The National tribune., 1883-02-22
MARYLAND,

General VIM. E.W Ross, of Baltimore, having
been constitated an honorary life member of
the Sons of Veterans, with the rank OF lieu
tenant general by brevet, and placed in full
charge and command of the second and fifth
Grand Divisions of the Sons of Veterans, and
given full authority TO make all necessary pro-
visional appointments and organize the said
Grand Divisions in accordance with the forms
of the Constitution of the Order, and under
such instructions as may from time to time be
issued from the Commander-in-C Chief has as
sumed command and appointed John A. Ihomp-
son, tjr., Assistant Adiutant General. Division
Commanders in the States of New York, New
Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West
Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Vir-
ginia, North Carolina, South Carolina Tennessee,
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisi-
ana, Arkansas, Indian Territory and Texas,
which comprise the second and fifth Grand Div
lsions, will report their name and location as
early as possible, that proper blanks may be
sent them for the enrolment of their Camps at
his headquarters.
Comrade John H. Suter, Department Com
manler of Maryland, issued from headquarters,
Baltimore, on the 18th inst, circular which
bears upon the subject of rank straps" 1t
says: National, Department and Post officers,
while in service as such, wear, instead OF the
eagle, miniature shoulder strap, and instead
tlonal, cherry for Department, and Blue for
Post officers. A Post commander would wear
a miniature colonefs strap, silver eagle on
blue ground and blue ribbon. A member of
the official staff of the Department, the col
onel's strap with black ground and cherry
ribbon; but these do not entitle them to be
called colonel The Department commanders
strap is one with two stars, as major generals,
but it is very much out of place to style him
nnrtyfl lar,t pncfa rIpr
should be addressed officially as commander
unoffcially as 'comrade' A comrade wearing
a captains strap and blue ribbon, is without
doubt the officer of the day of his Post, but
should not be called captain, but officer of
the day or 'comrade.' The practice of ad-
dressing cOmrade as general or colonel
who may have have done his duty to his coun-
try well and nObly as private, lieutenant or
captain, does not meet with approval and it is
suggested that it be discontinued in this De-
partment."
Department Commander John Fl. Suter, of
Maryland, was presented on the 14th inst with
a handsome Department Commanders badge.
The presentation took place at Grand Army
headquarters, and was made by Colonel II. l..
Emmons There were present large number
of Commander Suters friends. The bar from
which the badge is pendent is a miniature
major generals epaulet, and has a border of
gold with a black enameled field. In either
corner is placed silver star, and in the centre
of each star a diamond. The regulation ribbon
connects the bar with the regular badge, and
the whole presents a beautiful appearance.
Wilson Post No. !, Baltimore, Nd, has voted
to accept the invitation to the Frederick (AId.)
celebration to be held to-day. They will prob
ably take about one hundred and twenty-five
men and drum and fife corps of twenty -four
pieces. The Post will act as escort to Depart
ment Commander Suter and staff.