Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-03-17
MEN VIII FlUEHT.


For a number of years it has been the de-
sire of the Grand Army veterans of Pitts
burg to have the qualification of having the
national encampment of the Grand Army
of the Republic meet in this city. Many OF
of the boys are getting old and rapidly are
they going off duty, and if many are to re-
alize ON their hopes the realization must
comt quickly. Nothing but strong local
pride has prompted this suggestion.
The boys want their native city
to stard as well in peace as she did in war.
She was foremost then, why backward now?
Other cities are immensely proflted by hav-
ing this great and grand body assemble in
their midst, and it is dificnlt to understand
why Pittsburg would not be equally bene-
fitted. The Grand Army men of the county
have agreed to give the invitation, provided
the necessary funds for the entertainment Of
the eneampment will be guaranteed by the
business men of the two cities. The Cham
ber of Commerce would perhaps reconsider
| their recent action in this matter IL good rea-
| sons were advanced for a reconsideration.
| Good reasons do exist and it would be well for
| the Executive Committee of the GAR. of tho
| county to call meeting and discuss the ques-
| ton.
This year the encampment will be held at
Milwaukee, Wis. and the manner in which the
invitation was brought about and the funds
secured may possibly contain a valuable
pointer for the Pittsburg veterans. The fol-
lowing extract will show how it was accom-
plished
THE smoke of the great political battle Of
last year had hardly cleared away when the
new Common Conncil, composed of all political
parties, unanimously directed the Mayor to call
mass meeting of the citizens to make neces-
| Sary arrangements to receive and entertain
The Grand Army and its Friends May
or Browns call filled the Academy of
Music from stage to gallery with
patriotic multitude of ladies and gentlemen,
| including State and county officials, many
| prominent business men and large representa-
| tions from the country. The meeting was
| opened by Mayor Brown, presided over by Hon.
| John Johnston, cashier Of the late Alexander
| Mitchells bank, and addressed by number of
eloquent clyie and soldier speakers, including
| Governor Rusk. The enthusiastic applause
| from the audience showed hearty approval of
| the several speakers sentiments of welcome to
the Grand Army. The address of C. E. An
| drews President of the Merchants Associa-
| tion, voiced the sentiment of Milwaukee," He
said, among other eloquent and strong sem
| teneesj
Now, Mr.. Chairman, shall we the able
bodied members of the grand army of the
lookers-on, but full sharers and participants in
| the benefits derived from the risks and work of
| others, hesitate moment at the cost for the
| entertainment of those who never stopped to
| count the cost even to the sacrifice of life
| when they fought for US and ours? Should we
fa1l, on this occasion, to contribute with law
| ish hand, out of our abundance? Why the
very stones in our streets would cry out against
| us, for shame! shame! shamel But firmly
believe, nay, | know, that we of the
grand army of benefciaries, who sometimes
may have TESTED at scars who never felt a
wound, will rise to the sublime heights of
! patriotism. loyalty and generosity and will
! throw wide open the portals of our hearts and
| homes, unloose the strings of our purses and
| extend an imperial welcome to the boys IN
blue that shall prove worthy of the OCCASION
! worthy of our city and worthy of ourselves
We shall thus evidence our gratitude and ap-
probation for the manifold national blessings
| we now enjoy. preserved and sacred for all
nation"