The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-07-05

our new Corps, Morgan Wallace, No. 49, Leonl-
das, presented their Post elegant silk flag on
Memorial Day. list of the new Corps will be
sent soon. Several trips have been made one no.
tably pleasant was to Flint to install the Depart
ment Inspector Harriet z. Thompson, where in
her beautiful home she assumed the obligation of
her important office, aud q consultation was held
upon the work. On return greeted the National
President and Secretary at their Headquarters in
Detroit.
After some correspondence determined to visit
Columbus, and see for myself what could be secured
for our delegation. Had most delightful visit in
the Capital city, and made arrangements, that l
trust VIII be satisfactory, at the American House.
where our delegation Will be domiciled one block
from the church in which will be held the Conyen-
ton Col Bancroft, the Chairman of the W.R.C
Committee, and his honored wife, the Department
President, made my stay in their city a happy one
and extended every courtesy imaginable. We drove
through the pleasant city and everything was ex-
planned that the capable committees are planning
for the great Encampment II Is safe TO say that
all possible arrangements are being made for tile
comfort OF the crowds that VIII test tue hospitality
of this city. We looked through the State House,
gazed sadly upon the tattcred battle-flags, which
tell the story of why Ohio is one of the greatest
Grand Army States.
The women of Ohio's WR.C. may work on and
be confident, l am sure, under the guidance Mary
l.. Bancroft IS giving the work at Headquarters,
with her stanch and earnest supporters, the Secre-
tary and Treasurer. Homeward again stopping at
Toledo guest in Mrs. SherwOod's home, where
two or three days were restfully and delightfully."-
spent, l returned with new strength and hopes,
glad to greet my own Department Secretary and
Treasurer and hear of the progress of my own
loved Department.
We regret exceedingly to hear of the sorrow our
Counselor and Past Department President. S. A. G.
PlummeT, is passing through in the death of her
venerable mother, and we pray that the kind
Father will support and comfort her in this great
trial.-Louise A. Robbins, Department President,
Adrian. Mich,
CARING FOR NEGLECTED GRAVES IN FLORIDA.
The following was not written for publication
but is copied from personal letter written TO the
National Secretary by Mary Gabriel President of
Maj. b. c. Lincoln Corps, Key West, Fla:
We had the pleasure for the first time in the
history Of Key West to decorate the graves of our
fallen heroes, who laid their noble lives down for
the preservation OF our country. While the memo
ries OF the past and the features OF the uncaredor
graves brought tears to eyes, while in perform
ing duties in decorating al that is as mortal, it
was a satisfaction to know that we could do 1t
Maj b. G, Lincoln Post numbering 40 COM
rades, and our Corps, numbering So members form
Ell III line ut our hall mt o'clock and marched to
the monument in front of the Naval Depot, erected
by the Naval Club in memory of those who fell in
tins squadron, BY permission OF Capt: VIM, u
5. N, we decorated it with American flags,
wreaths and flowers. We then proceeded 10 the
City Cemetery, and there decorated the graves of
the soldiers and sailors, and from there pro-
cecded to the United States Barracks Cemetery
and decorated the graves there, and heard an elo-
quent address made by the Rev. Charles Fulwood,
South.
The band of the city was employed, and dis
coursed dirges while we strewed flowers the
graves. must say right here that our Commander
deserves great credit for clearing the graves III the
United States Cemetery previous to Memorial Day.
There were trees growing upon and around them
at least two inches in diameter and the weeds had
taken full possession. Our comrades, 10 in all,
were engaged three days in the week.
After decoration we returned to our hail. and were
addressed by Hon. j. w. v. *. Plummer, Mayor of
the city, and the Commander of the Post; then
were dismissed all feeling weary, but proud OF the
appearance OF our Post and Corps. The members
of our Corps were dressed in pure white. without
color. and made a creditable appearance"
PROVISIONAL DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO.
DEAR TRIBUNE: Anothsr Memorial Day, with
its beautiful service and sweet sad memories, has
passed away. The fact that these services are
every year becoming more truly appreciated and
are growing so rapidly in popularity, must afford
the comrades gratlicailoh: Even away mere IN
these mountains 80 miles from the railroad, the
day was observed by Kearny Post and Corps in n
manner that would compare with many larger
places in the East. The flowers were donated, and
have not seen such abundance since our Ma
tional Convention IN California. They were all
wild flowers. too.
At Albuquerque and Ration the Corps also united
with Posts IN Memorial services All the civic so
cieties, school children, and the citizens generally,
participated IN the exercises Of the day. This, you
know, included very many x-Confederatcs
Kearny Corps, No 8. of White Oaks, recently
gave an oid-time concert, the proceeds of which
amounted TO over $50 Considering the fact that
but nine members of the Corps assisted by six of
the comrades took part in the concert, and that it
was but 10 days from the time the enterprise
suggested until it was presented to the public it
was certainly financial success. The ladies had
large four-page programs printed in ye olden
style. At the bottom of the first page was the fol-
lowing announcement:
"Ye doorf shall he open at early candle light VIII
now III by We clock, and ye tirft who do come will
hnde ye beft placcf. Yc money! charged At ye
door will be Twenty Fife Cente Ye sounding of
ye Mufic will begin at OF ye clock.
Wee'il sing again thofe sacred songf.
Dear songf of Aud Lang Syne.
Thofe hailowed songf our sang
In dayf Of Aud Lang Syne."
Ladies and gentlemen were dressed in old-time
costumes, which were highly appreciated, and the
entire entertainment was pronounced grand sue
cess by the audience.
Many General Orders and other favors from vari-
Gus Departments have been gratefully received at
these Headquarters They help 10 keep the heart
and enthusiastic in the arduous labor of
keeping alive the flame Of patriotic zeal and work
for Union veterans in these fnr-away parts
We cheered and delighted with the progress
OF our Order throughout the country We are par
ticulaTly pleased with the many needed improve
ments made in Rules and Regulations, blanks
etc Many of the changes were needs long and
sorey felt by those who have the wor, of organi-
zation ia hand. j think we now have the most
thorough and comprehensive system of books
rules, report blanks, etc. of any womans organi-
zalion.-Maggie Monroe Rudsiile, Provisional
Department President, New Mexico.
NEW YoRK's TRUE IDEAL.
DEAR TRIBUNE: The Council of the Department
! Of New York met in executive session at Emra
! May q and a. at the residence of Fannie Palmer
| President II. &. Hoffman Corps. The meeting was
called by Department President Sarah &. Mink for
! the purpose of transacting business of much i'm
/ portance which had arisen since the Department
! Convention closed in February. The membership
of the Department of New York is on the increase
| perhaps not much in numbers in strength.
| Many women of acknowledged ability and position
are taking up the work, to throw into it all the
possibilities of heart and brain
| The question Of how to meet the demands upon
US in the fullest sense of the word is the problem
of the day. Not only do we hope to aid aud assist
those of whose needs we become cognizant but We
aim still higher-to help humanity in all its condi-
! tons to more lofty conception of Fraternity
har fN- and fiun Drp ,ft.r
! has awakened a new sense of the debt we owe our
| soldier5-those who with us to-day and those
| who have gone to their reward-by the earnest
| efforts of the members of the W.R.C.
/ 1t is small thing to SO fill up the measure of
| our duty that others acknowledge there is beauty
in it, The monotony and tcdousness is lost in the
| bright outlook of burdens lightened and cares les
sened; of example set and precept taught. The
| end is not yet, and the thinking women of America
need to teach principles and incucate lessons if the
lurking dangers which threaten our dear old FLAG.
| are to be averled May the women of our Nation