The Portland daily press., 1885-06-25

Comrades,-In calling to order our nine
teenth annual encampment l greet you as
the representatives of that grand and patriot
army, which accomplished more for the advance
ment of civilization and the rights Of man than
any other army in the history of the world.
also greet you as the representatives of an
organization, which is to-day accomplishing
more to relieve the distress and suferings
caused by the war in which you were engaged,
than all other associations combined.
When we recall how we were gladdened and
how large the figures appeared four years ago.
when Commander in Chief Wagner reported
a membership of nearly 10000 comrades, how
much more must our hearts rejoice to-day, and
how much greater cause have we for congratu-
lation to find that the order now enrolls mem
bership of more than 285,000 of the survivors
of the Union army AS we exchange con-
CALCULATIONS upon the splendid success of the
past, the vigorous and healthy condition of the
present and the bright prospects for the future,
our hearts go out in grateful thanksgiving to
the Author of all Good for the preservation of
our lives and the continued prosperity Of the
Grand Army of the Republic.
REPORTS.
invite your attention to the reports Of the
officers, which show in detail the work of their
several departments. All the officers have
given me their earnest support and heartiest
CO. operation, and have discharged their re-
spective duties in thorough manner, deserv-
ing the highest commentator.
MEMBERSHIP.
March 81, 1854, Sc departments reported
1923 posts and 233,595 members. March 81,
1885, 3S departments reported 5,026 posts and
2696S4 members. This statement includes
~ ,f IF
rade Beath.
The report of the adjutant general shows
our membership to be 287,637. During my
term, embracing period Of but eleven months
| there have been added to the rolls by muster
66,729, by reinstatements and transfers 20, $50
| total increase 87,0S4. When we take into
consideration the fact that for four months Of
| this time the country was engaged in an ex-
citing Presidential contest, and also that bust
ness everywhere has been depressed, and when
| it is borne in mind that the Grand Army has
been passing through a ripening process, and is
| to-day stronger and healthier than ever be-
fore, we may justly rejoice at this substantial
! gain and evidence OF continued growth ano
| prosperity.
In an organization Of this character a GER
tain number Of losses by suspension are to bt
expected, but it is submitted that the very
large number of 54.292 reported by the adju-
tant general, as suspended during the year, i
due in great measure to the negligence and in
| efficiency of post officers who fail to discharge
the duties imposed upon them by the rules ant
regulations and their official Obligations.
FINANCES.
Attention is called to the report of the
| quartermaster general, wherein it will be seer
! that rigid economy has been practiced, anC
that our finances are in excellent condition. Ii
comparison with last year our profit from salt
| of badges has been less yet after paying the
two items of unusual expense, viz: $L0l2.5(
for printing for distribution report Of pension
committee, ordered by last eneampment, ant
| $1,94S OF for cannon, we have on hand jun
! 9, 1885, a cash balance of $15,224 60-being
| gain of 81 ,926.05. The disposition of thi
| large fund should receive the careful attention
| of this encampment, and it is my belief tina
| there should be no further increase of funds a
national headquarters.
| In this view it is well to consider whether
| all printed supplies should not be furnished
free to departments, and they be required tc
furnish them free to posts.
At least $4,000 Of the balance on hanG
should be invested in safe municipal or othe
securities, that will yield a larger annual earn
| ing than we are now realizing.
OFFICIAL VISITS.
The council of administration, at meeting
after the adjournment of the eighteenth an
nual encampment, urged the commander in
chief to make, during the year, as many off
cial yisitatons to different sections as possible
making a liberal appropriation for that pur'
pose. Acting upon this advice, the following
departments have been visited during the cur
rent year: