Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-06-25
Executive Session Of the Ma
tional Encampment.
Report Of Commander-in-
Chief Kountz.
Meeting Of the woman's Ma
/. tional Relief Corps.

AthILAND, june "a.
Today has been one of thorough endowment
to the thousands of veterans who are here
attending the 10th annual National Encamp.
ment of G. A. X. They have had the day
entirely to themselves and each has followed
the bent of his inclination as best suited him.
self and in such manner as to obtain the
greatest possible amount of pleasure. Many
remained at the encampment, lounging idly
about the tents, others were lying in the
abundant shade, smoking and seeming to
draw the very quintescence of comfort out of
the situation, while others still formed little
groups and fought their battles over again by
recalling each to the others the memorable
fights in which they had been engaged in
dark days Of the great rebellion.
Many have been the thrilling adventures
related and many the anecdotes told with
rare zest and evident relish. Tales have
been told in numbers sufficient to fill vol
umes. 1t is wonder that some enterprising
genius has not embraced this opportunity
for obtaining an abundance of these stories.
n hoil uoLch StcHoktdplcIS COutu nave OD-
tanned material to-day alone for several books
of anecdotes of the war, as related by the
actual participants in the scenes described,
so graphically. While very many of vet
Grams remained at or near their camp quarters
very many others have passed the time far
from Munjoy Hill and the Eastern Prone
made. Many have gone on excursions down
the harbor. Hundreds have gone over the
Portland Ogdensburg road to the White
Mountains. Others have visited
comrades quartered at Old Orchard or on the
Islands in the bay, still others have formed
parties and proceeded to favorable localities
have been seen on the streets of Portland in
variously sized groups and in search of points
of interest.
Portland has never looked gayer than it
the waving of countless banners and stream
ers and more numerous than all else, the
stars and stripes, together with crowds of
thousands of citizcns in holiday attire and
ihcu cu tie ctEcStS nave COUtIiU-
uted to make scene such as will not be for
gotten by the local residents for many a day
and like unto which may never be seen. here
again. 1t has been perfect day as far as
every day of the encampment thus far. There
is some talk going the rounds concerning the
reported unpleasantness between Commander
Chief Kountz and General Hall, depart
mept commander of Maine, but it is not con-
sidered of any consequence.
1t appears that the cOmmander-in-chiei
notified Gen. Hall BY telegraph that he would
bring his own escort and that he had chosen
Dahlgren Post of South Boston, for that SER
vice. Gen. Hall considered that according
to precedent the department in which the en-
campment was held should have been hon.
ored by being allowed to furnish the escort.
Many others considered that the command
er in-chief has slighted the local encampment
by his selection of Massachusetts post as
his escort. Gen. Hall, it is stated, did not
call on the commander-in-chief for some
hours after his arrival owing to the latter's
course in the matter.
Yesterdays trouble in connection with the
refusal of many of the veterans to join in the
procession was due, it is stated to belief on
the part of good many of the veterans as
signed to the fifth division, that they nad not
been shown as much courtesy As was then
due, and less than had been shown to many
other departments and because they were not
iata nd ~. he he,
would take 10 the parade. These episodes
have made little or no impression on the
minds of the veterans. They have already
forgotten that and it seems as if it would
require great deal to disturb the perfect
good nature that prevails everywhere. There
has been more or less intoxication among the
lay visitors. but not one instance of drunk
enness on the part of any one wearing the
uniform of the Grand Army has been OBJ
served. There has been an abundance of
liquor used, but If appearances are an indi-
cation it has been used wisely. No attempt
has apparently been made to enfore the pro-
hibitory law and there are numerous bars
in full operation. 1t is thought by some,
however, that the temperance leaders are not
idle, but are collecting mass of evidence to
be used against the local violators Of the
law after the visitors have gone home.
Wm. H. omart Iost OF Cambridge, MASS (,
was given reception tonight by the Mont
gomery Guards of Portland, at the armory OF
the guards.
1t was an evening of receptions and nearly
all of the local organizations honored one OF
more of the visiting bodies in this way and
many prominent citizens kept open houses.
Until late At night the distinguished visitors
were conveyed from house to house. paving
respects to the numerous hOn0red guests,
This evening Gen. John C. Black, com.