due the comrades viii see
to it that the officers of the Post have per-
formed this irlportOnt duty. At this date the
Of ,er1-S fO- 10
quarter are on file at the Adjutant-GeneraIs
office.
l believe it to be for the interest of the Order
that as many public meetings should be held is
possible. The more the people see the work
ings of the Grand Army of the Republic the
more it meets with popular favor. Installa-
tiOns and Camp-fres held with open doors are
sources of great and lasting good to the Order.
III. The organization of Ladies' Aid and
Auxiliary Societies are of the greatest help to
the Posts | know of no Post having such an
organization that is not strong and prosperous.
These societies have performed a great work,
and each Post should see TO it that one is or
ganized at once. information will be furnished
by Mrs. Sawyer, Portland, Me-, Mrs. Sherwood,
Toledo, Ohio, or Mrs. E. T. Charles, Washing
ton, D. C..
l earnestly urge all comrades to uniform.
Department and Post Commanders will take
active steps in this direction at once.
". l trust that each officer and comrade Of
the Grand Army of the Republic viii stand on
guard to see that no soldier or sailor not enti-
tied to pension is placed upon the pension
rolls l trust also that each comrade will be
equally vigilant in seeing that each soldier or
sailor justly entitled shall receive justice.
V. The extraordinary demands upon the
time of the COmmander-in-Ch Chief have been
cheerfully met. The cordial greetings and
courteSies given him everywhere will never be
forgotten. 1t lightens the labor and lesSeEs
the fatigue to meet with such warm-heartSi
greetings. Many of the entertainments in his
honor have been expensive. He hopes hero
after that the ceremonies attendant upon his
reception be as simple as possible, and that
money set apart for such purpose be given TO
poor and distressed comrades.
VI. Now, at every Department Encampment
let each oficer-elect pledge his most Jealous
efforts to recruiting. Let each delegate and
visiting comrade pledge hearty cooperation.
At each Post installation let each officer and
comrade VOW incessant work during the coming
year the closest adherence to Rules and Regu-
lations and all ritualistic forms, and the most
untiring devotion to the principles of our
Order.
VII The National Encampment at Denver,
COL will be a memorable one. Low rates Will
be given from all points. A large attendance
is desired from all parts of the country. You
will be kindly treated. Ample and cheap ac-
commodatiOns will be provided for all. Let US
all march forward. gathering in worthy soldiers
at every advance we make. Let us recruit all
along the line, and meet at Denver 100000
strong.
By command of
PAUL VAN DERvOORT,
Commander-in-C Chief
F. f. Brown,