The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-07-12

marched to the martial music of war over tented
fields, yet we have not forgotten the awful scenes
through which we passed during those dark days of
our country history, and the wrinkled brows and
sivered locks of comrades tell US but too plainly
of the patriotic sacrifices made in behalf OF
country and its institutions which we to-day enjoy.
Since our last annual meeting there has been but
little agitation of the questions that particularly
affect the common soldier and ex-prisoners of war,
but there doubtless will be some occasion for dis
eussing these matters more fully prior to the cleo
ticns of the next Congress-: and 1t Is well for to
assist in the election OF friends gentlemen only
who will be guided in their deliberations by the
voice of public sentiment. The people at large
must also he brought to the equity and justice
OF soldiers claims; their representatives in Con-
gFess will be qnck enough TO perceive the drift of
public opinion, and then follow IN the In
viewing the record of our friends in the last Con-
gresS and the very liberal appropriations made to
meet the requirements of the Pension Department
we find much To encourage our comrades to believe
that this Government Is amply able and perfectly
willing to do justice to every worthy and deserv-
ing claimant
The attitude OF a majority of the Illinois delega-
ton in the Forty-seventh Congress may be re-
garded especially friendly and loyal to soldiers
and ex-prisoners, and there seems to be growing
feeling and popular sentiment all over the country
to do justice TO every soldier and survivor of the
late war, and to kindly care for him who has
borne the battle, and for his widow and orphans"
But IN order to make ourselves felt in an effective
manner, and impress friends with the earnest
of our cause. it is necessary to organize and
build up Associations in every county and State in
this Union. 1T any proof is needed OF the power
need only cite to you the unparalleled success of
the @. a. r., which is to-day the grandest soldiers
organization in the world, and may be properly
considered a power behind the throne.
In view OF these facts, and the Importance of the
work before u.s. may we ask you to send US the
name and post-oflice address of any conrade whom
you think will join our Association? Ask your
local papers to iavorably notice our Association
and its objects. and induce all our comrades to
send us one dollar for certificates of membership.
IL we desire to perpetuate the memory of our
fallen comrades, and assist and protect the living
IN the declining years OF old we must keep up
our organization and attend all meetings and Re
unions. Renew and cultivate old army acquaint-
ances, and by the power and influence of personal
friendship draw comrades into closer union.
Our next annual meeting of the State Association,
and also the Reunion of the National Association
of Ex-Prisoners OF the Northwestern States, will
take place st Decatur. H., commencing Wednes-
day, October II, 1888, continuing two days.
The executive committee of ex-pfisoners and
citizens of Decatur will have charge OF arranging
the details and sending out invitations, preparing
programmes &c, &c., which Will be sent you In
due time by the committee. In the meantime ex-
tend this information and general invitation all
old soldiers and feliow-comrades whom you may
know, and last but not least, urge every ex-pris-
oner Of your acquaintance 20 send us his applica-
ton to become n member of our Association, and
lend us aid and influence in building up a larger
and more powerful organization. II each comrade
will send us one application, we easily double
our membership before the next annual Reunion.
The officers of the Association are as follows
President, w. w. Lowdermilk, Auburn; vice.
president, James A. Miller, Decatur; secretary
Edwin H. Miner, Bloomington; treasurer, G
G. George, Blackburn; chaplain, John III. Coats
Winchester. Executive committee: Captain
James A. Miller, d. NJ. Berlin, Captain William
Keenan,, Edward Haines, NJ. Decker. old sol
diers of decatur; mayor of Decatur, S. Shalla
barger, VIM. B. Chambers, A. T. Hill, J. Z
Warren, c. P. Housum, citizens of Decatur.