The National tribune., 1883-11-01

Il
To the Editor NATIONAL tribune:
The two fundamental principles Of our Order,
Fraternity and Charity, are called into activity
III all parts of the country where the old sol
dler5 OF the Union are found and where all are
loyal. Our third and "crowning principle is
but little thought of. Here however, in face OF
a thoroughly disloyal foe to our Government
and TO all free institutions, the question of 10y
atty is constantly at white heat. There is an
enemy intrenehed here in the mountains. who
is recruiting his numbers rapidly, and prepar-
ing, by every possible means, to appropriate the
Rocky Mountain region of the Continent and
alter that, to subiugate the whole country
planting upon the ruins Of the Republic theO-
cratic desposism, which they call a =" Kingdom
We, comrades, all know this to be a fact. The
leaders constantly proclaim from stand and
pulpit that the only lawful government upon
earth IS that Of God, direct through His one only
Prophet, and that Joseph Smith, and each of his
successors IN Office, was ordained by Omnip0-
tence that only proph ct and vicegerent. Proof
OF this is abundant in their own publications
OF course, in their newspapers and conveTsa-
tion with Gentiies they deny it, bat they
talslfy, as they do not hesitate to commit any
and all crimes when they seem to be expedient
" for the glory Of God and the welfare of His
kingdom and saints" Hence scarcely anyone
can appreciate their character by a brief ac-
quaintanee, and it is so preposterous that our
reports are not believed. You say to US, You
must be mistaken" You say about US, They
are either mistaken or trying 70 deceive, for
sinister purpose" But we assure you, upon
our word as comrades, that we are not deeeiY-
ing nor In error. We are the videttes 20 the
army. As such we report 20 you that there is
an enemy here, preparing aud intending 70
give you battle for the possession of this country
just as soon as he can complete his prepara-
tions. This is what gives TO loyalty more
H.. Trs.r.
elsewhere in the Grand Army of the Republic
and viii explain anything that might not
otherwise be understood IN the reports that you
may receive from as.
In June lass Idaho had two Posts Of the G..
A. r., and belonged TO the Department of
| California, but was too distant from head
quarters. Montana had but one Post which
was chartered by and reported to National
Headquarters. This Post Of the Grand Army IS
composed of old soldiers III the var for the Union
Who are now United States soldiers. Utah had
two Posts and provisional organization Of de-
PartEnent dating back 10 1878 and 20. In Utah
Territory many earnest efforts had been made
to organize and maintain Posts at other points,
but without success, owing TO unavoidable cir
eumstances.
In his official visit to Utah, last spring. the
loyal heart and clear intellect Of Commander
in-Chief Van Dervoort perceived the inpor-
tance OF the Grand Army of the Republic IN
Utah as factor on the side of the Government
In the contest waging against treason. That
contest has already spread to Idaho, and
it is only question OF a short time when the
enemy viii carry it into Montana. For these
| reasons, IN order TO strengthen its influence.
he annexed Idaho and Montana as part of
the provisional Department Of Utah. This
gave Us Posts. sufficient for permanent De-
partment, which was organized on the 5th
and 9th insts by an Encampment composed of
I -
/ three Territories named. The utmost eordiality
and enthusiasm prevailed in the Encampraeat,
| which, by unanimous vote, decided that the
| Department comprising the three Territories
| should De known and designated as the Depart
ment of Utah. 1t elected the following officers
| Department Commander, George G. Douglas,
| Mexican Post. Salt Lake City, Utah Senior
| Vice Department Commander, P. E. Doimau,
A. Lincoln Post, Butte City, Montana; Junior
| Vice Department Commander, Phil Grigsby,
Arthur Gurnsey Post, LeTistoYE, Idaho;
Medical Director, N. d. Baae, Mexican Post,
Salt Lake City, Utah; Chaplain, Rev. p C.
llif, Mexican Post, Salt Lake City, Utah
| Francis IL. Bishop, OF Mexican Post, was ap-
| pointed A. A. q. of the Department; Charles
! s. Warren, of A. Lincoln Post, was appointed
A. @. VI. g. of the Department; A. C. Smith, of
/ John A. Dix Post. Ogden, Utah, was appointed
Inspector. The Council of Administration
| elected consisted OF Comrades Ranford Smith
| and 5. B. Stevens, OF Dix Post; E Sells and J. F.
| Bradley, McKean Post, and c. B. Bradley, Of
/ Garfield Post, Bellevue, Idaho. The Encamp-
ment closed with Campfire, st which was
| present many prominent citizens not eligible to
membership in the Grand Army, but who, in
| their speeches. declared their recognition Of the
| Grand Army in Utah as an agent OF great
/ usefulness. The following has been issued by
the newly elected Department Commander:
| HEADQ'Rs DEPARTMENT OF UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, October 9, 1888.
| General Orders, No. l.
1. The first Eneampnaent ofthe Grand Army ofthe
| Republic of Utah commenced ct Salt Lake City,
| Utah, October 8, 1888 in compliance with orders
| from National Headquarters. GA r. and organized
q permanent Department., embracing the Terri
| tories OF Utah, Nontana, and Idaho. By unani-
nous vote OF the Encanpnlent, it was decided that
the Department. should be known as the Depart
| meat OF Utah, Grand Army of the Republic The
EneaInptnent having elected me Commander of
| this Department., hereby assume command, with
headquarters at Salt Lake City, Utah Grateful TO
my comrades for this mark of their continued
| hdenee pledge anew my utmost efforts for the
advancement OF the Order and the good OF the De-
partment.
| IL. Dispersed through the Department are large
numbers OF honorably discharged soldiers, sailors,
| and marines who served during the for main
i tainanee OF the Union, good rslen and true who
| would be benefited by membership in our Order,
| as well as benefit the Grand Army of the Re
public, but who unaware of the benefits to he
derived therefore earnestly solicit every COM
| rade 10 make IL self-iinposed duty, and hope
a pleasant one, TO gather those comrades of the
into the circle of Posts To this end let every
conrade consider specially detailed to work
/ with energy and zeal a recruiting officer until
| every worthy and eligible man in the Department.
is mustered into the ranks OF the Grand Army OF
/ the Republic.
III. false impression prevails that TIE @. A. p.
Is political institution, Republican IN character.
For this idea there is no foundation, and all
rades are urged to give particular attention to the
removal OF this erroneous impression. Partisan
politics especially prohibited in all affairs OF
the G.. A. r, and all old soldiers either Demo-
cratic or Republican, viii find themselves equally
| at home in our organization.
~. Loyalty to the Union ard the Constitution Is
| the chief foundation-stone OF the Department Ok
Utah The flag of our country is at masthead there 20
remain, sgnying thai are IN Iaetive service until
every man, woman and child claiming citizenship
| in the Republic shall acknowledge unqualified
allegianee and the duty of unreserved obedience
| to its laws
Comraie Francis NJ Beshap Of Jas B. NcKeau
Poet, salt Lake City. is hereby announced Assist
| ant AGiutant- -9eneral CT the Department.; Com
rade Charles 8 Warren of lincoln Post Butte
Montana, as Assistant Quarte<1naster- General of
the Department with office at Butte City Montana
Conlrade 4. @. Smith, of John A. Dix Post Ogden
as Inspector of the Department with Office at Cr-
| den. Utah. Other appointments win be announced
In future orders. GEO. Q. DOUeiLas
/ Department Com.nander
CALIFORNIA.