St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-07-21
The Globe, "as Usual, Presenting the First
Complete Review of What is
and Is to Be.

II was not until the smoke of battle had
lifted from the land and comparative peace
had been restored in the United States that
an organization Of the Union soldiers of the
late war, for social purposes, WIS contem-
plated. After the surrender of Johnson, and
the general review at Washington, and the
mastering out which followed, the soldiers
returned to their former trades and occupa-
tons, OF sought new ones in their places.
The friendships which had been formed in
camp and march, and the evident reluctance
OF all parties to break such ties, probably sug-
gcsteG to a few the possibility of such an
organization, though it is doubtful If a
national organization was ever dreamed Of
until after the posts in certain states had be-
come so numerous. It is far more probable
that the first organization was merely a social
club of soldiers, who gathered at their meet
ing to fight over the battles of the war.
THE FIRST POST ORGANIZED.
In the spring Of 1866 DR.. B. F Stephen
son, Of Illinois, organized the first Grand
Army Post in the United States, at Dakota,
H., with membership of forty-three, all
the Union soldiers in the village. The time
was ripe for his experiment, as there was a
strong feeling in the country, especially
among the soldiers, that something ought
10 be done to encourage the comradeship en-
gendered in camp, on the march, and at the
bayonet's point and the lannon's mouth,
and to perpetuate the memories incident
thereto. There was existing at the time a
society known as 1.-THE Boys in Blue, - which
was formed as a political organization, and
for that reason had not been altogether sue
cessful Under these conditions DIR. Stephen
son organized his post, having for its object
the social intercourse of all men who had
fought in the war of the rebellion on the
Union side, no matter what might be their
political principles.
A STATE ORGANIZATION.
Illinois sent nearly 300, 600 soldiers to the
war, and in no state, perhaps, could an or
ganization of this character have been under
taken with better prospects of success. The
success OF this post was so great and its
popularity spread so rapidly, that before six
months DR.. Stephenson, in response to in
vitations, organized over forty other posts in
the state, each being distinct organization,
and controlling its body by authority derived
from its own members. The need Of cen
trail organization and general regulations
was soon felt, aud in June, 1866, it was de-
termined TO hold a convention at Springfield,
the capital of Illinois, of the posts Of the
state. The convention met in July Of the
same year. Gen. John NJ Palmer was
elected grand commander, and DR.. Stephen
son was made provisional commauder-fn-
chief, with Col. J. c. Weber as adjutant
general. The headquarters of the state or
ganizatiou was established at Springfield.
A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION.
In the meantime the fame and popularity
Of the organization had rapidly spread, and
posts were promptly started in several adj
joining states. The growth of these posts
were SO rapid, and they became so numerous,
that on Oct. 81, 1866, the provisional COM
mauder in chief issued call for representa-
lives from the several states to form ma
honal organization. This call was general
order, aud was known as general order No.
Is. The convention was called for Nov. 20,
1866, 10 meet at Indianapolis, Ind.
FIRST NATIONAL ENCANPNENr
The meeting was success in every way
and attracted much attention. Posts from
Illinois. Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ken.
lucky. Missouri, New York. Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and the
District Of Columbia were present. Gen.
John W Palmer, of Illinois, presided, and
the eucampment adopted plans for the or.
ganizatiou of posts, state departments, and
national eucampment, substantially as they
are in force to-day. At this meeting Gen.
S. A Hurlbut was elected grand command
er, aud appointed as his adjutant general
Col B. F. Stevenson. who had organized the
first post in the country. At this time, some
ten months afeer the organization of the frs
post. the movement was Attracting attention
throughout the country. 4 committee was
appointed to draft bylaws and ritual FOR
The proper government of the association,
aud when it was done the cabalistic letters
of F.. C. aud L. were adopted, and the
Grand Army Of the Republic as national
organization became Fixed factor.
PRINCIPLES OF THE ORGANIZATION.
Faith, charity and Loyalty were its car
dinsl virtues, and no man who had been
disloyal to his country or flag could enter.
Hcuorably discharged soldiers and sailors
were the only ones who could be initiated in.
10 the ranks. Among the bylaw:
enacted at the last national encampment
was one forbtdding the use OF the oryaniza
ton for any partisan purpose, the discussion
OF partisan questions At any of its meetings
and declaring that no nominations for politi
cal offices should be made.
SECOND NATIONAL EScANPNEST.
t. second uatQnA. eRe-mpnent met Il