Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1884-08-06


the encampment Hooked on it as general
in it's character and applicable to any of
the organizations embraced in the term
of Sons of Veterans, and remained under
this impression for some months, or until
the publication of correspondence be-
tween comrade, interested in the work,
and the chairman of the committee.
then learned that the intention was to
positively recognize one branch styled as
the "Sons of Veterans of the United
States of America" to the exclusion Of
the other known simply as ''Sons of Vet
erans." Hany statement explaining this
difference in their titles was made to the
encampment it escaped my observation,
and that of quite number of members
with whom I have conversed, and being
satisfied that there is very general mis-
apprehension of the effect of the resolu-
tion, it is well that you should now un-
derstand the distinction then and there
made. I am at q loss about making any
recommendation and deem it preferable
to call on some of the comrades who have
been specially engaged in this work, for
full explanation, 20 that the encamp.
ment may direct what is best be done. I
feel sure. however, that II the Grand Ar
my is to assume other relationship to tho
Sons of Veterans, q. 8. A., We should in.
sist on the complete abrogation of tho
many high-sounding titles that have been
distributed with lavish profusion, and
that they should be required to wear
uniform that will not bo cOnfOundod with
that of the G. A. r.
THE PENsIoN OFFICE.
In General Order No. 4, it was an
nounced that over 200, 900 applications for
pensions were on file awaiting evidence
from claimants; thousands of these were
delayed in settlement by inability Of ap-
plicants to ascertain the addresses of
their officers or comrades, and as q means
of aiding these, the commissioner of PEN
sions, comrade Dudley, requested the
help of the Grand Army, by our furnish
ing, on cards issued for the purpose. the
name and address Of each com1ade, with
his company, OF regiment, or vessel.
would make directory valuable for such
q purpose and large numbers of our posts
responded promptly to the request made
in this general order, but many others
failed to realize the importance of the
work and have not yet made any returns.
I am informed that, up to July 8, the ad-
dress of 12,438 comrades had been fur
nished in 1888 cases, and the requests
for addresses have steadily increased
since publication was made of this fact,
and quite number Of cases have been
settled through these names. I trust
that each department and poetodice pres
ent, will realize the good that may ensue
to many deserving comrades by our early
completing this work, and I believe it
will be good plan to furnish all our
posts with extra cards 20 that the names
of all recruits for this year can be added.
P0LTlOH.
From several sources I have received
litical meetings or the public press to the
Grand Army Of the Republic; and I
have been asked to interfere in some
way, and prevent, if possible, any harm
being done to our organization by thus
associating Us with any political move
ment. I answered to the effect that We
had provided in our laws in terms that
no one need misunderstand: mo officer
or comrade of the Grand Army of the Re-
public shall in any manner use this Or
ganization for partisan purposes, and no
discussion of partisan questions shall be
permitted at any of its meetings, nor
shall any nomination for political Office |
be made. e."-Art. ri, ch. v. / further
stated that any comrade 30 offending
would be brought to account. There is
no evidence that tnl6 rule mas Deem V1O-
lated. We all understand the necessity
of guarding against the introduction of
political questions which would most
surely divide us, but beyond providing in |
such plain terms. and having it known
that we propose carrying out the law, we
cannot 20. We cannot be responsible for
every indiscreet utterance in conventions
or on the stump. The Grand Army is q
general term, often used when it can
have no application to our association,
and we cannot muzle every speaker or |
suppress the reporter. Let it be under
stood, too, that we have not surrendered
all rights as citizens because we are MEM
bers Of the Grand Army. We have. q
right to 20 to church, as others have, or |
stay at home. We have right to attend
political meetings, take part in them, and
as nominee, be the subject Of the plau- |
dts of one side-the abuse Of the other. |
All these things we may do % citizens,
but not in any way because of member. |
ship In tho Grand Army. There ieone |
point on which word Of caution may be |
proper. Each comrade may wear his |
Grand Army badge when and where he |
pleases, but I submit that the wearing Of |
the badge at any political meeting d In
bad tastA III oaeh e. tAege6agop ~