The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-05-19
Army Of the Potomac.

ciety of the Army Of the Potomac
whose reunion occurred here to-day
had all that they could desire in
point of weather for their street dis
play. During the forenoon the air
was enlivened with music by martial
bands, and the streets were filled
with uniformed bodies of volunteers
and regular soldiery. The process
sion was forty deep in front of the
white house and was reviewed by the
President, cabinet, and members of
foreign legations.
The general business meeting of
the society was held this afternoon,
and after the transaction of routine
matters, President Humphreys an
nounced rs the next business in or
der the election of officers for the en-
suing year. Up to this point perfect
order and unanimity had marked
the proceedings. The scene however
which ensued and the discussion
which took place in the course of the
next three-quarters of an hour re-
called most vividly the closing hours
of the 18th Congress. Motions and
amendments, calls of order, appeals
to the chair he could not hear, or if he
could, could not make himself heard
to reply to followed one another in
rapid succession.
Nominations for president having
been declared in order Gen. Mann Of
North Carolina, on behalf of the
Sixth corps, announced the name of
that grand old soldier, Gen. John
Newton. AS soon as the applause
which greeted this announcement
had somewhat subsidized Major Steiner
shouted at the top of his voice the
nomination by the Fifth corps of
Gen. Grant. Cheers and cries of
"Grant, Grant, vote, Newton,
Grant" For some minutes it was
impossible for anyone save the gen.
tlemen who were on their feet to be
heard. Then followed a running dis
cussion as to Gen. Grants eligibility.
Some one from the stage declared
he was an honorary member.
A voice from the audience replied.
HE hasn't paid his dues.'
Ano'h,r r c,I'.d out "For fourteen
years he declined to become a men,
ber of our society, and why burden
him with the honor now ?"
1t was now moved to proceed to
ballot. Gen. Mann then arose to
state that after consultation with
several of his associates OF the sixth
corps, as there seemed to. .te general
desire to elect Grant he would with
draw his motion. This was the sig
nal for renewed commotion accom-
panied by cries of "Good" and
"Don't withdraw" which was
heightened when Gen. Barnum, of
Conn.,, in ringing tones announced
he would withdraw the name of
Grant.
"What right have you to with
draw him?"
General Barnum-As presiding Of
ficer of the 5th corps at their meeting
to-day, and because [ know person.
ally that Grant, though be was
thought not unworthy to command
us at Appomatox, does not desire an
onerous duty in this time of peace,
and would not permit his name to be
a uhject of controversy. If there is
q single objection [ withdraw his
name.
The President, being utterly un-
able to make himself heard, Gen.
Horace G.. King, the Secretary, es-
sayed to straighten out matters, and
finally the nominations of General
Grant and Newton were renewed
and balloting prOceened. After the
Of several committees,
The result Of balloting for President
was announced as follows: General
Newton, 153; General Grant, III;
scattering, Z.
Newton's election was made unani-
mons and with the exception of the
president the old officers were re-
elected. Boston, Mass, was selected
As the place of the next reunion of the
society and the meeting adjourned.
About 25 ex-army paymasters who
served during the war of the rebel
ion met this afternoon and organized
! society to be called the "Associa-
ion of Union Army Paymasters."
oy electing General J. Bryce
ate paymaster general president and
Hon. Willie Cumback
If Indiana; Gov. Fred Rabie, of
Maine; Hon. w. S. Striker, of New
Jersey; Hon. Russell Errett, of Penn
'ylvania, and Stephen A. Waller, of
New York city, vice presidents.
The objects of the association are
stated to be social, historical and
patriotic.