The National tribune., 1886-09-02
BACK FROM CALIFORNIA
Ex-Commander-in-Chief Kountz, the Vanguard o
the Ohio DelegatiOn-The Grand Army on the
Pacific SlOpe

Ex.Commander.In-Ch Chief Kountz, the Vanguard OF
the Ohio Delegation-The Grand Army on the
Pacific slope.
[Toledo BladeI
Mr.. John 8. Kountz, ex- Commander-in-Ch Chief
Of the Grand Army Of the Republic, has re-
turned from California, where he has been at
tending the annual National Encampment of
the Grand Army. A Blade reporter met him
at his office and enjoyed pleasant little chat
with the 4" Mission Ridge drummer boy" who
is highly elated with the result of his Western
trip. The California climate and fruit and
wines have worked good results upon Mr..
Kountz, who is looking the picture of health,
although showing signs of fatigue from the
long journey. The purport of Mr.. Kountz's
conversation is as follows:
"The Californian5 gave the Grand Army a
magnificent reception in all respects. Much
was expected, but the generosity and hberality
OF the Californians exceeded our anticipations.
The decorations far surpassed anything l have
ever seen, and made picture never to be for
gotten. The parade was simply magnificent,
being perfect in every detail, and it could not
have been otherwise under the splendid man
agement of Comrade Walter Holmes.
In the election Of ex-Goy. Fairchild, of
Wisconsin, Commander-in- Chief the Encamp-
ment made a most excellent selection, as did
also the W.R.C. in eleyating Mrs. Kline, of
San Francisco, to the Presidency of that pa
triotic organization.
"To all who do not wish to set price on
patriotism the action of the National Encamp-
ment in deciding by vote of four to one against
the IS per month pension bill must be most
gratifying. The Encampment almost unani-
mOusly adopted the report of the GAR. PEN
sion Committee, which provides for the aged
and needy veterans.
"The Commander in Chief, in his admirable
address, very properly acknowledged the gen.
eroslty of our country on the subject of PEN
sions, and furnishes statement from the rec
ords of the aggregate of payments made and
the number of benefciaries, as follows: Whole
number of persons who on account of the war
of the rebellion have been borne upon the pen
sion rolls in the period from June, 1851, to
June 3, 1886, is SCI ,SS1. The total amount paid
to these persons during that period is $3.50, S40-
O2O.l5. He also states that during the year
ending June 30, 1856, Commissioner Black has
issued 81, 422 pension certificates, and that for
the month ofJune alone there were issued 10, 375
pension certificates. and that for the year the
payments amount to 500, 747, $50. Commander
in-Chief Burdett very properly says: These are
great results, and while they in no wise turn
US aside from pursuing our further just and
temperate demands, they should end unjust
and captious criticism, whether aimed against
the administration Of the law or the law ITSELF
"The outward trip of the Ohio delegation
was over the Santa Fe route, and was most in
teresting In addition to the stops at Las
Vegas and Santa Fe, we also took in San Diego
and the beautiful city of Los Angeles, visiting
the celebrated orange groves of Pasadena. At
all the points named we were royalty enter
tanned, and the hospitality of the Californians
has been Of kind that will never be forgotten.
Our whole party are enjoying the best of
health, and all are delighted with their visit to
the Golden State"
did anyone return with you. Mr.. Kountz?"
"No; am the advance-guard of the Ohio
delegation, which, by the way, was the largest
Eastern delegation in the procession. The other
ToledOans will return probably some time next
week"