The National tribune., 1883-07-19
NEW YORK.

NEW YORK.
Hon." writes US from Johnsonsburg, Wyom-
ing county, n. Y. as follows: viii you permit
one who is practically an outsider to put we'll
earned word of praise into your columns? 1t
is of Buford Post G. 4. r., we wish to write.
The excitement has abated, the crowd has dis
persed, the smoke has cleared away the air has
cooled, we can write without exaggeration.
Under the auspices of Buford Post, Johnsons-
burg was favored with a 4th of July celebra-
tion, which from beginning to end was grand
success. Although foreboding clouds and ON
inous peals of thunder kept us close company
all day, yet not shower touched us, while all
about us picnics and celebrations were getting
wet Hail Columbia" Our celebration took
the form Of basket picnic. spiced with music
and oratory of very high order. First of all
was spread feast of good things, among which
the army bean" and coffee and bareback
were prominent 1t did the ladies connected
with Bufurd great credit. From beginning to
end the exercises were notable for the fitness of
things. Young boys and girls dressed and
adorned IN national colors and emblems acted
as escorts to visiting Posts from Arcade and
Attica. They made beautiful appearance
and the comrades were a noble set of fellows in
uniform. AT the opening of the exercises the
escorts marched in excellent order upon the
platform and rendered in grand style national
song. Their performance reflected much honor
upon Mrs. Lotte Coburn, who had trained them
for their part in the programme The opening
prayer by Rev. Z. B. Olmsted of Arcade. was
nobly fitting to the occasion. Then followed
national anthem, rendered by the Johnsonsburg
glee club in manner TO reflect great credit
upon their veteran leader in music T. E. Bar
bour Rev J. w. Barnett, an honorary member
OF Buiord, made the address of welcome, which
was very appropriately and grandly seconded
by Welcome Song from the North Java
giee club. The orator of the day was then in
troduced, Rev. John Copeland of Friendship
n. 4, and in an excellent speech he traced the
hand OF Providence IN the early history Of our
country. The speech was a happy blending of
history and patriotic sentiment in one noble
tribute to the memory Of our heroic fathers and
brothers and a glowing eulogy for country,
and an inspiring prophetic outlook into our
country's future. The occasion was honored
by the presence of Department Commander
General Reynolds, of Rochester, n. Y with
the following members of his staff: J. A. Adj
lington, Acknowledgement; NJ H Smith, O.
Al. General: James s. Graham, Inspector Gen
eral, and w. w. Robacher, Chief Mastering
Officer They were called out and responded
with warm, wise, happy loyal speeches. also
Commander A. ]. Lorish, of Attica, and Rev.
e IL. Olmsted. of Arcade, made speeches admir-
able for their appropriateness and loyalty
Possibly others spoke while your correspondent
go N-1iAcN away HUN Aiie 0rONG lGT a Time.
These speeches were interspersed with excel
lent music by the different clubs, and especi-
ally with great vim and enthusiasm the COM
rades sang their army songs as though their
experiences and their memories awof1e ali the
patriotism within them that was possible for
men TO hold. Commander Parker, of Buford
Post, presided in his kind, unassuning Way
and carried his responsibilities vigorously and
successfully. 1t was a noble success. Every
body says amen There was an absence of
everything calculated TO mar such an OCCASION
The 4th of July, if given largely into the hands
OF the Posts, Will grow in usefulness and deepen
the sense of its sacredness, and thus it Will be
rescued from the customs and associations that
bring it into disrepute. The Buford Post lives
and prospers. 1t will so continue, for live and
loyal men belong TO it.
comrade writes from Rochester, the De.
partmental headquarters, as follows: The g. A.
X. is iourishing IN this Department as it never
has done before. Fifty-fve new Posts have
been organized since February 1, and three of
these had over one hundred charter members.
One Of the three now has over two hundred in
good standing. The increase TO the Depart
ment by these new organizations viii be up
wards OF two thousand members TO July 1. The
older Posts are also doing their share in build
ing up the Department, the increase in first
quarter OF the present year being nearly 300.
The reports now coming IN for the second quar-
ter warrant the belief that the increase Of mem
bers for that quarter VIII reach 800 making an
increase Of upwards Of COCO for the half wear,
and giving total membership of nearly q, 900.
Nearly all the Posts are uniformed, and are on
sound financial basis and we hope soon TO see
the State take her proper place, L. at the head
OF the Grand Army column. We are to be con-
graduated this year IN the election and selec-
ton of our Department Commander and his
stall. Gen. Reynolds, ably assisted by such
men as a. @. NJ. Gen. n. H. Smith Inspector
James S. Graham, A. A. g. Arlington, and C.
M. o. w. w. Robachcr-all men OF the best
commercial and social standing-commands the
respect of large number Of soldiers who have
heretofore held aloof from the G. A. r., regard
ing il as moro or less political organization
Tins year we can point To our Department Off
ceTsaod say that not one of them seeks or occu-
pies political position. Much could be said
upon this subject, but men who are called 10 fill
the highest positions in the Grand Army should
be above the suspicion of selfish motives. and
shoald not be liable to be charged with seek
ing prominent positions in the Grand Army to
further political ambitions.
IT is in contemplation by Alfred Weed Post.
Of Ticonderoga, n. Y, TO hold, some time in
August, grand encampment on the shores of
Lake George. at its northern end, to last four
days, beginning on Tuesday, and breaking
camp on Friday. 1t is the desire Of the Post
Liat GJner fosls, WITHIN convenient distances,
should join them in this grand and unique en-
tertainment. Several have already expressed
a cordial desire to participate and have made
generous oilers toward promoting the success
of the undertaking. Ample provision will be
made for feeding and lodging all guests who
may favor the Encampmont with their pres
enoe A tent capable of holding 1000 people
has been secured and offers of other commodi
Gus tents have been made. hmusements for
tie spectators win consist of military drill.
target practice beat and tub race, music and
dancing, and othcr pastimes calculated to rem
der the OCCASION enjoyable.
Colnrade NJ. j.. Howes writes us as follows:
AS have not seen any report from our Post in
your very excellent paper, / thought perhaps
you would like TO hear from US. J, s. Stone