The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-13

ton OF the twenty-frst National Encampment.
and after the most exhaustive research for
material, has prepared and has now in press
perfect and complete history Of our organize
ton from its beginning From q careful perusal
or the advance sheets Of the work. can with
confidence assure this encampment that his
forthcoming history has not only been prepared
with great labor and conscientious adherence
to the truth, but - authentic and complete in
every detail
During the past year the reports show that
there was expended in ch arity the sum OF $2lo,-
915. Is. THIS. OF course, does not include many
thousands Of dollars which have been given by
members privately in aid of less fortunate cem-
rades
II would call special attention to that portion
OF the report of the Acknowledgment which re-
rers to the army and navy survivors division OK
the United States Pension Office The practical
benefits resulting from that division are incalcu-
liable and it is to be hoped that, through the in
etrumentality of tue departments and posts, its
records may within short period be made COM
plete.
Il desire to make grateful acknowledgements
OF the assistance rendered me by the comrades
associated with in the administration or
your affairs. / wish, also, to thank all the do
partment commanders with whom / have had
official communication connection, for their
uniform courtesy and earnest labors fer the
promotion Of the best interests of our order.
by referring to the report of the judge ad-
vocate- general, you will find full statement OF
Grants cottage, with respect to which / would
recommend that my successor be authorized TO
carry ont the scheme which suspended by
the death of Mr.. Drexel, in case such be the dis
position or his executors or heirs.
Il have visited twenty-four departments,
some OF them several times: have Travelled &c.
GOO mee, slept fftytwo nights the cars,
made l22 Pablo addresses, and, to the utmost
tension OF my physical strength and mental
ability have striven to discharge the duties OF
The high Office with which you have honored me-
esteem 10 an honor greater than any other
possible .or me 10 attain, TO have stood for
year at the head of this organization. Com
rades, we will soon pass through the dark
valley, over the river and pitch our tents within
the shadow OF the dim unknown. but
behind us, as monument of achievement, will
remain the ocean bound American Republic, the
only true republic the world has known, within
whose borders there is NJ peasant, 10 eerf, no
slave. Over hll, the starry banner uuder which
We fought. and whose folds we en- bazoned with
names OF the proudest victories humanity ever
won, waves the ensisn of that government
which is tae realized hope OF the great and good
or all the ages. When within our borders hun
dreds Ut millions shall live the home-life of
American freemen, and around their hearths
he story of yoursdeeds shall be told. those
teeming millions will still have but one flag, one
county, one destiny
Adit-Gen. Daniel Fish, of Minneapolis read
hisreport, the main items in which are contained
In the report OF the commarder-in-chief.
The report OF comrsde W. g. Veasey. judge
advocate general, was then made. 1t opens
with reference to the proposition of the late
j. W. Drexsl, lifelong friend of General
Grant to give the Mt. Mctiregor cottage where
General Grant died. to tho Grand Army.
This matter was referred 20 him
by. the commander-in chief, and in
order TO close the matter legally be drew up a
bill Incorporating the ''Mt McG-egor Memoir 81
Association which named J. W. Drexel. John p.
Res. G.. II. Trea1wel and John Kellogg as in
corporators This bill was passed by the New
ork legislature, but Governor Hills signature
was withheld on account OF the death or MIR.
DrexeL Comrade Vessey assures tho encamp-
ment that tne Drexel heirs wish to carry out
the purposes OF the bequest. He reports the
conditions of the BILL which provides, among
other things, for perpetus, board OF control,
andsubmits the matter az it now stauds.
Comrade John Taylor, of PhilAdelphis,
quartermaster general, then made his report
for the year ending Aug. 81 1883. His fnan-
cial statement shows that the cash balance on
hand Aug. 81. 1857. was SO, COL S. and the re-
ceipts for the year S37,57Il3. The expenditures
were s35, 9o3 "a, leaving balance on hand Aug.
81. 1888 OF sl4,2252I The total assets are
S3',3i99o, and there are no liabilities. The
eontri buttons TO the Grant monument fund are
now 50. 428.49 Sl,l40l2 having been received
since the last report. The expenditures pre-
viously reported were s193(5, this leaving a
balance TO the credit of the fund OF 50. 235. 24
An important report, that OF the COMMITTEES
CO pensions, wss submitted TO the national en-
ssupmeot this afternoon. The COMMITTEES.
which was represented by Chairman George ).
Merrill, recites their action in regard TO the
national pension legislation, and communicates
their successes and reverses. The report is very
bitter in speaking OF the failure of the 'dsabil.-
y blu
While the pension question was under discus
sion number OF papers were handed up to the
chairman TO be read Among them was a dis
patch from President Cleveland acknowledging
the receipt OF invitation to attend the encamp-
menr and explaining that 1t had been mislaid by
his secretary and forgotten in the press Of bust
ness For this. and his in ability to be present he
expressed his regrets The reading OF the patch,
according to some of tho delegates, was followed
by Kisses, groans aud cheers. half dozen
motions were made 10 lay the dispatch on the
table and to refer it to the committee on pen
slons Several delegates demanded vociierously
the name Of the officer or conrade who had
taken it upon himself TO extend the invi-
tation. and General Kefer, in an excited
manner. asked Commander Rsa If he was
responsible Cor this action. The commander
sponded promptly in the negative, adding that
he had no authority 10 invite the President
Some Of the delegates took advantage OF the cir
cumstsncee TO make general onslaught upon
tue Presidents pension policy and his
vetoes Finally. all the motions were de-
clared out OF order and the regular
business was proceeded with Tonight it
developed that the invitation had been extended
by the local committee to which body the reply
was addressed. and had gotten into the hands of
the a6jutant-e general of the national encamp-
1nent by error in the exchange OF papers.
Republican comrades tonight are expressing
their regret at the occurrence. but insist that
/ nothing transpired to which the President could
| have taken exception had he been present
Next Meeting Place and Officers.
i Special To the India sapoiis Journal