St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-03-05
ST. PAUL MATTERS.
Grand Army Camp Fire Addressed by
Department Commander
Thomas.
Gen. Sanborn Talks Entsrtainingly Be-
fore the Unity Club on the Sub
jeot Of Money.
Emmet's Birthday Celebrated by the
Irish Rifies--General Local
News.
AROUND THE CAMP FIRE.
The Veterans Relate War stories at
winthrop Post Hall.

The Veterans Relate War stories at
winthrop Post Hall.
About 1875 members of the &. A. X.
were present at the camp fire in Winthrop
Post hall last evening" including delegations
from Garfield and Acker posts. The camp
fire speeches came as an interlude in the
regular order of business of the organiza-
ton. In which three new comrades were
mustered in and were introduced by Gen.
c. c. Andrews. who extended the welcome
of the post to Department Commander
Thomas. who was present, and to visiting
comrades.
Mr. Thomas was then introduced. He
said he appreciated the kindly welcome eX-
tended by the former speaker, and was sure
he expressed the feeling Of each heart when
he said il was fully responded TO by all WIS.,
itors. Comrades of the Grand Army met
without regard to former rank, but with q
feeling of fraternity which always marks
the true soldier; they met as loyal survivors
of the grand old army, aid II was proud
thought that they contributed their wits 10
the glorious triumph OF union. Comrades
did not feel that they accomplished the
whole. for it could not have been
done without the aid of the loyal people of
the North. Mr.. Thomas said he had not
like to say few words concerning the u.
A. r. with reference to work in this de-
partment and to ask the assistance of all
comrades. There had been n goodly in
crease in the organization within year,
with many new posts established, and in
looking over the field he did not see much
opportunity for more new posts. But from
various reasons some posts had gone down
through depleted numbers and lack of in
terest. 1t seemed to him there was work
to be done, work to increase interest in the
organization, particularly in country places
where the members were widely separated
and it was difficult to come together for a
meeting. Mr.. Thomas then related in
stances in which some posts had worked up
renewed interest by giving entertainments
and otherwise procuring the sympathy and
assistance of the community in which they
were located. With confidence in the help
of the people at large the hundreds who had
dropped out could be recalled. and all i'm
bued with renewed love for the Grand
Army, and in this work he wanted the
assistance OF all.
Post Commander Il. A. Blackwell of
Lltchield. ILL.,, spoke at considerable length
on the principles of the organization and in
praise of Minnesota soldiers, naming
Croker and WillIin. He thought the G..
A. X. one of the greatest organizations in
the country, and that there was something
in it not in other secret orders, the feeling
of having stood elbow TO elbow in battle.
Comrade j. III. Drake said there was no
politics in the organization, but along with
loyalty was charity. There was more than
one old suldier in the pOorhouse of the
state, and if the next legislature adjourned
without establishing a soldiers home, il
would be disgrace. He wanted every
comrade to be a messenger in politics IL
see that every representative was pledged
for soldiers home. He was a member OF
a committee having in charge the getting
up of a memorial, and he knew how little
memorials amounted to. Every one must
go to work now.
The soldiers home plan was received
with good deal of enthusiasm. COmrade
Jewett of Faribault was called upon and
spoke briefly. Comrade ID. +. Meyers
made short and very humorous speech,
and was followed by DR.. Murphy, who
told some laughable war stories in his
characteristic way. He called out Com
rade Albert Schetfer. who spoke briefly,
relating stories about DR.. Murphy and Gen.
Andrews. Mr.. Drake extended the future
hospitality. of the post to all members OF
the Grand Army, and the meeting adj
iOuIned