Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1889-04-20

-Idaho-Hailey-April
Is, 1885," and on the red side, 1--WE
drank from the same canteen-1S61-
1865" the coat Of arms of the Grand
Army of the Republic being stamped
in the center.
One Of these canteens was also
presented to each representative and
Grand Army comrade present, as we'll
as to each of the soldiers female rel
atives who contributed to the camp
fire in any way.
CoMRADE GUMS ADDRESS.
Comrade Gum then stepped up to
the Commanders station, and spoke
as follows:
Comrades of The Grand Army of the Republic.
and Ladies and Gentlemen:
The assembling of this the Second
Annual Encampment of the Grand
Army of the Republic of the Depart
ment Of Idaho, has brought together
number of gentlemen from different
sections of our Territory. They have
assembled for the purpose of enact
ing such laws, establishing such rules
and regulations as ut is hoped) will
conduce to the welfare of the organ
ization in. the future. They have also
elected Department officers into
whose care and keeping they have
intrusted the association for the en-.
suing year.
GROWTH OF THE ORGANIZATION.
The growth of the Grand Army in
this Territory has been most crafty
ing. 1t is but a short time since what
was known as the Department of
Utah embraced Utah, Montana and
Idaho. First Montana became a
Department; then Idaho followed,
and now three Departments exist
where but few years ago there was
but one with but few widel scat
tered and feeble Posts. The interest
taken in the organization is a mos'
gratifying omen to all who have the
welfare of the old soldiers of the re-
public at heart.
When our association was frs
established "a short time after the
close of the wary it was not appreci
ated as it is now. We were all youn!
and full of that self reliance born o
youth. Comrades were inditferen
about joining. Those that did joi'
were Indifferent about performing tn
duties that devolve on membership
AS consequence the Grand Arm.
of the Republic existed more in nam
than in reality, and its benefits wer
more imaginary than real.
AS time sped on, as the ebb an
flow OF the years circled away leaving
their trace behind in many an unwel
come reminder, as we turned TO tn
past and saw dimly shrouded in tn
veil which time weaves around a
past events the tragic and herol
struggle in which we each played a
humble part, we drew together fe
fellowship, cohradeship and mutu'
assistance cemented with a bond tn
strongest that binds any organiza.io
on earth. Our growth in. this an
the surrounding States and Teri
tories but feebly exemplifes OF
growth throughout the nation at larg
We not only extend from the Atlant
to the Pacific, but also from the Cru
to the Canadian border, many of Il
Southern States having been orga
ICED into Departments.
Our total strength as reported
the last National Encampment he
at Columbus, Ohio, was 100000, b
ing gain of 33,2SO over the previo
year. This large aggregate represeu
st about one half of the comrades nc
living. Many Of those who have n
Joined with us live i'll remote loc;,
ties. They are scattered on the wi
prairies OF the Western States, tn
are living among the remote canyo
aud lofty mountain peaks OF t
Pacific Coast States and Territori
while a few remain out from indiG
ence. Let us hope that the time
not very far distant when we "
have substantially every honora'
discharged soldier and sailor in {
ranks.
am not going to waste wo