The National tribune., 1888-09-06
THE NATIONAL. ENCAlIPaIENT.

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Next week The 22d National Encampment
of the Grand Army of the Republic meets
in Columbus, O., and everything points to a
large, exceedingly harmonious and profitable
gathering. Columbus IS central and easy
Of access to an immense number Of veterans.
The region within a days journey by rail Of
the city Ohio, western Pennsylvania,
southwestern New York, Indiana, Michigan,
West Virginia, Kentucky and nlinois-sent
nearly Q million men into the Union army,
and the survivors Of this host who still re-
side at their old homes, viii make an I'M
mense cOncourse. They viii all want 10
come TO greet comrades whom they perhaps
have not met since the war, and the rail-
roads have made the fares so cheap that the
expense is small The preparations at Co
lumbus for their entertainment are ample
Ohio never does anything by halves-and
the meeting viii be one which will FL the
hearts of ali present with lasting Joy.
There is every reason why this shall be so.
The veterans were never so united in frater-
nifty as now. Each year that has elapsed since
the war has drawn them closer together. They
appreciate now much more than ever the
value of each others heroism, sacrifices and
services. Wherever they go they see the
glorious results they suffered and fought
for years ago. The entire people honor
them, as never before, for what they dared
/ endured, accomplished. The moro the his
tory of the war is studied the greater is
their fame, for never did men fight so heroic
ally or suffer so resoIutely. AS each year
passes the veterans feel the more strongly
that there are no friends like those who
stood shoulder 10 shoulder with them on
the dread field of battle, and they lean more
and more upon each other
The coming EncampmentwilI be very har-
monious No jealousies, sehisms or disputes
viii disturb It's fraternal spirit. The only
questions VIII be what is best for the veter-
ans individually and for The Order as whole.
and these viii be discussed and decided in
a lofty spirit Of true comradesbip by as able
men and as true soldiers as the country
boasts Of The DIST Encampment was dis
tinguished by the great number of able and
eminent men composing it, and the coming
one VIII be even more remarkable in this
respect. 1t viii be made up of men from
every walk Of life, but vino have no supe-
riors anywhere in natural ability and &C
! quirements, in exalted patriotism and devo-
ton to the best interests of their comrades
and felIow-men.
In one respect The Encampment must
stand out IL grand loneliness FROM any other
great gathering which the country sees.
That is the supreme unselfshness of the
men who compose II. In every ether gather
ing-Do matter whether political. religious,
commercial or otherwise-the desire forselE
I advancement must necessarily be q strong
animus in The minds Of the leaders. Not 50
with the comrades composing the National
Eneampment. The GAR. has no lucrative
Offices and few honoTs to bestow. The men
who do It's work do it for q pure unseifsh
love for their comrades, and for the honor
and glory Of Patriotism and Country.
/ We are sauguine that the work Of the En-
campment win Is in the highest degree pro
motive of the best interests Of the Order, and
that the great cause Of Fraternity, Charity
and Loyalty wiz be advanced to a muci
higher plane than ever.
So mote it be-