Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-07-12
THEIR SIDE. OF THE CASE.
The G. A. r. Committee Issues an Address
on the Railroad DificuIty,

The G. A. r. Committee Issues an Address
on the Railroad Difficulty.
CHICAGO, July 1.-THE celebrated G. A.
r. circular against the railroads was formu-
lated to-day, and will be sent out broadcast
through official channels tomorrow. Follow
ing is the full text of the interesting docu-
ment:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ILLINOIS,
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC,
CHICAGO, July ii.
After long continued effort on the part of
large number of the Department Commanders of
the Grand Army Of the Republic, supplemented
Dy earnest appeals to the railroad officials from
ell OF Milwaukee we have failed to secure for the
old soldiers the customary rate of cent per mile to
Wuee % dDrnR iSe as sG Se Rea as
In view of the fact that rate of less than cent
me has reseT SssT given " to the
rate Of one-half cent per mile has been given to
the Niagara Falls excursions, there is a general
Ieellng that the men whose services and sacrifices
alone made 1t possible for these railroads exist
and share in the prosperity which has attended
least the rate which has been asked
The refusal Of the railroads to give this rate is
late war. /, therefore, In concurrent action with
the Department Commanders of Michigan, In
braska and Minnesota, who to-day will issue
similar circular to the respective departments re-
matter of selrrespect and seif-defense and out OF
love for our order, that they forego the ex-
pected pleasure of meeting their COM
rades at the National Encampment by remaining
at home only those attending who are duly
elected delegates eX-oficio mem bers of the en-
campment. Let us In a dignifed but resolute
manner resent this great Injustice songht to be
meted out TO the old soldiers by the railroad
gers. L issue this request with much regret. 1t
will be a great disappointment to thousands of
comrades in this and other departments to have
the anticipated grand reunion resolve itself into
mere formal business session. 1t will also be q
great disappointment to the comrades and pa
triotic citizens of Milwaukee, who are doing
everything In their power to give their visitors
generous welcome.
They are entitled to the thanks and best wishes
of all the comrades of the Grand Army of the Re-
public for their efforts, and ii is be regretted
that we cannot. with any degree Of self-respect,
presence at the encsmpment. Personally shall
be greatly disappointed. 1t has been my ambi-
tlOn and endeavor to have the Department of
Illinois the largest department represented at the
encampment on the day of the grand parade and
review. However, with q principle involved,
and with the question of rate for future encamp-
ments in view, believe that mdoing right In
thus addressing you, and that the comrades
throughout the department. will indorse my ac-
tion, In recommending that only delegates and
members of the National Encampment attend the
Milwaukee gathering. 1 recommend the organi-
zation Of county and district reunions throu ghout
this department where such organizations do not
already exist in order that every old soldier NAV
be given an opportunity to meet HIS comrades
around the camp IRE in gladsome reunion.
@. A. PARTRIDGE
Assistant Adjutant General.
JAMES s. MARTIN, Commander.