Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1886-02-27
THE GRAND ARMY.

The encampment is over and the veterans
have left for their homes to engage In their
several avocations. The general sentiment
amongst them, is that they were most hos
pitably treated in our city, and now after
the smoke of battle has cleared away and
the reporter has had an opportunity to as
certain the sentiments of the people respect
ing the "Boys in Blue" during their stay in
our midst, it is mos. gratifying to learn that
our people are almost unanimous in saying
that no nobler or better behaved body ever
assembled in this or any other city than the
Grand Army boys. The police declare,
with one accord, that considering the large
number in the city, there was remarkable
order and peace. That body contained
many men who would grace the congress
sional halls of the nation, and in point OF
readiness of speech and that ability which
shines in large assemblages. there were pres
ent in that encampment many of the fore
most men in the state.
While they were generally well treated at
the various hotels, there was considerable
complaint as to the treatment at some
houses. In this connection the reporter has
been solicited by q large number Of COM
rades, to express their thanks TO MIR. John
Kennedy, proprietor of the Kennedy house,
on Fourth avenue. While many S100 per
day houses charged soldiers Sl.5o, and in
some cases $500 per day, Mr.. Kennedy
would take no more than Sl.O0 day. The
consequence was, that comrade brought
comrade there, until not only every room
his own included-were filed, three in q
Ia and the floor covered with mattresses.
It must not be supposed that they were what
Els commonly called the common herd. v
Among them were colonies, majors, and
captains, who had left other hotels, not alto
gether because of the cheap rates, but on
account of the genuine hospitable treat
ment they received. John is an old soldier
himself, though not member Of the G. A.
T., and he knows how it is himself. He will
lose nothing, but gain much by his gener-
GUS action is this connection, for these men
declared their intention of having his house
favorably mentioned in their home papers,
and IN the posts to which they belonged.
The officers at headquarters too, desire to
express their thanks to the popular cigar
and tobacco house of J. T. Campbell & Co.,
for donations of several boxes boxes of their
splendid brand OF Grand Army cigars. This
firm had their large store literally covered
with decoration. While on the subject OF
decoration those arranged by Col. John
Fisher, commander of Garfield post, on the
front of Butler s. Fishers store. There
among banners and bunting were the acorn,
the distinctive badge OF the 18th army corps
and the old army csnteen.
This subject of decoration is a delicate one
to enter upon, because in naming one others
may feel sighted, because the decorations
were general and fine. Had it not been for
his time being taken up at the encampment
this reporter would have given every one a
suitable notice in this connection. The re-
porter too, wishes TO apologize to many
who had requested him TO do them some IA
vor, which, on account OF lack Of time lie
was unable to attend to. He COW desires to
state that his time is at their disposal and be
is prepared TO serve his friends in any posi-
bic way.