The National tribune., 1885-07-02

the daisy -spangled sward. But the men
and women who reyeled in all this strange
beauty are now far away from its fascina-
tions-back in dusty shop or parching fields;
back among the mines and forges of Penn
sylvania; ON the prairies Of Illinois or by
the shores of the Pacific Still each carries
in his or her heart remembrances Of those
delicious days, rare and sweet, as perfumes
brought from Arabian lands.
The bunting that blazed everywhere is
folded up; the boisterious drums beat no
more through the streets of Portland; the
pleasures and disappointments inseparable
to such a gathering are over; the glad greet
ings and sad partings of long-divided COM
rades are finished, and the pomp and cir
cumstance Of the martial array are now but
memories.
Now is the time to consider whether the
Encampment is all that it should have been,
and to pass judgment upon its results.
There was much misgiving among GAR.
men after Portland was selected as the place
of this years Encampment whether the city
was suited for the purpose. There was
ground for this misgiving. Portland is
small city for so large a gathering as the an
nual Encampment. The hotels are few in
number and small. They were much crowd
ed by the number of guests they were called
upon to entertain. But the food furnished
was abundant, well prepared and served
with reasonable promptness. The Depart
ment of Maine took upon itself heavy re-
sponsibility when it undertook to provide
for the Encampment, but it discharged itself
of the responsibility in the most creditable
manner. The preparations for the Encamp-
some places they were splendid. The citi-
zens OF Portland assisted admirably, and as
delightful homes as there are in the world
were placed at the disposal of the comrades.
The camp on the shores of the bay, the
excursions to the islands, the profusion of
sea food were all unique features Of the En-
campment, which could hardly have been
duplicated anywhere else. In this way the
visit to Portland was made specially
enjoyable experience.
Undoubtedly there was little friction
occasionally, but there was never a gather
ing Of any size without this, and we believe
there was much less of it at Portland than
is customary. There is not one man or
woman in a thousand who is not more than
delighted with his OF her visit to Portland
and enthusiastic as to Maine hospitality.
The comrades were so genuinely grateful
for what was done 10 entertain them, that
their hosts could not help being gratified
and pleased with the appreciation of their
efforts
The results of the Encampmenti itself were
equally satisfactory. Commander-in-Chief
Kountz's administration has been a very
able one, and the comrades were well pleased
with his management and what it had ac-
complished. There was no acrimony in the
contest for his successor, and the comrade
chosen for that responsible Office is very
acceptable to the strongest adherents of the
other candidates. Every one predicts for
Commander-in-C Chief Burdett a brilliant ad-
ministratiOn.
The discussions were carried on with ami
nation and superb talent for debate, and
the decisions arrived at will be cordially ap-
proved by the voice of the whole Order.
This is especially true Of the refusal to
widen the doors of the Order, SO as to admit
those who had borne arms against the Gov
eminent, but had afterward joined the Union
army, and the selection of San Francisco for
the meeting place next year.
There was less satisfaction with the stand
taken in reference to the Veterans Rights
Union, the Woman's Relief Corps and the
Sons of Veterans, but the action will be 10y
ally acquiesced in.
Taken altogether the Encampment was,
therefore, magnificent success. The at
tendance and spirit showed that the inter-
est in and zeal for the GAR are rapidly
rising from year to year. Everything indi-
Gated the existence of healthy, living, grow
ing forces, that will carry forward the Order
to still higher position next year, and the
diffusion of this conviction, through those
present to their comrades at home, viii be
rich in good results.
Now, for San Francisco next year.