The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-22
MICHIGAN.

"Comrade," Hillsdale, Mich, writes us that
G. j. Dickerson Post, No. 8, of that place. is
mastering from three to seven recruits at every
meeting, and is doing nicely in all respects
On the 9th inst. the Post had its first Camp
fire, held at UnderWood's Opera House. The
auditorium, which was crowded was hand
somely decorated with flags, pendants, and
notices. A large portrait of the lamented Col
Dickerson, in memory of whom the Post was
named, hung from the ceiling in front of the
stage. On the right and left of the stage were
portraits of Colonel Lumbard and General
Grant, while in the rear of the stage was a large
portrait OF the martyr Lincoln. The pro-
gramme, which was exceedingly well carried
out. opened with tableau of camp scene
and song "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground
Comrade C. V. r. Pond, of Quincy, made brief
but able address, showing the aims and objects
of the organization. The awkward squad
drill, under the command of Frank K Proctor,
provoked much merriment, while the scenes in
camp with contrabands kept the audience con-
vulsed with laughter until its close. The fancy
Zouave drill and bayOnet exercise, performed
by Truman N. Ravens and c. w. Terwilliger
received yociferous applause, which could be
Quilted only by second appearance. The tab
leau of the hospital scene was touching pic
ture of the sufferings endured by the brave
boys The entertainment also included vocal
and instrumental selections and readings. The
Assistant Adjutant-G General VIM H. Tall
man writes us from Department headquarters,
Hillsdale, Mich, under date of March 18th, as
follows: The boom which has been sweeping
over the land and carrying the Grand Army to
the high tide of success and prosperity has rot
yet reached its flood tide in the Department of
Michigan When the present administration
came into power on the Goth of January, there
were 103 Posts, with membership of 4, 1892.
L.
has been increased to 113 and the membership
increased nearly or quite one-half. There are
now on file in this office applications for nine
more new Posts, all of which will be mustered
before the close of the present quarter. In the
work of increasing the membership and the
organization of new Posts, THE TRIBUNE has
been and is powerful agency, and through it
several applications for new Posts have been
received. just here let me say that at the
last Department Encampment the fee for
charter, supplies etc, for new Posts was fixed
at $50; the expenses of the Mastering Officer
to be paid by the Department. This $50 must
be paid to the Department before charter can
be granted and the Post mustered.
Comrade r. w. Surby, Battle Creek Mich,
sends US handsome photograph, cabinet size,
of the cake which occupied position on the
centre table, around which were seated Com
mander-in-C Chief Van Dervoort his stat, and
other dignataries at the recent State Encamp-
ment banquet held in Battle Creek. The cake
was designed and executed by Comrade and
Mrs. Surby, and is highly-artistic piece of
work. The central figure is a small photo of
Farragut In the background is pyramid of
cakes, flowers, &c. The whole is surrounded
by an eagle holding American flags
A subscriber at Mears, Mich, calls our at
tention to the fact that at recent meeting of
the supervisors of Oceana county, motion was
made to allow the Grand Army Post at Mears
to occupy the court house. On the ayes and
noes being taken, however, the motion was lost,
twelve members voting no, and but one aye,
as follows: Nays-Weare, Chrystal, Colfax,
Leavitt, Elbridge, Denona, Shelby, Newdeld,
Greenwood, Otto, Grant, Claybanks. Yea
Hart.
Acting Quartermaster- General F. K. Proctor,
assisted by Comrade George Kinney, Quarter
master of c. j. Dickers0n Post, No. 6, mustered
James B. Brainard Post, No. ILL., at Eaton
Rapids on the 14th inst, with-ffty-fve charter
members. After the Post had been organized,
ell repaired to hotel, where oysters and other