Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-05-08
Army Reunion.

ations are taking part in the reunion of the
Army of the Potomac. Each had sepa-
rate meeting, and spent the morning in or
ganizing and electing officers. Each corps
selected vice president of the society of
the Army of the Potomac, and many resolu-
tons were passed which are 10 be presented
to the general meeting this afternoon for
adoption. One asks congress TO take speedy
action in carrying out the recommendations
of the military committee, looking to the
complete vindication of Gen. Fitz John
Porter.
The civil service law relating to prefer
ence to be given to honorably discharged
union soldiers in the distribution of federal
patronage should be strictly enforced. Sew
eral of the corps directed their vote to be
cast for the reelection OF Gen. Grant as
commander. The mention of Gen. Grants
name was received with enthusiasm. 1t
seems TO be pretty well understood that he
will be honored with reelection. The
general meeting was called to order by Vice
President Major General Hunt, in the alb
sence of Gen. Grant. The minutes took up
considerable time.
A business meeting of the Society of the
Army of the Potomac was held at Ford's
Grand Opera house. The stage was set as u
camp. the portrait of Gen. Grant hung in
the center of the arch, shields bearing coats
Of arms placed around both galleries and
from pillars hung gonfalons inscribed with
the names of Grant, Burnside, Mead. Nc
Clellan, Sherman Sheridan and Hooker.
Many distinguished men occupied seats on
the stage. Gen. Horatio c. King, cores
ponding secretary, called the meeting to or
der and owing to deafness Gen. Hunt, sem
Tor vice-president, was compelled to do the
chairman's duty most of the time. Gen.
King said he had been commissioned by
Gen. Grant to say that he was greatly dis
appointed at not being able to preside over
the deliberations of the society, bat his SYM
patty and heart was with his old comrades.
Maj. Gen. Hunt assumed the chair with
thanks for the cordial reception given him.
The reunion of 1856 will be held at San
Francisco. Gen. Nanderrevoort stated that
the national encampment ofthe Grand Army
of the Republic would probably be held
there next year and that the California Les :
islature had appropriated $4,000 for
the entertainment of visitors pro-
vided both organizations como at
the same time, cheap railroad
fares were promised and u cordial welcome
guaranteed. Nominations for the ensuing
year being in order Gen. John c. Robinson
advanced on crutches. He thanked his
friends for the mention of his name for the
position of commander Of the army of the
Potomac, but would under no circumstances
allow it 10 be used in opposition to the Illus
trious soldier now holding the position, and
he moved that the secretary be authorized
to cast one ballot which shall be inscribed
with the name of Gen. L. 3. Grant. Various
corps associations seconded Gen. Robinson's
motion and it was carried by standing
vote amidst the widest enthusiasm. The
other officers were also reelected. Gen. W.
II. Brown, of Washington, suggested that
as X. Z. Lee camp, of Richmond, Va, were
in the immediate neighborhood it would be
both generous and graceful to iryite them
to occupy seats on the floor of the house and
make their acquaintance. A motion to
thai effect was made and seconded when two
or three men jumped up and violently
opposed such proceedings, one of them say
ing rebels, nc matter how repentant, had
no interest in the business of Union soldiers
and that their presence was an insult which
he could not endure. Nearly every man in
the house was instantly on his feet trying to
make himself heard and for a while there
was scene of confusion which threatened
TO terminate in personal encounters. The
chairman vainly endeavored to secure ord r
and threatened to call the police. Quiet
was finally restored and a committee APP
pointed to invite the ex-Confederates to
meet their old opponents. After the busi
ness of the meeting was disposed of reso
luton from the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie Veterans association was adopted, stat
ing that the civil service rules referring to
he preference that should be given persons
discharged from the army or
navy in the distribution of Offices should be
strictly enforced; also. one asking congress
20 appropriate sufficient funds for
he erection of statue to Major |
General Joseph Hooker. After adjourn |
nent the committee appointed to invite X.
Lee camp to seats on the floor came in,
bringing with them lorg string Of men in |
grey suits. They were greeted with the |
greatest applause, and in return filled the
house with a genuine rebel yell. The ex-
coats. Their officers were invited to the |
'tage. Col. McGinnis, of Montana, well
,omed them, and Commander General |
Cooke responded. Short addresses were
also made by Col. Charles Marshall, chief of
Zen. Lees staff, and Col. Evans, of Rich
nond
The reception at Ford's Opera House to-
hight was a brilliant success. Hundreds of /
aides wero present. On the stage were many
men distinguished in military circles. In |
he audience were X. l.. Lee camp of ex-
,onfederstes. Gen. King, secretary of thu
ociety, read the following telegram from
len. Grant: "Please thank the members of |
he society of the Army of the Potomac for
heir Partially in selecting me for a second
inc as their president. | wish my health
promised probability of my being at the
lext meeting. would regard it as provi-
lential should / be able to attend, but l ac-
ept the honor, though without "a hope of
performing the duties of the Office. Wish
NC all the members many happy reunions,
remain,
[Signed l.. S. GRANT"
Mayor Lstrobc welcomed the veterans on
'ebalf of the veterans of the city. Vice
resident Hunt returned thanks in the name
f the society. Major DE Witt c. Sprague
an original poem. Gen. Colyin
:. Pratt, Of New York, delivered an Grafton.
hort addresses were made by Gov. Lloyd,
f Maryland, Gen. ii. w. Slocum, Gen.
ohm F. Hartranft, Gen. Horace Porter and
:. A. Bohannon, ex-Confederate soldiers.
he audience was strikingly demonstrativc.