The National tribune., 1884-08-28
BRING IN RECRUITS.


The true Grand Army man will not content
himself with merely belonging to some Post;
with paying his dues promptly, and the per-
formance of such duties as may be from time
to time assigned to him. Even so do the Phar-
isees."
True comradeship means much more than
this even as true soldiership meant much more
than wearing the uniform and being present at
roll-call
If a man feels that 1t is good thing for him
to belong to the Grand Army of the Republic,
it is certainly good for others to do the same,
and he should charge himself with the duty OF
bringing into camp every man who is worthy
Of admission there.
The power of the Order for good increases
in arithmetical ratio with its increase in num-
bers. If 10 men, holding the same views and
devoted to the same object, viii make an i'm
preston on the community, 20 win make three
or fourfold the impression, and so on with ev-
cry increase.
If he is sure that the objects of the Order
are elevated and noble, it is his prime duty to
have as many men as possible unite to advance
those objets.
If il is desirable that some comrades should
join together to encourage the practice of
charity, to help stay and comfort those who are
tottering down life's decline, and TO provide and
care for the widows and orphans of those whose
hands did their greatest work with musket and
carbine a score Of years ago, then it is desirable
that all worthy comrades should be banded to-
gether for this grand duty.
Ifitis good and patriotic thing to keep alive
the love Of country, and teach the younger
generations by precept and example the no.
bility and righteousness of serving her with
zeal. loyalty and courage, then the force of this
teaching will be vastly enhanced by having
engaged in it every man who played his part
in the great struggle which tried mems souls,
and sent the Summer soldier and the sunshine
patriot skulking to the peaceful and attractive
rear.
The Order has in its ranks quarter of
million comrades. This is an enormous num-
ber-a greater host than were in the camps of
the Grand Army OF the Potomac at any one time.
Itis twice as many as that army was ever able
to bring into line Of battle against the enemy,
With this magnificent array, with its splendid
organization, with motives and objects which
commend themselves highly to the approval of
people everywhere, it is doing daily and yearly
an immense amount of good-yery much more
than any other organization of any kind in
the land.
Its power for usefulness-its ability to do
good-to the country increases, as we have said
before, in artihmetical ratiowith every increase
of membership. With half million members
it win be of fourfold more benefit to the coun-
try than with quarter million.
1t is therefore patriotic duty to bring into
it all who should belong. Every conrade owes
it to the country that the Order shall be made
as strong as possible, and he should charge
himself with the duty of presenting to such of
his soldier acquaintance as do not belong, argu-
inents TO induce them to enter the Order and
aid in its benefcent and patriotic work.
There are at least 100000 comrades get
alive. The statistics show that only about one
in four of these are in the Grand Army There
should be at least 100000 within the next year
or two, and there wiz be, if all the comrades
set about the work Of recruiting with true
soldierly earaestness.
Our new Commander-in-C -Chief-Gen John S.
Kountz-will undoubtedly show astonishing
ability in swelling the membership He did
amazing things in this direction when Com
mander of Forsyth Post and of the Depart
ment Of Chic, and if he is supported as he
/ should be by the active efforts Of every com
rade in bringing in recruits, the Order viii
grow in the coming u months as it never grew
before. Let every one help 10 bring this about
FRANCE AND CHINA.
/ There Is rrotabJv a. 6ttIe real excuea for