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

IL was not unUl L1e smoke Oh DaLLIe Qau
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, W IS 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, or 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-
gested 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. 1t is far more probable
that the first organization was merely 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
Il. 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 THE Boys in Blue, - which
was formed as a political organization, and
for that reason had not been altogether sue
cessful. Under these conditions DR.. Stephen
son organized bis 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 a distinct organization,
and controlling its body by authority derived
from is own members. The need of cen
trial organization and general regulations
was soon felt aud in June, 1906, it was de-
termined to hold a convention at Springfield,
lse capital Of Illinois, OF the posts of the
ssates. The convention met in July of the
Same wear. Gen. John VI. Palmer was
elected grand commander, and DR.. stephen
son was made provisional commander-in-
chief, with Col J. c. Weber as adjutant
general. The headquarters of the state or
gsnization 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
mander in chief issued call for represents
hves from the several states to form ma
Houal organization. This call was general
order, and was known Is general order No.
Is. The convention was called for Nov. 20,
1866, to meet at Indianapolis, Ind.
FIRST NATIONAL EScAxPNENT.
The meeting was success in every way
aud 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 " Palmer, Of Illinois, presided, and
the encampment adopted plans for the or
ganizatiou Of posts, state departments, and
n national encampmeut, substantially Is they
are in force to-day. At this meeting Gen.
s. A. Hurlbut was elected grand command
er, and appointed as his adjutant general
Col. B. F. Stevenson, who had organized the
first post in the country. AT this time, some
ten months after the organization of the first
post. the movement was attsacting attention
throughout the country. A committee was
appointed TO draft bylaws and a ritual for
the proper government Of the association,
and when It was done the cabalistic letters
Of F, c. and L. were adopted. and the
Grand Army Of the Republic IS a national
organization became fixed factor.
PRINCIPLES OF THE ORGANIZATION
Faith, charity and Loyalty were It's car
dinal virtues. aud no man who had been
disloyal 70 his country or flag could enter.
Houorahly discharged soldiers and sailors
were the only ones who could be Unlisted in
10 the ranks. Among the bylaws
enacted az the last national encampuent
vas one forbidding the use Of the organiza-
ton for any partisan purpose. the discussion
of partisan questions at any OF its meetings
and declaring that no nominations for politi-
eal Offices should be made
sxcoSp NATIONAL EScANPNEST-
IT, second nAs.qnAs eRean pasRt met II