The National tribune., 1889-07-18
TnE CoMMANpEr-rN-c HIErs orINIoN

THE COMMANDEE-IN-CH OPINION.
Commander-in-C Chief Warner differs from
the Department Commanders who discour-
age attendance of comrades upon the Ma
tional Encampment. He deems such action
an injustice to the good people of Milwau-
kee who have already made the most extern
sive preparations for the reception and
comfort of our comrades.
Maj Warner thinks it poor policy to pun
ish the railroads by Furnishing ourselves in
depriving the old comrades of the pleasure
Of meeting once more with those who stood
shoulder to shoulder with them in the bat
ties front, and thinks that we can get even
with the railroad companies hereafter.
lie sets forth his views in the following
letter, written from Chamberlain, Oak:
A. g. WEIssERT Esq, Department Commander OF
| Wisconsin, GAR, and President OF Executive
| Council, Milwaukee, Wis.
MY DEAR SIR AND CoMRADE: Gen. g. p. Chap
man, OF the Executive Council FOR the entertain
ment Of the GAR. at Milwaukee, has fully ex-
| committee In its work. Let me assure you. and,
! through you, the citizens of Milwaukee, that /
fully appreciate the ample and liberal preparations
| made by you aud them to insure the comfort ana
pleasure of all the veterans who shall visit your
! city during the coming Encampmcnt. That your
| citizens have been liberal in furnishing the money
| 10 defray all expenses mono will question: and /
| know that your committee hns provided for the
expenditures OF that money TO insure good
oil,
mt Milwaukee.
No one can regret more than TINT unjust dis
elimination on the part of the railroads threatens
| to diminish the attendance of those other than
delegates mt the Enoampmcnt. The action OF the
railroads in refusing l-eent rate is, In my judg-
| ment, indefensibc, and il they persevere In this
course they will ere long find that they have sown
! TO the wind and will reap the whirlwind. Yet
hope that tho comrades will not punish your oti-
zens because OF the wrong OF the railroads. Had l
known in time that the railroads would refuse the
reasonable demand made upon them for q l-cent
rate. the given to the last National En-
campmont nj Columbus should have discouraged
any but delegates from attending or, in case a l.
cent rate should have been had Ia another city, ]
| would have insisted upon holding the Encamp-
| ment there.
In view OF the large expenditures made by your
| city for the Eueampnlent and the complete ar
IAb&eincHfS Hlale TO insure the Oh n HsiEs
attendance of comrades IL Is now too late to take
| that action. Therefore, Notwithstanding the iliib-
eral and ii-advised action the part of the rail-
roads, trust the comrades will meet in large
| numbers ia Milwaukee, have good time and here
after settle with the corporations In such way IN
shall teach them that old soldiers are yet power
| In the Western Sihtes and Territories This We
car do without either depriving ourselves of the
pleasure OF attending the Encampment OF punish
| ing good friends in Milwaukee,
j trust that the Department Commanders will
| take the view OF the situation that now con-
fronts your citizens and the comrades, ~ herein
indicated. Yet I do NOT feel authorized TO issue
any order upon the question, but ] feel assured
that they have bat tho kindliest feeling to-
wards your people. and fully appreciate what
| they have done.
Hoping yet for n 1.eent rate, and knowing that
| VIC win have a good time In the Cream City,
am. yours, fratcrnaIly,
wa. wARSER.
| Commander in Chief, q. "A. X.