The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-22

The Department Encampment in An
nual Session-Gr0Wth of the Order.
The officers Reports-Speeches of Lieuten-
ant-Goyernor Hanna. Gen. Carnahan and
Others at the Campfire Last Night.

The Grand Army of the Republic, department
of Indiana, met in annual session at Manner
Choir Hall, yesterday, there being present all the
grand officers, and representatives from all the
posts-about 300 old soldiers in all. At the be-
ginning of the morning session Commander
Dickinson, Assistant Adjutant- general Bennett,
and Chaplain Wilkins, of Illinois, who were
present, were introduced and made brief ad-
dresses, which were productive of much enthusl-
asm. The greater part of the morning session was
devoted to hearing the reports of officers. Adju-
tant-general Carnahan, post commander, in his
address, congratulated the order on its increase
in numbers and influence, and made various
recommendations, which were received with evi
dent favor. The growth of the G. A. r. since
the last report had been phenomenal On March
%, 1888, the posts were numbered to 154; now
they number 302, with applications granted in
ereasing them to $50. The membership one year
ago was 6,0SS; to-day, not including musters
since Dec. 81, 1888. it is Is, 124. Within the past
eleven months there was a gain of 148 posts and
1896 members. Last year the financial
exhibit showed the total assets to be
$2,25z.72. Receipts from all sources since
March IS, 1883, $13,1 $50 "a; expenditures,
SIS, 988. 30; cash on hand, S., LOG. 20; supplies,
etc, 1868. 03; total assets, s., 795. 80. In response
10 appeal in aid of flood sufferers 81, 1873. 40 so far
has been received, and but a small portion ex-
pended. Those having the matter in charge
have concluded to expend the greater part of
this in repairing the desolated homes Of the com
rades on the Ohio river. The commander recon-
mended vigorous work in aid of the proposed
soldiers and sailors m )nument, and the appoint
ment of a committe to be known as the "Sol-
diers' monumental committee" Also, that the
association be formally incorporated under the
laws of the State. General Canadian warmly
cemplimented the retiring officers, and in con
clusion gave the following warning to the order:
cannot aGd to what l said in my address to you
last year on the subject of partisan politics. l only
wish to call your attention once more to what was
then said, and for the good of our order, for the sake
of its perpetuity, in the name of all the good that has
been accomplished for our comrades by the order, for
the hope of all Che greater good that may yet be ac-
complished by tin memory of the delightful re
unions we have enjoyed in our post rooms, keep poll
tics out Of the Grand Army of the Republic. We are
soon to enter on another State and national political
contest, and | beseech you TO guard well our order.
Outside your post, and separated from the Grand
Army, be as strong party men as you desire. This IS
your privilege, and none have a greater right to this
privilege than the Union soldier; but let the post
room be sacred ground, and keep from it every polit-
ical tendency. Let your acts as Grand Army men be
entirely separate and distinct from all political mat
ters. We be comrades all, and such We should re-
main.
L especially enioin upon post commanders the i'm
portance of this matter, and charge you, one and all,
that you guard well your ~outposts, that naught shall
pass within your lines to bring dissension within
your own ranks or those of other posts. believe
you will do this, and if it is done all will be well. If
any other course is pursued l believe disaster and
ruin will overtske us.
Ben D., House, A. A. G., andG Fl, Shower, A. @.
NJ ,sgave their reports, and a resolution was
adopted to make the representation to the Ma
tional Encampment one from each congressional
district.