The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-08-15
GENERAL SERVICE CORPS
The First National Convention Of the Order.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The first Ma
tional Convention of the representatives from
thesubordiDate Divisions of the General Service
Corps was held in Philadelphia, Pa, on Tues
day, July 8. The Convention was called to
order at 3 p. m. by National Commander Huns
berger. The afternoon was devoted entirely to
routine work, such as deyolved on committees,
and the reading Of reports from the executive
officers intrusted with the affairs of the Order
for its first year. It's rapid but nevertheless
substantial advance from purely local body
to National organization, complete in every
detail, augurs well for the wisdom of the move
ment. Its projectors, although but o mere
handful of ex Regular soldiers and sailors, laid
the foundation of a society that will perpetuate
the glories of the men who stood by the Nations
banner both by land and sea, long after their
bones lave mingled with the dust.
The establishment of a semi. military society
on principles similar to the Grand Army and
other veteran organizations, where the younger
element of Regular soldiers and sailors might
become eligible, was the motive that led to the
movement This young blood, after a term of
service with the flag have the pride of the
National arms at heart, and eagerly connect
themselves with organization founded on
purely patriotic principles and charitable de-
sires.
The membership of the Corps is not entirely
composed of those who have served their coun-
men who have brayed the dangers of many
bloody field or served their guns on the historic
ships of glorious memory. The battered aud
torn emblem that was borne by brave and stall
wart arms through the dread and mighty con-
flict tell of courage and devotion while the
rotten timbers now beached and shot-marked
bespeak the prowess OF others.
The establishment of membership-at large
Is one of the actions of the Convention, and
will undoubtedly add to the strength of the
Order. Eligible men, residing in localities
where Divisions could not exist, can on COM
plying with the proper forms, be enrolled in
this class until Division is formed in their vi
entity, or a change of residence places them
within reach of one in existence From cor
respondeuce and reports of persons in various
parts Of the country the future prospects of the
Corps might be guaranteed; but the fact that
every city and hamlet in this wide domain
contains its quota Of ex Regular soldiers and
sailors who have served at some time, either
before, during, or since the war, makes the
assurance more certain, and as its tenets are of
the order that upholds the honor and dignity
of the Constitution and laws of our country.
the true soldier aud sailor will readily enroll
within its unity.
The following officers were elected and in
stalled for the ensuing year:
Comrnander-in- Chief Geo. G. Bowers Chief
of-StaiI, Arch. Given; Adjutant- General, Jos.
-. NJ AlDeTb -.
Logo; Surgeon-General. w. III. HUT, Md;
Inspector General, VIM. A. Donovan; Judge
Advocate. General. Geo. NJ. ID. Haines; National
Chaplain, VIM. III. Elliott; Chief of Ordnance,
G. w. Voorhees,; Trustees. Howard o. Folker,
w. ii. HUT, NJ d., and Chas. Magnniss.
In an address to the assembled delegates, the
National Commander urged the necessity of
still greater exertion in recruiting; the un-
limited field aud excellent facilities offered by
the Departments in Washington affords each
Division ample opportunity to locate every
soldier and sailor recently discharged from the
service. and hoped that ut the next annual Con-
yention the membership would be more than
double what IL is ut this the closing of the
first year.
The National Commander Staff and visiting
comrades attended in body the regular weekly
meeting of Gen. John NJ. Schoheld Division
No. l, located in Philadelphia. The ceremony
OF installation held. and the following
comrades installed into office:
Colonel Commanding. John Mccullough
Lieutenart-Golonei, Charles s. Slack; Major,
Geo. w. MeElliott; QuartermaSter, Jacob Boess;
Surgeon, G. +. Weber; Officer of the Day, Au-
gust Vogel; Officer of the Guard, John Hert-
kom.
This Division Is in excellent working order,
and fully abreast of the times in everything
that relates To the weil-being of a weiI-regu-
lated society
Col. Mccullough promises, In behalf Of his
officers, that II activity and promptitude are
the only essentials needed TO keep their Diyis-
Ion in the lead this term, they shall not be
found wantinR.-Jos. b. BURNS 1881 Tatlow
street PhiIadelphia