The National tribune., 1883-03-08

the purpose, reported set of resolutions whose
tone bordered on the POLITICAL as shown IN the
following:
18th Resolution. That a matter Of justice and
right and because the sacrifice made and the dam
gers encountered by the Union soldiers and sailors
who served in the late for the preservation OF
the country. cannot ever be fully repaid, we re-
spectfully ask that those in authority bestow upon
needy and worthy soldiers and sailors such posi-
tiOns of honor and profit as they may be cOmpetent
to fill and while seek nothing for Ourselves
and those of our comrades who are able to main
tain themselves, we do earnestly recommends this
request TO the consideration of those in authority.
And we especially ask the attention of the Presi-
dent 10 his policy heretofore declared on this
subject"
During the exciting political elections which
took place Immediately after the close of the
war; it is fact that the power of the Grand
Army, as organization, was exerted in par
tisan spirit. Indeed it was extremely natural
that this should be the case, taking in view the
material composing the Order, nearly every
member thereof having formed firm political
opinions from personal experiences, and while
human passions were still infamed the battle
cry was, "we will vote the way we shot"
The writer of this article has been present at
Post meetings where comrades have been nOm-
mated for the Post support for political office.
In this condition of its affairs, when the benev-
olent features of the brotherhood were over
Swallowed by its political complexion, the only
result to be expected was the one finally
reached, i. e., the partial dismemberment of the
Order DissensiOns arose in its own ranks
during election times; the memories of the
camp and bivOuac and battlefield were too
fresh to afford attractions on account of nov
city, and in many States the organization
faded away from lack of interest although the
National conventions have held continuous
annual sessions since their inception. In 1868,
during his administration as COmmander-in-
Chief, Gen. John A. Logan issued General
Order, No IL. dated May ), directing the OBJ
seryance of May Both rs Memorial Day"
The term Decoration Day." generally used
throughout the country in designating this
ordinance, is a misnOmer for, while the prin-
cipal act on this day is a decoration Of graves,
the idea conveyed by the ceremony Is that thus
annually grateful Nation remembers and re-
calls the devotion and loyalty of all who suf-
fered and died to maintain her supremacy.
The following is the general order referred
TO as written and published. 1t will be OBJ
served that its tenor cOntemplateS something
more than the simple act of decoration; and
no name is appropriate for the sacred festival
thus instituted but the title " Memorial Day"
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC,
WASHINGTON, d. G., May D, 1865.
[General Order, No. H.
the purpose of strewing flowers otherwise deco
rating the graves of comrades who died in the
defense of their country during the late rCbelliOu
and whose bodies now lie in almost every city viii
lage and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this
observance no form of ceremony Is prescribed, but
Posts and comrades VIII IN their own way arrange
such fitting services and testimonials OF respect as
circumstances may permit
We organized comrades our regulations
tell u.s. for the purpose among other things, " OF
preserving and strengthening those kind and irater-
nal feelings which have bound together the soldiers,
sailors, and marines who united to suppress the
late rebellion" What aid more to assure this
result than by cherishng tenderly the memory of
our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barri-
cade between our country and its foes? Their sol
der lives the reveille of freedom to a race in
chains, and their deaths the tattoo of TebelliOus
tyranny III arms. All that the eonsecrated wealth
and taste of the Nation can add to their adOrnment
and security is but fitting tribute to her slain de-
tenders. Let no wonton foot tread rUdeiy such
hallowed ground. Let pleasant paths invite the
coming and going of reyerent visitors and fond
mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect,
no ravageS of time testify to the present to the
coming generations that we have forgotten, as 8
people the cost of free undivided Republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack
and other hearts cold in the solemn trust ours shall
keep it well long the light and warmth Of life
remains in Let then, at the time appointed,
gather around their sacred remains, and garland
the passionless mounds above them with the
choicest flowers of springtime; let raise above
them the dear old flag they saved from dishonOr
let in this solemn presence renew our pledges to
aid and assist those whom they have left among uS
sacred charge upon Nations gratltude-the
soldiers and sailors widow and orphan.
2. 1t is the purpose of the COmmander-in-Chleft to
inaugurate this observance with the hope that 1t
of the war remains to honor the memory of his de-
parted comrades He earnestly desires the public
press to call attention to this Order, and lend It's
friendly aid in bringing to the notice OF IN
all parts of the country in time for simultaneous
compliance Herewith.
3. Department Commanders will use every effort
to make this order effective.
BY order of
JOHN A. LOGAN,
N P CHrPNAy, COMMANDMENT Chief.
Acknowledgement.
The 30th day of May is now legal holiday.
In October, 1863 special session OF the Ma
tional Encampment was convened, at which
meeting committee was appointed for the
purpose of devising decoration of honor to be
worn by all comrades of the Grand Army. Com
rade Robert B. Beath, of the Department of
PENNSYLVANIA, in his sketch of the Order, thus
describes the badge:
The badge is of bronze, made from cannon cap
tured during the late rebellion in form, q i've
pointed star, similar i'll design to the two hundred
medals of honor authorized by act of Congress to
be given to- soldiers and sailors most distinguished
for meritorous and gallant conduct. The reverse
side represents q branch of lAurel-thc crown and
reward of the brave-in each point of the star. The
National shield in the centre, surrounded by the
twenty-four recognized Corps badges numerically
arranged, each keystone. and all linked to-
gether. showing they are united, and Will guard
and protect the shield of the Nation. Around the
centre i circle of stars representing the States Of
the Union and the Departments composing the
Grand Army of the Republic. Credit for the de-
sign is due to Comrade F. y Starring; OF ILLINOIS,
at that time Inspector General of the Order.
The third National convention of the Grand
Army of the Republic was held in Cincinnati,
Ohio, May 18th and 18th, lc6y. AT TINS session
the committee on revised rules and regulations
for the government of the Order reported those
which are operative to-day, only very few
amendments having been made since their
adoption. In them is found the following gem
eral rule:
ARTICLE XI-CHAP. Y.
Politics.
''No officer or comrade of the Grand Army OF the
Republic shall in any manner, use this OrSanIzI-
tion for partisan purposes, and no discussion OF
partisan questions shall be permitted al any oi rs
meetings, shall any nomination Tor pOiltlcsil
office be made
This rule is strictly enforced everywhere
throughout the Order TO its lasting benefit.
There are now found in the Garud Army men
of all shades of political opinion, and indeed no
member ever thinks or cares what views his
comrades have on partisan subjects, so tar IS
the working of the Order is concerned.
In the last three years it has had q boom IN
every Department throughout the United states.
Grand Army Posts flourish at this time III Viz
ginia Louisiana, Florida. Kentucky aud Mis-
souri, on the very ground where once its trials
were endured, while IN the Northern States All
the survivors of our civil war are gTavitating 10
its ranks once more.
To those who read the history of our country
and at times reflect what has been called the
Sad but glorious past" it is Intensely inter-
csting to look at the Grand Army Of the Re
public as it marches to-day. We read OF the
great battles of Bull Run, AntietauI, the VIII
derness, Gettysburg, and 4 hundred others, and