The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-21
THE GRAND ARMY BOYS.
The Late Encampment-Pacifc Coast Hospi-
tality-Parade, Receptions and Banquets.
Of the Indianapolis Journal.

national encampment q. A. Il. at San FRANCISCO
has come and gone, and although the city still
preserves holiday attire with gay banners, flags
and streamers Haunting TO the breeze, the guests
are beginning to take their departure. spreading
out in large and small detachments for the home
ward trip. 1t is the universal expression that
this has been the most successful national en-
campment ever held. The weather has been
perfect, the hospitality Of the Pacific coast peo-
pie unbounded. the arrangements all that could
be desired, while the harmony. fraternity and
| the spirit Of loyal good will ruled everywhere.
The visitors from the East are unanimous in
their enthusiastic praise of the encampment and
all that has aught to do with it. To all, from
the time they crossed the Mississippi on their
westward trip, has been accorded welcome,
hospitable and sincere. The cities and towns on
the Pacific coast have We'd with another in
their efforts to add to the pleasure and enter
tainment of the G. A. r. guests Pacific coast
loyalty has been amply demonstrated IN every
wise, and the only difficulty that invitations,
attractions, professions, receptions and enter
tainments crowded on one another so as to fairly
oyerwhelm and bewilder the guests Not mo-
ment has passed, night or day, but what some
new and pleasant feature came to light and the
limit of time is all that prevented any visitor
from quaffng from the brim all pleasures OF this
land of the Golden Gate.
The grand procession at San Francisco brought
into line noble body of men, The meetings Of
the National Encampment were full of1nterest,
and the development and Endorsement OF that
glorious auxiliary to the g. A. r., the 'Womans
Relief Corps" has been most pleasant feature.
The presence here of the most distinguished
statesmen and soldiers Of the Union bore testi-
mony to the standing of the G. A. r., and the
hold which it has upon those who are highest in
the councils of our Nation. This encampment
has attended to vast deal of practical work.
has outlined a definite policy and work for. the
future, and has done much to stimulate those
feelings of devotion to country which should
stimulate every loyal heart.
The speeches made by the varied distinguished
men, who have been called upon, have been we'll
timed aud in the best of taste The Pacific
coast, while for its part acting host in the most
loyal manner, has been honored by the presence
of men whose names and work will never be for
gotten. Rare, indeed. is such distinguished
galaxy of men brought together as Generals
Logan, Sherman, Fairchild, Conger, Burdette.
King, Connor Kountz, Howard: Governors
Alger, Stoneman, Robbie, Murray, and the great
staff of loyal men whose names pass in review
before Our minds eye
The week of eayeties and work at San Fran
cisco followed by trips to Monterey, Santa
Cruz, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, down to
the Napa valley to the Yosemite and through
the great vineyards and fruit districts of the
surrounding country. Everywhere local ban
ners, the stars and stripes, were waving In pro-
fusion. and crowds were gathered to welcome
the visitors with words and other substantial
evidences of good cheer.
The railroads, the hotels and the entire press
of the Pacific coast have done their full share to-
ward the success of the OCCASION and, In fact, it
may be said most truly that every pledge made
| at Portland, last year. has been moro than kept.
The visiting journalists from the East have been
received by their brethren of the press here at
handsome rooms In the Grand Hotel, and moth
| ing has been spared that would contribute to
their convenience The Occidental Hotel, de-
| partment headquarters, has been lavshly decor
ated, and Manager Hooper has allowed nothing
to remain undone to further the pleasure of his
guests.
The reception which Sacramento accorded her
guests was most cordial Committees awaited
| the special trains to escort them to the city,
which had been deliberately decorated in honor
| of the event The Capitol building was resplen-
| dent with patriotic banners and Governor
Stoneman and staff with leading State officials,
was on hand to bid greeting to the friends from
| the East. The grand pavilion, in the evening,
was scene of unequaled beauty. Over i've
thousand persons were seated at dinner, and
were served by members of the Womans Relief
Corps and leading ladies of the city. Fruit and
flowers were noticeable by their abundance
The speeches Of welcome from Governor Stone
man, the Mayor and others, were most cordial
Toasts were responded to by General Logan,
Governor Alger. Governor Fairchild, National
Department Commander General Burdette, Mrs
Kline, and others.
During the two days spent at Sacramento, the
guests visited the Crocker Art Gallery Natoma
Vineyards the Capital Packing Company's great
establishment Chinatown, the Capitol building
and other places of interest Everywhere
welcome most cordial awaited them. The fol-
lowing resolutions were unanimously passed by
the VISITORS
Whereas The visiting comrades of the G. A. r.
members of tho Woman's Relief Corps and their
friends have tested the hospitality of Sacramento
and found It to be of nature at cordial royal
and bountiful as to make words but feeble means
whereby to express the appreciation which all have
for those who have contributed to pleasures there
Resolved That we aIl-delegates, guests, wives,
daughters and sweethearts-do express our WarmeSt
thanks to the members of the committee and the ct
and comfort and assure them that while Journey
ing to eastern homes we will carry back not only
luscious Natoma fruit and vintage, but well,
cheerful testimony the royal hearts and hos
pitality of our Pacific coast friends; and further,
Resolved, That all hope for early opportunity
when can greet these friends own soil and
return to them like for hke-accordng to the product
of our land; and finally,
Resolved That the Pacific coast has redeemed all
pledges made when it secured for San Francisco the
g. A. r. National Encampment.
Junior National Vice commander Edgar Allen,
of Richmond. Va, in speaking to the resolu-
tions, made an eloquent and happy speech, in
the course of which he echoed the sentiments
expressed by the resolutions, which he had taken
great pleasure in seconding. He felt sure that
all persons who had participated in the national
encampment and been recipients of Pacific coast
hospitality, carried away grateful hearts and the
most pleasant memories of their stay. 1t would
have been impossible for the Pacific coast peo-
pie to have done better Everywhere in this
land of gold and fruit, the loyal men and women
she stars and stripes and the bunting of loyalty
streams forth in greeting. Ones widest ideas
never anticipated half the attention that has
everywhere been bestowed, And what volumes
are spoken by this greeting. 1t certi6es to the
true hearts and th0 LOYALTY of tho Doono of the
Pacific coast
There were other remarks and more cheers be-
fore farewells were said.
CLARENCE p. DRESSER.