The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-12
THE G. A. r.
The Character Of the Order, Its Object, History
and NemSership.

The Character Of the Order. Its Object, History
and Membership.
Installation. address of Commander Marcus s. Hop
ki,as Of KIT Carson Post, No. 2 Department: Of the
Potomac.
COMRADES: As you know we are part of q
very great influential, and useful organization.
1t is enly secret so far as merely to keep out
intruders and enable members to recognize
each other when personally strangers. Its
large membership is made mp of the sturdy and
worthy characters without regard to party or
to former rank among the survivors OF the
vast army and navy that triumphed in the
cause OF Liberty aud Union in the mightiest
civil war OF modern times. 1t rigidly excludes
all party and sactarian matters from its delib-
erations and stands on a broad, patriotic moral
basis.
The Grand Army of the Republic however,
is really not a military organization, as might
be supposed from its name. 1t is essentially
civic organization. We are not now soldiers,
and are never likely to be again, presume.
We are ex-soldiers and actual civilians. The
great public object of our organization. as l
understand ii. is to promote good American
citizenship. We use military forms because we
are accustomed to them and they are convenient
for u.s. They serve a useful purpose, because
they remind us of our patriotic and honorable
services in defense of the country, and they
keep fresh in memory the good sentiments and
the cherished "reminiscences of the war for the
frame in which the great picture is set; they
are not the substance, nor do they particularly
indicate the substance, OF our organization.
The real substance and good of it ara to be
found in the principles of fraternity, Charity,
and Loyalty. which we inculcate and practice
and which are consistent with ali that is best
in religion, morals. and good citizenship. The
normal business OF civilization is the arts and
pursuits of peace, because they are better than
those of War. War is colossal evil, always TO
be avoided if possible, and can only be justified
on grounds of necessity. But when necessary,
as it was in 1861 with U.s. there is no nobler
duty that man can do than TO go forth and
fight as did, because the performance of
such a duty manifests with great courage the
supremest spirit of self-sacriice and devotion
10 right. The bravest and most honorable thing
We ever did was to successfully defend and
preserve onr great country. The next most
honorable thing we did was to disband and
quietly resume cur peaceful YocatiOns and our
status as good citizens We achieved liberty
for all, and enforced peace and security for all,
and then 'Tent back TO our homes and eXempli-
fed good citizenship in our lives; thus follow
ing fully the grand spirit and example of
Washington. OEc great idea of our National
Constitution and Government is that the mill
tary is subordinate to the civil power. 1t is
mere servant and strong arm of the civil power,
and, IN theory at least. the civil power always
Grand Army accords with the Constitution in
this idea. 1t does not, as an organization, have
military objects. but only peaceful, patriotic,
civil objects chiefly in view. Let us all so un-
derstand it, and seek 10 be the more worthy
citizens because of our membership of this
great Order. Wewere soldiers because we were
citizens. and it was TO preserve and increase
The value and dignity of American citizenship
that we fought
1t Is now nearly % years since the war for
the integrity of the Union began, and the
youngest OF Us who were in it begin to realize
that we are growing old. Scarcely any who
did much real service III the field but had his
constitution and vital powers somewhat i'm
paired, even though he suffered no severe
wound and contracted no specific disease
Therefore, in a few years more. by the course
OF nature, we shall begin to rapidly grow less
IN number; but at the same time NC shall grow
more conspicuous aud distinguished before the
people. ii win be great honor to the more
fortunate OF Us who survive, to be Of that small
band of whte-haired patriots loving one an
other and beloved by ali good people, who shall
meet together fraternally in the early part of
the century that will soon begin with the year
1900 We may happily look forward to con-
stantly increasing interest. pleasure, and honor
In our membership. Let Us, therefore, not fail
10 prize and cherish il accordingly, and to guard
1t at all times against diShonor whether threat
ened by our own indiScretions or the taint of
the unworthy.