The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-23


The veterans have entered into everything
connected with the ninth Grand Army encamp-
snent of the Department of Indiana with more
zest than they have shown on like occasions for
years past. With the much larger attendance
than usual there spirit of loyalty to the
order and memory of the war in which they dis
4ineuished themselves manifested that has
never been equaied in zeal and earnestness.
One feature that greatly pleased the old soldier
was the many displays of bunting and the
Grand Army badge a silent but expressive
welcome to his coming. This helped to make
che event in its general character full of pleas
ant Incidents, and one of the most pleasing was
che fine appearance the old soldiers and their
escort, members of the local posts, made in pro-
tession from the New Denison headquarters to
Tomlinson HALL. AS usual there was some de-
lay in forming the line, but half hour after the
appointed time many fell in that the line of
march was extended beyond that originally
ranged
At the hall the comrades came marching in to
have their pleasure increased by sight of the
profuse and beautiful decorations that added
charm to the ball and reception of the night be-
FORE Many expressions of delight were called
eHt by the scene, SO strongly suggestive of old
times in large and small flags of every material,
cred banners while handsome collection of
txopical plants and flowers from the conserva-
tories added to the beauty of the stage 1t was
late before the delegates were seated. and there
has never been fuller representation. before
the bugler sounded the assembly call. After
this came the Scriptural reading and prayer, by
the department chaplain, the Rev. A. ". Lam
port, and then followed the call OF the official
roll and that of the posts Assistant Adjutant
Walker thought he could expedite matters by
calling only the posts number. but General
Bennett suggested that the name, too, should be
amour need, as the comrades would never tire of
hearing again and again the names of the mill
tary chieftains who had fallen in battle or had
gone to their eternal home since the war. The
delegates applauded this suggestion, and now
and then the name of popular hero occurred
the applause was general, especially that which
greeted the nams of GEE. John A Logan into
which additional enthusiasm, if such thing
was possible, was thrown.
Department Commander Chase, then declar-
ing the encampment open for business, an
nounced that the committee on resolutions
would consist of comrades Grubbs. of the Fifth;
lJ urneean. of the Thirteenth; Sweeney of the
Sixth; Hess. of the Twelfth, and Robbins, OF the
Seventh district
entirely new organization of the G. A. r., or is
o successor of the old department of the order
that fourished fifteen years ago, has to a greater
or less degree been a matter of dispute. It has
arisen in various ways, but more recently
through efforts to give the past commanders of
the old departments recognition as such in the
new. This affected the rank of Generals R. S.
Foster and Nathan Kimball Majors o. NJ. Will
son and Lewis HUMPHREYS, who were successive
ly the department commanders of the old organ
ization. If that was recognized as the predeces-
eor of the present one, they would be entitled
now to the rank of past commanders and to en-
Joy all the rights and privileges in the existing
State Encampment. At ST. Louis. last year, the
question arose in the National Encampment. but
tnat body advised the State organize
tion to take the first action and after
that the National Encampment could take cog
nizance of it. The first resolution introduced
yesterday bore on this matter. 1t came from
Comrades James B Black aud Ewald Over and
proposed to place Foster, Kimball, Wilson and
HUMPHREYS, the latter deceased, the roster
of the present department as past commanders.
Among few a doubt as to the legality of the
action found expression. but the feeling was
overwh elmingiy in favor of giving these com
rades the rank to which their position in the
oSd order entitled them. that all opposition soon
disappeared and allowed the resolution to
be adopted by unanimous vote. De-
partment Commander Chase then invited the
gentlemen, If any of them were present, to
come platform
pioneers of the order and of its ranking depart
xnent Major Wilson only responded General
Foster being absent from the hall, while General
Kimball is no longer resident of Indiana. but
of Utah.
1t has long been held by the Indiana Grand
Army that its department was the first organ
lied. if the old order could be considered the
foundation of the present organization The
question involves very much the same features
that arose In the of the past commanders
mentioned. and the action thereon has a close
~ur rsnr WIT hat a6 mr. al
nahau. If the line of succession is established,
then Indiana should head the list of all the de-
partments on the roster of the national organiza-
tion 10 see that this IS effected at the next
meeting OF the National Encampnent, General
Carnahan moved that q committee of three be
appointed to prepare statement of Indiana's
claims and present 1t to the National Encamp-
ment. which is too meet in Columbus this year
The motion prevailed. and Comrades G arnahan,
Hrubbs and Mottn were appointed as the com
mittee.
The difficulty between the Logansport and
Auten posts aud the council of administration
which threatened serious consciousness sup.
gested to Post Commander Nicar that it would be
wise to look out for future cases of the kind. He
put it ia the form of resolution amending
Section f. Article 5, so that the department
commander can suspend a post annul its
pharter, with the advice and consent of the
council of administration, only after the posts
charged with offenses against the rules, regula-
lions and discipline of the order had had op-
to make statement concerning the
pffeEses charged to the council OF ad mi nistra-
ton. This will provide to degree for regular
and formal trials. The proposed amendments
was referred to the committee resolutions.
Every comrade seemed at this time to have
resolution on some particular reform or action
he wanted adopted Six or eight the
floor at the same time, but the convenient mo-
ton that all resolutions should be referred TO
the committee thereon without reading checked
the tide. and cleared the way for an adjourn
Enent at noon
The veterans were invited to visit the Y. NJ
c A. building, and to avail themselves of its
conveniences during their stay. telegram
from Winfield. Kan, signed A. j. Garrison.
was read. 1t conveyed the greetings of the
soldiers assembled there in the interest of sc rv-
Ice pension. and stated that it was the most
enthusiastic meeting of soldiers held clos
ing with. I'VE will get there This was warmly
spplauded, and TO round off the enthusiasm q
motion was carried TO have the department.
commander send greetings in return. and also 10
the Kansas Encampment. which is also in
session.