Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1889-04-20
G.. A. R.
SECOND ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF IDAHO.


THE DEPARTMENT OF IDAHO.
Second Days Observation-Disclosures
Of flcers-Comrade Gunn's Address.
The Com mander announced the
following appointments:
A. A. CIV. H. Gusler, of Sho.
shone.
A. @. NJ. Go. G. Thayer, of
Shoshone.
Inspector General.-E. H. jean
Saquet, OF Salmon City.
Chief Mastering Officer.-G. w.
Brumm, of Boise.
The remaining staff officers will be
appointed by general order as soon
~ selected.
EVENING SESSION.
At 8 o'clock the Encampment was
called to order. The headquarters
were tastefuily decorated with the
magnificent blue silk banner pre-
sented to Phil. Sheridan Post by the
ladies Of Boise, the silk flag OF the
Department, and a number of flags
loaned for the occasion. Severa!
stand of arms were also stacked in
front of the Department Command
'er's station, on either side of the altar.
The hall was crowded almost to suf-
location with ladies', gentlemen aud
children; and nearly rs ex-soldiers
and sailors, three-fourths of whom
were in uniform, we're present.
Comrade Starrh led off on the
organ, and the proceedings opened
with the hymn "America," in which
the entire audience joined.
Installing Officer Charles A. Clark
then installed the Department OIL
GERS for the ensuing year.
After which Edna Taylor Picotte,
the IL. year-old daughter of repre-.
sentative in the Encampment, re-
cited the following
POEM.
love the brave old soldier,
with coat and pants so blue.
With buttons bright and jaunty cap,
And heart so bold and true;
Who'd give his life for freedom.
And think not Of renown;
High, high in air he'd bear our flag
Traitors would trample down.
Beneath this old anu tattered fag
Its colors once SO gay,
Now torn, and dim, and stained
With blood Of many fray.
Beneath its glorious stripes and stars
My papa fought with you;
Der him IL waved in dangers hour,
And comrades, tried and true
And when he takes me on his knee.
love the best to hear
Tho stories Of his army life,
Though oft it brings tsnr;
He tells me OF the dull days. spent
In sickness and In PAIN
OF weary marches, long and sad
Through sunshine and through rain.
with aching limbs and weary heart;
With clothes all mud and sieet;
with scarce q crumb of food or drink;
And, oh! such tired feet
Were in that long and fainting march.
Brave comrades faltered by the way;
Each shared with each the burden,
For many u dreary day.
And of tho blood-stained battle field.
Where guns and cannons roar;
The grass, that was bright and green,
All red with human gore,
Where oft he's seen his comrades fal,
And could not stop to save
TIL they drove the banded traitors back;
Then scooped shallow grave:
And pl.sed them there with tender hands
A. brother would for brother.
Smoothing away the tangled locks
And clipping one for mother.
Borrowing neither your lot is blessed,
Though your treasures left are few,
Since you gave for your countrys good the b
God ever gave to you'
Then oft he'll tell of days
That passed slowly by,
In rebel prisons dingy walls
Where they were left to Tie.
Columbtss bravest sons, our boys SO true
To die for want of food
And kindly care. Shamel shame! traitors,
To waste such precious blood.
do NOT wonder papa loves
His brother soldiers 40;
And wishes oft his girl could be
A soldier, brave as you;
But II she can't = soldier be,
Or lead soldiers life,
Perhaps, when she is older grown
She'll be q soldiers wife.
Soldiers, then we give you welcome;
royal welcome, too;
Right eagerly Well grasp the hand
OF those who wore the tue.
In days Of darkness, dire aud dread,
To YOU SO staunch and true,
Our all we owe, our banner bright. our CO
ry's ZANE;
God bless the Boys in Blue"
The brave little girl WAS reward