The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-11-28
TRYING TO FORM ANOTHER ORDER.
Movement Among Democrats to Cause Trouble
in the Grand Army of the Republic.

That an organized effort is being made to in
can no longer be any doubt. The movement, il
is said. extends over Indiana and Illinois, and
was set on foot soon after the result of the cleo
ton was announced. Adjutantgeneral Geo.
W. Koontz has had charge Of the matter in In
diana, but it is said that be is working under the
direction of some persons higher in the counsels
OF his party, who desire to see an organization of
veterans formed which they can use to advan-
tage in future campaigns. Soon after the cleo
ton letters were sent out from this city TO
Democratic members of the G. A.. R., urging
them to withdraw from the organization.
and to assist in forming the new order.
Many answers indorsing the movement were re-
ceived. and on Monday night a secret meeting,
attended by Democrats representing several
sections of the State, ives held in the Adjutant-
generals Office in the State-house. At that
meeting the letters received were read. Among
others, was one from John A. NORMAN. secre-
tary of. the Democratic clubs of Pennsylvania,
who stated that, personally, he bad been in
favor of the project proposed for several years.
1t was decided to lay the foundation for the new
organization. and a name was then selected and
a constitution and bylaws framed. Another
conference was held last night. and arrange
ments have been made to hold a pu olic meeting.
perhaps this evening, TO which ali the Demo-
cratic veterans of the city are to DO
invited, in order that they may be made familiar
with the object of the movement. While there
is an air of secrecy surrounding the order. il is
known that, SO far, it has been entirely in the
hands of aspiring Democratic politicians.
The Grand Army men of the city have no
fear they say, of what the Democrats will ac-
complish. In the first place. only about G, 030 Of
the. p. 900 Grand Army men in the State are
Democrats, and but few Of these, prominent
members Of the order say can be induced to sever
their membership. 'We are not alarmed, u said
a veteran yesterday. ut is simply a movement
ofss q few disappointed politicians. The
aud again in $780, but failed
1884, when the Democrats we're successful,
there were no disconnected ones. The soldiers
voted the Democratic ticket then. the politicians
OF that party thought. and the Grand Army was
all right. / think it quite probable that the
majority of the Democratic soldiers voted for
General Harrison this year, and l am certain
they do not regret it. 1t is safe to say they are
not going to leave the G.. A. k. for political rea.
sons. and l can't see from what source the lead.
ers OF the new movement expect to draw their
support"
DO you believe Koontz is the originator of
the movement"
II think he is. 1t is about like him; and ]
think everybody who knows him will agree with
me In saying that he couldn't successfully man.
age anything. 1t is quite likely that the de-
feated soldiers on the Democratic State tickle,
have something to do with the matter, but are
not bold enough to come out before the public
aud advocate q disruption of the G.. A. RI