The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31
THE GRAND ARMY.
News From the DepartmentS---NeW
Posts. etc.
HEADQUARTERS BULLETIN

HEADQUARTERS BULLETIN.
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REruBL1c,
DETROIT, MICH. Oct 10, 1889. J
General Orders. No. l.
The Commander in Chief announces the death
OF Comrade John F. Hsrtranfl, for two years Com
mander- in Chief of the Grand Army Of the Repub-
lie at his residence at Norisown, Pa, on the 18th
inst
COmrade Hartranft was born in New Hanover
Pa, Dec 16, 1880. He one of the first to re-
Epond the Presidents call for troops IN ls6i ana
from the battle Of Bull Run 60 the final glorious
victory before Petersburg which earned for him
The title Of The Hero of Fort Steadman,' ana
Major Generals rank, his career was an honorable
and brilliant one. In civil life the people OF ms
State twice elected him 10 the highest honor within
their Eift-Governor Of the great Commonwealth
OF Pennsylvania. At the time Of his death he was
Major General. in command OF the National Guard
OF Pennsylvania. lie filled every position conn
dcd TO him. civic and military, with commenaaoie
care and fidelity aud with signal ability.
As mark OF respect TO his memory officers OF
the Grand Army OF the Republic, while on duty
will wear the usual badge Of mourning for the Pc
Rod Of 80 DAYS from the date Of this order.
BY order Of r. A. ALGEn, Commander-in-Chief'
The Commander-in-Chief in Chicago.
Commander in Chief Alger, accompanied by
George II. Hopkins, his AdjuIant-General; Mag.
Watkins, OF Grand Rapids; Gen. ID. NJ Pierce
Commander Of the Michigan Soldie"s' Home 4.
w Henry, Of Detroit. and w. 7. Babcock, OF Miles,,
arrived at Chicago. H. on Oct. %.
Gen. Ayers object was 10 attend a meeting OF
the Commanders Of The Western Departments and
have them arrange a date for holding their annual
Eucampments. so that he should be enabled TO
visit each one His proposition was favoraby re-
ceived aud il WAS decided that the Eneampments
should be scheduled so not 90 conflict. The ioi-
lowing Department Commanders attended the
meeting. Fisher, Colorado and Wyoming; Martin,
Illinois; Smith, Iowa; Weissert, Wisconsin; Nor
rison. Nebraska; Phelps, Missouri Booth, Kan
sas; PeI,ibone. Tennessee; BOer:ng, Kentucky.
and Travis Indiana. Asst AdjtsGen. Vincent OF
Michigan and Morey. of Minnesota, represented
the Commanders OF those Departments.
The reception in the evening was preceded by
an informal banquet al the Grand Pacific Hotel,
rendered by the Posts reception committee. Di
viding honors with Gen. Ager were the Depart
rnent Commanders who attended the business
meeting during the afternoon, and the members OF
his travelling party. Others present were the MEM
bers OF the reception committee and Gov Joseph
w Fifer. After the banquet a committee called
upon Mr.. John A. Logan, who was Ia the hoiel,
and requested her presence in the hotel parlors'
banquet.
The reception. which took place at the Armory
ofthe First Regiment, was a very enthusiastic one.
The spacious drill hall was profusely decorated.
The National eolors prevailed 10 the exclusion oil
ST others. The rear Of the stage was draped with
two large flags whose ample folds falling in grace
ful curves presented handsome background. In
The center was a floral star and shield on which
WAS the word welcome" Grouped around a
Gatting gun, which stood in front Of the stage.
were stacks OF arms from the bayonets OF which
hung small flags. The gallery, from which hung
the flags OF the various Posts, was encircled by a
broad strip OF red, white and blue bunting.
From the balcony In the rear Of the hall Lyon
orchestra enliyened the intervals between the
speeches with National airs. Gov. Fifer, who
made the address Of welcome, was cordially
greeted. BE made very happy speech, and In
conclusion turned 10 Gen. AlRer and said: hail,
salute. and welcome you. Michigans Creates
soldier aud our beloved Commander, 10 the city OF
Chicago" The Rev. II. W. Bolton. Commander oil
L. :. Grant Posi-. was then introduced. and well
coned the guests in behalf OF Cook County. He
said he was glad to welcome 10 the metropolis Of the
State which had produced Lincoln the hero Of
60 battles the Ex-Governor OF the great State o
Michigan the friend Of the poor everywhere, and
the honOred Commander Of the Grand Army OF the
Republic.
Commander Ayers reception was no less hearty
than that accorded 10 Gov. Fler He said that be felt
RFaiefus Tor The many compliments lac had received
though he knew them 10 be uBdeseryed :" i wa:
touched. - he continued Z" a. rode from the hote
and saw the Sons 81 Veterans they led out in
the line Of march. aud with barred heads opened
ranks 70 Jet IA old fellows through. God bless yOr
foF coming. and Tor the respect you show for old
men. You must soon take our places. See 10 i
that what we have done and gained, or though
we have gained II carried 10 fun fruition-'
The General touched the pension question
The GAR. lac said, was organized for so
eiAl enjoyment and mutual protection. He did
not believe in raids the public treasury. but h'
did believe that The Government ought 10 he com
PEELED 10 redeem tie pledges made 10 the boys ia
blue when they shOuldered tie musket. IL,
thought Il a disgrace that the Government shoulc
BET any old soldier live IN want and die Ia poverty
The 10000 pension claims lying at Washington
should be uHfOlded and jusi demands attended 10
EDeeches were also made by al the Department
Commanders, and by Airs. Elliott for the WomaBi
Relief Corps.