The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-05-05
AT ToMLINsON HALL.

The Commander In Chief 10 Greeted by q
- Large Audience.
The reception given 20 General Rsa by the
Indiana Encampmsnt. at Tcmlmson Hall, last
svenine. broaght together . large and snthusi-
sstic audience The chief event Of the evening
Of course, was the address by the commander
in chief. which was one Of great eIoquence; but
In addition thereto there were other addresses,
and musical and literary exercises, which were
of the most entertaining character Among
those on the programme were James
whitcomb Riley. Past Department Com
msndsr Chase, Rev. c. w. Lee.
lrs. L N. Walker and others. The hall wore
the decorations that it had during the recent
political conventions, with few accessories in
the way of . camping outfit and pictures. Upon
the right OF the stage stood tent with a stack
of arms and other surroundings Of camp life. A
large picture of the projected soldiers monu-
ment stood almost in front Of the table of the
presiding officer. Upon the large flag which
hung over the sads of the speakers was an ex-
,cellsnt portrait Of Gsnsral Grant, while pictures
iof Washington and Lincoln were either side
Of the stage.
General Rea Was escorted from the hotel to
the nall by the members Of the various local
posts. They marched into the hall in military
style. General Carnahan leading, with the guest
and Department Commander VAnosdol immedi-
Atsly behind The latter presided. Upon the
platform were number OF the members Of the
WomAns Relief Corps, among them. Mrs. Hit.
State president. ana Mrs May L. Wheeler.
Mrs. Res, wife OF the grand commander, was
also in the company number of Grand Army
men from different parts OF the State were also
upon the stage.
Department Commander vanosdol 40 nounced
that the exercises would open with the assem-
bls' ny the drum corps. which was given. The
Rev. ID. r. Van Buskirk, of the Third Christian
Church, this city, then offered n fervent prayer.
In introducing the grand commander, Colonel
Vanosdol said: I'VE have with us tonight
gallant soldier. and distinguished gentleman.
the eommandsr-in-chief Of that no6le aud patri-
otic organization, the Grand Army Of the Re-
public. On behalf OF the 200 600 brave men In
diana sent upon the fields of battle in 1861, o.
'63, and ga. and on behalf Of the D. 900 Cembers
OF the Grand Army OF the Republic OF this de-
partment. well as the 2500000 of in
habitants of the glorious Common wealth OF Iudi-
ana. bid you welcome-thrice thrice welcome
] now have the honor, ladies and gentlemen.
Of Introducing the Hon. John P. Res. who viii
now address you
When the conmander-in-chief stepped for
ward be was received with great applause, and
this continued at very short intervals
fl1roughout his entire speech, as he almost i'm
mediately aroused the enthusiasm OF his hear
ers. and held their attention to the close The
address WAS one Of the most eloquent heard in
this city for many years. General Rea said:
Commander, Comrades. Ladies and Gentlemen:
certainly feel very grateful for this kind recep-
ton, and look this audience feel convinced
that in Indiana the old soldier OF yet played out
fApplausel an glad to be able to congratulate my
comrades Of the Department Indiana upon the
porous condition of great fraternity In their midst
Ia my iudgmsnt-and il NAV be that my relations to
the order influence that iudgmentthere Is no organ
nation IN the whole world and there never has been
an organization in the whole world equal TO the
brand Army OF the Republic. lGreat spplause.I
shall now attempt tor few moments TO saw some
thing about that army especially about the comrade
enp exisung osfween the men who compose the Grand
Army OF the Republic. organization comprising
lOO, 600 men. That Is q great number: il is more
thAn half OF ali the men living who helped to
save the HE OF the Republic. IL 10 almost quarter
OF century since the echo Of the caanons died out
upon the battle-felds around Vicksourg t>Sicka-
manga. Antietarn and Gettysburg in the Ws srness
and at Appomattox; almost quarter of a century
SINCE the boys from under the lifting smoke came
marching home and yet today YOU find them attn as.
rcmoled IN one immense organization. This Grand
Army OF the Republic embraces all ranks OF men
generals. corps commanders, division comm anders
oaptzins, heutensrts, sergeants corpovas privates
the drummer the admira and the common sailor
eyery man who made an honestreeord fighting 10 save
the Republic is entitled 20 admission. Applause
Dot only does IL represent all classes but l. has In it,
nnks AL races. ell nationaites. ali religions al Do
6scai erecds.
Il might Be weu for me to stop right here. and
answer some of the criticisms that are somsrmes
made upon the Grknd Army Of tire Republic. There
ere soznc men who do not understand the fl intents