Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-07-19

HEADQUARTERs DEPT. OF MICHIGAN,
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC,
BlG RAPIDS, july l3, 1SS9. J
CIRCULAR 80. >.
After long continued and bonafide efforts
on the part of "a large number OF the de-
partmeut commanders of the Grand Army
of the Republic, supplemented by earnest
appeals to the railroad officials from our
cOmmauder-iuc chief and executive council
OF Milwaukee, we have failed to secure for
the old soldiers the customary rate of one
cent per mile Travelled u and from the
national encampmeut, % be be held at Mil
waukee, Wis, during the last week in Au-
gust.
in view of the fact that rate of one cent
mile and less has recently been given 10
other organizations, societies and eXcur-
sions, there is "a general feeling that the
men whose serV .ces and lcritceS alone
maae it possible for the railroads to exist
and share in the prosperity which has at
tended the nation in recent years are enti-
tied TO the rate asked Tor and which has
recently been accorded TO others.
Firmly belie,ing that the refusal 10 give
said rate OF one cent mile Travelled is an
unjust discrimination against the veterans
of the late war, i therefore in concurrent
action with the department commanders OF
indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri,
Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota,
who nave and will Issue circulars similar
70 this in their respective departments,
advise all comrades of this department., as
matter OF self-respect and self defence
and out Of love for our order, that they
forego the anticipated pleasure Of meeting
their comrades at the national encamp-
ment by remaining AT home, only those at
tending who are uuly elected delegates or
cX oifcio members of the encampment.
Comrades, let Us be dignifel but resolute
and determined in this matter, and man
fully resent this great injustice sought TO
be melted out 10 the men who gave the best
years OF their lives and their best energies
10 make our country united, strong aud
prosperous, ana our f.aS as well as our
laws and our theory Of government by the
people respected ana admired throughout
the civilized world.
issue this circular with much regret. 1t
will be great disappointment 10 thou.
sands OF comrades IN ths ana other depart
ments TO have the anticipated grand reunion
resolve itself into mere formal business
session. IL will also be a great dlsappoint-
ment To the comrades and patriotic ciuZens
of Milwaukee who are doing everything in
their power TO give their visitors gener-
Gus welcome. They are entitled 10 the
thanks and best wishes of all the comrades
of the Grand Army OF the Republic for
their efforts, ana it Is TO be regretted that
we cannot with any degree of self respect
reward them or their arduous labor by our
presence al the encampment.
Personally shall be greatly disappoint-
ed. / had hoped TO see the department of
Michigan very largely represented in the
grand parade and review, but with prin
ciple involved, and with the future good of
our noble order in view, / believe am
doing right and tn the comrades through
out this department will indorse my action.
] wish 10 say that | am informed that
some OF tie great railroad systems o. this
country were in favor of the neceut.a-
mile rate, but a ma ority being opposed,
they deemed it 10 be their duty 10 agree to
the te announced, to wit, one fare for
the round trip.
l recommend that comrades organize
county and district reunions and that each
post nave as many social gatherings AS
possible. Let Us stand firmly upon the
great principles of the fraternity, charity
anu loyalty.
BY command of
MICHAEL BROWN,
Department Commander.
N. II. VINCENT,
ASsfGfau4 a General