New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-05-07
RE.ELECTING GENERAL GRANT.
ACTION OF THE ARMY OF TIE POTOMAC.
The NAME OF THE OLD COMMANDER
ROBERT Il, LEE CAMP
rpY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBuSE.l

CHEERING IHE NAME OF THE OLD COMMANDhN
ROBERT Il, LEE CAMP.
my TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUrE.l
BALTIMORE, May 6.-Tbe business meeting of the
Society of the Army of the Potomac to-day inrn'sneu
two interesting incidents which have parallel in the
history Of the society.
One was the unanimous reelection of General Grant,
which was ACCOMPLISHED in whirlwnd of enthusiasm.
Throughout the entire meeting every alluson to Grant
was the signal for a tempest of cheers. Thus when
the secretary deserted his recent visit TO General
Grant. and said IL think that can give You hope
II a he will be with us next year," the great building
fairly shook with applause; which was redoubled as
the banners OF the several army corps were seized anu
waved bv strong arms after General John c. Robinson
had Withdrawn his own name in modest and feeling
speeeh Under the circumstances" said he, " no IN
ducement would persuade me to be candidate" no"
great was the se-sscrfcc of the old hero who ei'
leg on the battle field of the Wilderness, and Who IN
the natural order of things cannot be expected 10 at
tend many more annual elections of the Army OF the
Potomac. only a soldier can fully realize.
When General Robinson concluded his speech there
was lively and amusing scramble among the spokes-
men of the various cy corps for the honor OF Seoona
ing tho nomination of General Grant AZ thclf meet,
ines earlier in the day several OF the organizations ha
formally resolved to cast their votes for him.
The other incident less pleasant IN some respeets
Camp OF Confederate Veterans OF Richmond. inc
efforts of the local committee TO make the reunion
pleasant and successful bad been so warmly SECONDED
by the people of Baltimore. and the reception OF the
Union Veterans had been cordial "a compared WIN
that which was extended to the Massachusetts NOuh.
teers In 1861 that most Of the members OF the society
felt anxious TO show their appreciation OF the hos
pitay bestowed upon them. aud 80 motion 70 invite
the Robert T.. Lee Clmp 10 be present wa reee'Ved
with much applause but there was some dissent ana
much confusion and hi'sing were provoked oy mem
her who declared that " Rebels, no matter now re-
pentant they NAV be. have concern IN the executive
deliberations Of the Army of the Potomac.
The motion having been 50 amended as To make the
invitation operative after all the business had been
transacted, WAS adopted by an overwhelming MAJORITY
whereupon Colonel Mahan OF Massachusetts, rose 10
protest This rai-ed anoth,r tumnlt ana some sharp
personalities exchanged between Colonel hahan
and General King who presided with more vigor than
tact General Hunt bad been unanimously chosen "a
presiding officer, but his de eiiness prevented him from
hearing motions readily. aud 80 tenerm hing as
sumption of the duties t1cusabc, 10 say th eist.
for the Army of the Potomac Is better trained ia the
use of the sword and musket than In the nicctes Si
peSope he Confederaios entered there more
futile opposition This time there were vain inquiries
for sergeant alarms. and General hng indlscreetl
threatened call IN the police aud shaking Lis ne"u
at the dissenting member shouted g., 49,, .o.-
.' would setyou down myself II / had the oppor-
The offender rctorted Try it at your peril. 1 defy
When the ConfeleIates marched in, they were vel
coined with round after round of hearty cheers, 10
wach upon invitation, they responded with the
genuine Rebel yell Alter the excitement had suDsiueu
they were nclcomed In ac earnest spsech by Deeshto
MaSinnis of Montana and General Cooke, their com,
mander Colonel Marshall, formerly oi Lees stau' ana
Major Evans. responded ia words which PROVOKED re-
peated applause ,,-,... .,.... -, ,ho
Arcsoiuton unanimously adopted m favor oi the
retention AMI appointment IN tie pubic service o'
honoraby discharged Union soldiers AMI sailors ue,
spjte a mild reminder by General King who seeincd
TO sniff politics in the matter that the Army OF tle
Potomac had always abstaned from political nteiieF-
ence
The secretary was instructed by unanimous vote 10
inform General Grant by Telegraph OF his reelection
In the evening the Opera House was packed WIN
pcosle who went TO listen to the annual Grafton Dy
General Calvin T.. Pratt of Brooklyn. the poem by
Major Dewitt C. Srrague. OF New-lork and speeches
by Mayor Lairobe aud others.
At the meeting iu the evening General KIM secretary
OF the sOcety read tho following telegram from General
Grant: 49,,
'PIease thank members Of the Society OF the Army OF
the Potomac for their pnrtalty IN cecng me Tor IN,
second time their president wish ms health promised
the probability OF my being at the next meeting wouu
regard IL as prOvidenta should be able o attend bat
accept honor though without the hope OF performing
the duties OF the office Wishing all the members many
happy reunions, remain L. ,. CHANT