St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-02-25
THE CAMPFIRE AT NIGHT.
The Peoples Theater OverflOws
With Song and Sentiment.


and their families. On the stage
were seated the officers of the
day. past commanders, department Off
GERS, and Mayor AmeS and Gov. McGill,
the two last named gentlemen in the
center of the stage, the other gentlemen
sitting SO as to form Il quarter circle.
The programme of the evening was
opened by an overture by the orchestra
of the theater. The Standard Quartette,
consisting of Messrs. Heath, Porter,
Robinson and Dunno. Past C0mman-
der +. {. Babb delivered the
ADDRESS OF WELCOME
to visiting members. 1t gave him great
pleasure, he said, TO welcome SO many
comrades to Minneapolis, the metropo-
lis Of the Northwest. The popularity
of these Grand Army campfires was
growing rapidly, and it was Onlya short
time before every old soldier would be-
long to some post. The speaker then
gave history of the organization of the
first post in this city, and said that any
soldier who was ashamed to be
long to post was ashamed
to have his record shown up.
He extended, in closing, a cordial wei
come to Commander-in-Ch Rea, on
c. E. Wingate followed with the soul
stirring song, Tramp, Tramp, Tramp"
the audience joining in the chorus.
James Harrison then recited brakes
Address to the American Flag" ably
and secured deafening applause.
A WELCOME To THE CITY.
Mayor AmeS delivered the address of
welcome to the city. He thought, he
said, that he should have been notified
sooner of the coming of such number
of men, but in view of the fact that
every man present had eaten hard tack
and drank from the sloughs with
me, L will forgive it. All
these men came from the rank
They stand to-day as an army of Grip
pied and decrepid men, who gave the
best years OF their life to save our glori-
Gus country. But we have the Sons of
Veterans 10 take our places. Then
there is the Woman'S Relief corps
God bless every lady connected with
them. Our people are waking up,
or rather have woke, to the
honor due the old soldier, and
the Soldiers home at Minnehaha Falls
amply demonstrates this. Do not call
it charity, for it is not. Now, in closing,
let me just say, come to me, show your
Grand Army badge, and l will turn over
to you the keys of the city.
Folks" poem dealing with soldiers
life, in way which drew tears from the
eyes of many. She was heartily en-.
cOred.
GOV. A. r. M'GILL FOLLOWED
with few remarks, telling of his glad
ness at meeting his Old Grand Army
friends. Twelve years ago, he said, it
was hard to find man who was willing
TO be Grand Army officer, but now it
was hard to keep candidates out Of the
way, so great was the honor. Min
neapolis is nothing if not enter
prising-her own special disease.
winter cholera, is even now the
topic of conversation in New York.
There are about 5000 old soldiers who
are enrolled in the Grand Army. |
would like to see the time come when
every hOnOrably discharged soldier will
become a member of this organization.
Minnesota has good war record, and it
is fitting that all her soldiers should be
known. am glad that had an OppOr-
tunity of signing the bill providing for
the erection of soldiers home in Min
nesota. 1t is pleasant to look back upon
it, and again L say l am glad it was
my good fortune to sign the bill. | be-
lieve that the pension bill will become a
law at this session of the legislature, as
it should.
Comrade c. E. Waigate sang "March-
ing Through Georgia." as only an old
soldier can. The audience Joined in
the chorus. making the handsome the
alter ring again and again with the
patriotic song. Mrs. Bennett, of Pipe
stone, followed with an original poem,
which was really g toast to the Grand
Army of the Republic and the Woman's
Relief corps. 1t was well received and
was warmly received. Miss Carrie
Strong then sang Barbara Frietchie''
with great deal of feeling. The song
was well received, and Miss Strong re-
spOnded to three encores. Comrade
Henry Castle here stepped forward, and
with neat and decidedly humorous
speech presented handsome silver
cup to Retiring Commander Wheelock
for his son Paul, and Comrade Robert
Stratton then presented him one for his
daughter Minnie, who was born with
Paul year ago, when Mr.. Wheelock
was elected department commander
Comrade Wheelock responded with
few we'll chosen words.
Capt. Babb next took the stage, and
in neat little speech presented to the
retiring department president, Mrs.
Starkweather, handsome gold watch.
Music by the orchestra followed.
THE ADDRESS OF THE EVENING
was made by Commander-in-Chief Rea.
When he came forward he was greeted
by deafening applause. He said he had
found out much in regard to the Grand
Army during his recent trip. 1t had
given him new insight into the organi-
cation, and had increased his respect
for it. 1t was a proud thing to wear
Grand Army badge, as it was the
most honorable medal worn on the
breast of man since the present civiliZa-
ton began. He was glad to see the
order growing, as it showed that the
''Old boys" as their end drew near,
were drawing more closely together.
III the past our life work was done, and
we do live in the past, as some say. 1t
is necessary that we should. We
have a right to, too. This friend
ship which now exists between
us is the friendship that grew up
on the battlefield, on the march and in
the camp, and it can never be broken
our purpose is to keep alive the memory
Of comrades gone before, to care for the
suffering and to throw the influence of
every man around each other. His
speech was pleasing one, showing as
1t did the good work done by the
Grand Army and the Woman's
Relief corps. The speaker was
frequently interrupted by applause.
The orchestra gave the sc. A. r.
March," composed by Prof. Carl Wolf
for the occasion, after which Clare
Engel sang pleasant song and
responded to an encore. Comrade w.
II. Dixon gave a short, but exceedingly
humorous address, which brought
down the house every few moments.
Songs followed by the Ladies' Concert
quartette and COmrade G. E. Wingate.
This concluded the regular programme,
but speeches were made by several of
of the new officers.
A. J. Creigh was the officer of the
guard, and it was due to his attention
and careful management in seating the