Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1885-05-14

WASHINGTON, May "a business meet
ing of the Society of the Army of the
Potomac was held at fords grand opera
house tonight. Gen. King said that he
was commissioned by Gen. 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 comrades.
Major General Hunt assumed the chair,
with thanks for the cordial reception given
| him. The reunion in 1sS6 will he held at
/ San Francisco.
! Gen Vandeyoort stated that the national
I encampment of the Grand Army of the
/ Republic would probably be held there
\ next year, and that the California Legisla-
ture had appropriated $4,000 for the en-
/ tertainment OF visitors, provided both or
| CARNATIONS came at the same time. Cheap
railroad fares were promised and a royal
welcome guaranteed.
Nominations of officers for the ensuing
year being in order, Gen. Jno. 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 il to be used in opposition to that il
lustrious soldier now holding the position,
and ne moved that the secretary be author
lied TO east a ballot on which be inscribed
the name of Gen. Grant.
The various corps associations seconded
Gen. Robinsons motion, and IT was carried
by "A standing vote, amid the widest ell
thusiam. The other officers were also re-
elected.
Gen. W. Ii. Brown, of Washington, sug-
gested that as the X. +. Lee camp of Rich
mond, Va, were in the immediate neigh
borhood, il would be both generous and
graceful TO invite them to occupy seats on
the floor of the house and make their ac-
quaintance.
motion to that effect was made and
seconded when two or three men Jumped
and violently opposed such proceedings,
one of them saying, that the rebels, no
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 awhile 1t
was a scene OF wild confusion which threat
ened TO terminate in personal encounters.
The chairman vainly endeavored to secure
order and threatened TO call in the police.
Quiet was finally restored and committee
appointed to invite the ex-coniederates TO
meet their old opponents when the busi-
ness of the meeting was disposed OF. After
adjournment the committee came in, bring
ing with them a long string of men IN gray
suits. They were greeted with great APP
plause, end in return iilled the house with
q genuine rebel yell. The ex-coniederates
were scattered among the blue coats and
their officers invited TO the stage. Colonel
Maginnis, of Montana, welcomed them,
and commander Cools responded. Short
addresses were also made by Col. Charles
Marshall, chief of Gen. Lees staff, and Col.
Evans, of Richmond.
reception was held later at the opera
house and a brilliant address made. Hun
dreds of ladies were present. On the stage
were many men distinguished in military
circles In the audience were the X. l..
Lee camp of ex-confederates. Gen. King.
secretary of the society, read the following
telegram from Gen. Grant:
PLEASE thank the members of the So
ciety of the Army of the Potomac for their
partiality in electing me for a second time
their president. / wish my health prom
ised a probability of NY being at their
next meeting. would regard it as provi-
Dental should be able to attend but l
accept the honor, though without the hope
of performing the duties of the office. Wish
ing all the members many happy reunions,
i remain, L. ;. GRANT"
BALTIMORE, May THE parade ar
ranged in honor of the visiting Army of
the Potomac was quite a success, despite
the heavy rain which fell all the morning
and up to the hour of starting the march.
Many expected organizations did not put
in an appearance, as an order was issued
early in the day postponing the display,
but before 3 o'clock such numbers had
gathered at the rendezvous that permis-
sion to start was granted, and it is esti-
mated that fully 5000 men were in line.
The route of the procession was through
the principal streets, and every sidewalk
was lined with lockers on. Stands had
been erected At various points, and all
were crowded. The Mayor, in company
with many of the visiting veterans, and
Gov. Lloyd and staff occupied the portico
of the city hall and reviewed the parade
IN, ,acoipu