St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-07-21


1868. The organization had continued its
phenomenal growth, and in addition to the
states which took part in the first encamp
ment, departments in the states Of Maine,
New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachus-
etts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New
Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Mich
igan, Minnesota, Tennessee and Louis
lana were represented. At this meeting the
ritual and regulations of the organization
were revised, and the order natianalized by
establishing its headquarters at Washington.
1t the encampment the following officers
were elected: Gen. John A. Logan, comman
der in-chief; Gen. Joshua 7. Owen, of Penn
sylvanis, senior vice chief;
Gen. Joseyh R. Hawley, of Com eetieut,
junior vice commander-in- chief.
ORGANIZING UNoccUPIEp STATES.
The organization turned its attention to
The unoccupied states and territories which
were organized into departments as rapidly
as possible, and those who had been in the
Federal army during the rebellion were en-
couraged to establish posts and bring them
selves within the benefits and influences of
the order. This course resulted in great
. good, and at the next annual
encampment, which assembled at
Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 18th day of May.
1863, there were thirty-seven departments
reported, representing 1850 posts. and an
increase Of sixteen departments during the
gear. Gen. Logan was reelected command
el-iu-chief at the encamp ment held in Gin
cinnati, May u, 1869, and again at Wash
ington May IL, 1870.
} MEMORIAL DAY.
In 1868 Gen. Logan directed the observ-
ance of May 80 as a memorial day, and the
national eneampment, on his recommended
ton, had incorporated the same IN its organ
ic law, making the observance Of that day
general and binding upon the organization.
GROWTH OF THE G. a. r.
At the close Of Gen. Logan's administra-
ton the order numbered about 10. 900 men.
in all the states in strength and importance.
BIT few reports were made at that time, and
it is impossible to give the figures.
Its growth for the next few years was not
so large. In fact, it was at a stand still. An
element entirely foreign to the best interests
OF the order had been permitted to creep it,
and had materially interferred with its work.
MEMBERSHIP BADGE.
At special meeting held in New York
city, in October, 1868, on motion OF Mr.. F.
A. Starring, of Illinois, a committee was ap-
pointed to consider the subject of a badge
for the members. The badge is of bronze,
made from cannon captured during the late
rebellion. It is in the form of a five pointed
star, similar in design to the 200 medals au-
thorized by act of congress to be given to
soldiers and sailors most distinguished for
menitorious and gallant conduct. The re-
verse side represents a branch of laurel
the crown and reward of the
brave-in each point Of the
star. The national shield IN the center is
surrounded By the twenty-four recognized
corps badges, numerically arranged, each on
a keystone, showing they are united, and
viii guard and protect the shield of the ma
ton. Around the center is circle of stars,
representing the states Of the Union, and
the departments composing the Grand Army
VI bLAI AhCP0DlAO- ~ " a. hCciR uCA Wy MI L
A. Starring, at that time inspector general.
THE BOSTON ENCAMPMEST.
The next annual encampment was held
in Boston, May 10, 1871, at which time Gen.
Ambrose Z. Burnside, of Rhode Island, was
elected commander-in-chief, holding the
office for two years. In the administration
of Gen. Burnside the order made but slow
progress. The inspector generals depart
ment, upon which, if properly arranged
great results depend, was put under the con-
troll of Col Robert B. Beath, and at
once order seemed to come out of chaos.
Under General Burnside's second term, and
andunder Attorney General Devin's, the Adj
jutant Generals office was removed from
Washington for the first time since General
Logan's first term as commander Many of
the members who had the welfare of the or
ganization at heart gave this their approval,
and the work OF recruiting began anew.
CHANGING THE RITUAL AND BYLAWS.
The ritual had now been altered and am
mended, and the bylaws changed again.
The ritual was made to conform more to the
civil mode of life than the military, and an
amendment TO the bylaws gave to the mil
itiaman who held discharge from q regular
United States officer the right to make an
application and become a new member
While this latter clause was strongly resented
by many of the posts, its good effect was ap-
parent.
NEW HAVEN ENcAMPMRNT.
At the meeting which took place at New
Haven, Conn, May IL, 1878, Gen. Burn
sides having positively declined third
term, Gen. Charles A. Devins, Jr., of Massa-
chussetts, afterwards attorney general of the
United States, was chosen his successor. He
was reelected at the session in Harrisburg,
Pa, May II. 1874. During his administra-
ton the headquarters were in Boston, Mass.
Gov. John f. Hartranft, of Pennsylvania,