The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-07
A HAPPY DAY FOR VETERANS
The Survivors of the Fifty-First Regi-
ment Enjoy Themselves Together.
President Cleveland Denounced for VetOing
the Pension Bill of an HOnOrably Discharged
Soldier, When He Called a Deserter.

Over one hundred veterans of the Fifty first
Regiment took street-cars at the South House
yesterday morning for Col A. D. Streight's res
idence, on the National road, near Irvington.
1t was the first time so many of the regiment
bad been together since they were mustered out
of service, twenty-five years ago. and there was
much hand-shaking Many went out to the home
of Colonel Streght in carriages, and by II o'clock
100 survivors of the regiment were present,
many of them accompanied by their wives
and families. The beautiful coun-
try home of Colonel Stroighs was
handsomely decorated. Flags waved from
every tree top, and festoons reached from tree to
tree. It was a royal entertainment for the
members of the regiment prepared at Colonel
Streights own expense. At IL o'clock the meet
irg was called to order by NJ. L. Johnson, presi-
dent of the association. The work done the
evening previous in the absence of many of the
comrades did not seem to be entirely satisfac-
tory, and, on motion, new election of officers
was held with the following result:
observation-disclosures L. Johnson Indianapolis.
Vice-president-Soh w. Ramsey Charlottesville.
Secretary William Cochran Indianapolis.
Treasurer-John P. Smith, Indianapolis.
Historan-Mrs. VIM. Denney, Vlncennes.
LIE COueUAbutIou anu Oy-lhWs, HdhlIB Gu0 no-
ISOLATION permanent organization, were
adopted, and an adjournment for dinner fol
lowed.
In the eastern part of the yard were spread
four tables, each forty feet in length, loaded
with all the choicest of eatables, and at these
tables all present were seated. w. o. Piper, of
Denver, Ind, arose, and in a feeling speech on
behalf of the survivors of the regiment present,
presented Colonel Streight with a fine gold
headed cane. Colonel Streight made an appro-
pirate response. Following him Mrs. NJ. w.
Almond, in behalf of the wives of the members
of the Fifty first, presented to Mrs Streight
silver cup, as token of love they bore her for
the many kindnesses shown their hus-
bands during the war. Mrs Streight,
in few words thanked the
ladies for their gift. These formalities over.
all turned their attention to the dinner, which
was an elegant one. Afterward there was
general experience meeting around the festal
board.
At 2 o'clock there was another business meet
ing, at which was discussed the treatment Ed
ward Ayers, a member of the regiment, had re-
ceived from President Cleveland The Pres-
dent, during the last Congress, vetoed bill
granting Ayers pension, on the ground that
he was a deserter This the members of his
regiment resented, and unanimously passed
resolution declaring that he was not a deserter,
but that he was loyal and faithful soldier to the
end of the war, was honorably discharged and
was justly entitled to his pension
In the discussion of the resolution there was
some scathng criticism Of President Clevelands
course in regard to private pension bills.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent In
social intercourse. There were number Of old
regimental relics on exhibition, among them the
old regimental flags. J. NJ. Haley exhibited the
| autograph of James A. Garfield. which he re-
ceived in 1862 The Fifty-frs belonged to the
brigade commanded by Garfield. and in the
speeches during the day he was often alluded to-
There were present yesterday representatives
from every company composing the Ffty-frst
Company A was represented by the largest
number present-thirty.
It was O'Clock when the veterans began to
return to the city, and all expressed their in
tention to be at Logansport the third Wednes-
day and Thursday in next September, when the
Seventythird and the Fifty-frst will hold a
joint reunion. The address on that occasion
will be delivered by Colonel Streight.