The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-07
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Grant Chosen Commander-Exciting Scene
Over Introduction of Rebel Veterans.

BALTIMORE, May 6-Ihe eleven corps aSSo-
Citations taking part in the reunion Of the Army
of the Potomac each had separate place of
meeting and spent the morning in organizing
and electing officers Each corps selected a
vice-president of the Society of the Army of the
Potomac and many resolutions were passed
which are to be presented to the general meet
ing for adoption. One resolution asks Congress
to take speedy action in carrying out the recon-
mendation of the military committee looking to
the complete vipdication of General Fitz John
Porter.
Several of the corps directed that their vote
be cast for the reelection of Gen. U. S. Grant as
commander. The mention of General Grants
name was everywhere received with enthusiasm,
and it seems to be pretty well understood that
he will be honored with re reelection.
A number Of letters were received from dis
tinguished soldiers regretting their inability to
be present, and expressing the warmest senti-
ments of good fellowship. The proceedings so
far have been marked by good feeling and the
utmost harmony has prevailed The City Hall
has been thronged all morning with veterans
who called to pay their respects to the city Of
ficials
sThe general meeting was called to order by
the vice president, Majorg general II. J. Hunt, in
the absence of the president, General Grant
considerable time was consumed in reading the
minutes of the last reunion
The business meeting of the Society of the
Army OF the Potomac was held at Ford's Grand
Opera house. The stage was set as a camp. A
portrait of General Grant hung in The center of
the proscenium arch; shields bearing coats of
arms OF all the States were placed around both
galleries; and from the pillars hung gonfalons
inscribed with the names of Grant, Burnside
Meade, Sherman. Sheridan, Mcclellan and
Hooker. Many distinguished men occupied
seats on the stage.
Gen. Horatio G. King, corresponding secretary
called the meeting to order, and, owing to the
deafness of General Hunt, the senior vice presi-
dent was compelled to do chairman's duty most
of the time General King said he had been
commissioned by General Grant to say that he
was greatly disappointed at not being able to
preside over the deliberations of the society, but
his sympathy and heart were with his old COM
rades.
Major general Hunt assumed the chair with
thanks for the cordial reception given him.
Nominations for officers for the ensuing year
being in order, General John G. Robinson adj
vanced on crutches. He thanked his friends for
the mention of his name for the position of COM
mander of the Army of the Potomac butwould
under no circumstances, allow it to be used in
opposition to that illustrious soldier hold
ing the position and he moved that the secre-
tary be authorized to cast one ballot, on which
he inscribed the name of Gen. U. S. Grant
Various corps associations seconded General
koblnsons motion, and it was carried by a
standing vote, amidst the widest enthusiasm
The other officers were also reelected.
Gen. w. H. Brown, of Washington, suggested
that as r. E. Lee Camp, of Richmond, Va,
were in the immediate neighborhood, it would
be both generous and graceful to invite them to
occupy seats on the floor of the house, and make
their acquaintance. motion to that effect was
made and seconded when two or three men
nj vi v Sl1cb proc mo
one Of them saying that rebels, 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
his feet, trying to make himself heard and
for a while there was a scene of confusion which
threatened to terminate in personal encounters
The chairman vainly endeavored to secure or
der, and threatened to call the police. Quiet
was finally restored, and committee was ap-
pointed to invite the ex-confederates to- meet
their old opponents after the business Of <khe
meeting was disposed of.
A resolution from the Grand Army of the Re-
public Veterans Union was adopted, asking that
the civil service rules referring to the preference
that should be given persons honorably dis
charged from the army or navy in the distribu-
ton of Offices, be strictly enforced; also. one
asking Congress to appropriate sufficient funds
for the erection of a statue to Maj. Gen. Joseph
Hooker
After adjournment the committee appointed
to invite r. E. Lee camp to seats on the floor,
came in, bringing with them long string Of
men in grey suits. They greeted with
great applause and in return filed the house
with the genuine rebel yell. The ex confeder-
ates were scattered among the blue coats, and
their officers were invited to the stage. Colonel
McGinnis, of Montana, welcomed them, and
their commander, General Cooke, responded
Short addresses were also made by Colonel
Charles Marshall, chief of General Lees staff,
and Colonel Evans, of Richmond.
The reception at Fords Opera house tonight
was brilliant success. Hundreds of ladies
distinguished in military circles and in the audi
ence were r. E. Lee camp of ex confederates
General King secretary of the society, read the
following telegram from General Grant "Please
thank the members of the Society of the Army
of the Potomac for their partality in selecting
me- for second time their president. / wish
my health promised probability Of my being at
the next meeting. would regard it as provi-
Dental should be able to attend; but l accept
the honor, though without the hope of peform-
ing the duties of the Office Wishing all mem
bers many happy reuions remain
~. S. GRANT"
Mayor Latrobe welcomed the veterans on be.
half of the veterans of the city, and Vice. res-
dent Hunt returned thanks in the name of the
society. He said: eve had fair square war
and now we want fair, square peace. / am
here to represent General Grant. ! have said
enough, and will try to represent him by being
silent"
Major Dewitt c. Sprague delivered an orig
inal poem. Gen. Calvin c. Pratt, of New York
delivered the grafton Short addresses were
made by Governor Lloyd, Of Maryland Gen. H.
W. Slocum Gen. John +. Hartranft Gen Hor-
ace Porter and G. A. Bohannon. The ex-con-
federate soldiers in the audience were strkingly
demonstrative.
The reunion of 1886 will be held at San Fran
cisco. General Vanderyoort stated that the
national encampment of the Grand Army of the
Republic would probably be held there next
year. and that the California Legislature had
appropriated $4,000 for entertainment of Wis
itors, provided both organizations came at the
same time. Cheap railroad fares were promised,
and cordial welcome guaranteed
MIR. Elkins Enters a Denial.
NEW YORK, May Elm the World of Monday
there appeared a report of an alleged converse.
ton with S. i. Elkns, in which he was made to
say Of Mr.. Cleveland, among other things: II