Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-08-14
VETERANS.
The Grand Army Encampment
in Boston
GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS.
A Lengthy Address by COmmander-in-
Chief AlSer.
THE CONDITION OF THE ORDER.
He Gingerly Discusses Pensions and Other
Topics Of importance and Ma
tiOnal Interest.
SOME INTERESTING STATISTICS.
Reports of the Adjutant General and Quar-
termaSter General---General VeaSey,
of Vermont, Elected Com
mander-in-
Chief.

BosroN, August 13.-The veterans
have got down to work.
The Twenty-fourth National Encamp-
ment of the G.. A. r. was formally open
ed this morning in Music Hall.
Delegates from every State and Terri
tory and representing every depart
ment enrolled under the Grand Army
banner occupied seats upon the floor,
while the galleries were filled with
wearerS of Grand Army buttons who
are privileged to be present as specta-
tors.
General Alger and other distinguished
comrades were escorted TO the Hall by
Post 10. Upon the table by the presid-
ing officer was a red oak gayel made
from the sills and foundation OF the Old
Mnot house in Neponset, and which
was built in the year 1854. II will be
presented 20 the incoming Commander
ln-Chief by James +. Mcintyre.
The encampment was called to order
at II o'clock. Prayer was offered by
Past Chief Chaplain |. NJ. Foster. Com
mander-in-Chief Alger then delivered
his annual address as follows:
CoMMANDER-IN-CHEF ALGER's ADDRESS.
CoMRADEs-Fortunately for uswe are
permitted to gather here in this historic
city, justly named the Cradle Of Liber-
ty." to celebrate the twenty-ffth ami
yerSary Of the surrender OF the armed
forces against this government TO the
Union army.
We also celebrate the twrnty-ilfth an
niversary Of the actual freedom OF all
races within our borders. Near here
was fired the shot heard round the
world and were fought the first bat
ties Of the Revolution. How many pa
triots in later days have been inspired
to perform heroic deeds by the example
OF those patriots who iirSt declared thiS
land should be free, and have tried to
emulate their examples, the scores Of
fields that have tested the courage Of
these generations, whose representa-
tiycs are gathered here to-day, will
answer. To name one or dozen OF
them without including all would be
the same act OF injustice as would the
recording Of the deeds Of single man,
omittng others. 1t is sufficient for Us
to know when called men were found
for every place.
While we lament the loss OF nearly all
our old commanders. it is source OF
great consolation and pleasure TO know
that one of those great leaders of men
4 l. fr. 4
to-day. Upon him this nation is pour
ing its wealth OF love and gratitude.
Lee us hope and pray that he may long
be permitted 10 remain here, our Lead
er, our Commander, our Idol and our
Comrade. God bless you, General
Sherman Our love for YOU is beyond
words.
Comrades. it is not my intention to-
day to burden You with the details OF
the workings OF this organization. nor
to repeat TO any great extent what can
be found in the reports OF my staif oili-
GERS. Their work has been zealously
and conscientiously performed, and |
commend their reports TO your careful
scrutiny. For my own work | can
only say that, while | have given To IL
a great share OF my time and the best
OF my ability. am painfully conscious
OF having filled but small fraction OF
the demands. The organization and
the country are 50 great that it Is an
task for any man, In the short
space Of one year, to visit any consider
able portion Of the more than 1000 posts
that now exist.
| have attended 93 department en-
have, as you are possibly
aware. visited many Of the departments
at several different times, and have been
more than gratihed to learn that every
where. among the men holding official
positions, and achieving success in
private life. are found many Of the men
who served in the Union army and now
wear the badge Of the Grand Army OF
the Republic.
CONDITION OF TIE &. A. Il.
The condition of the organization.
am happy to report, is, with few excep-
tions. excellent. There have been,
regret TO say, some diSagreementS in the
OF Louisiana and MissiS-
Sippi drawn upon the color line, the de-
tails OF which will be found in the re-
cords Of the Judge Advocate General.
1t is the same question that to-day is
disturbing many localities in the south
ern part of this country. and which will
require patience and concessions from
all parties to settle II is perplcXing
one, but trust time. with the good in
tentiOns Of all peace and liberty-loving
citizens, will bring such moderation Of
council that in the near future all may
share the rights granted by our laws,
and that harmony will prevail every
where.
1t has been my determination to
recognize as a comrade the equal rights
OF every man, no matter what his color
or nationality. provided he has the two
qualifications, service and an honorable
discharge. In the great struggle Of life
the strong should aid the weak. 1t en-
mobiles the former and helps to elevate
the latter. The synopsis Of the opinions
of the Judge Advocate General, those
and those disapproyed. will be
found in the report OF the Adjutant
General
The official reports presented to the
Twenty-third National Encampment,
dated June 30, 1ss9, gave the number
Of comrades in good and regular stand
ing. 3s2.Gl7. Total members then sus-
pended and delinquent, 2s, Oss. making
total membership as borne on the rolls
at that da.e Of 4lO,6sd.
June 90 1870
The total number of comrades In good
and regular standing as............... .4Z7 .qsl
Total membership borne on rolls ....... .4is.&O
Number of posts reported June %. lsSg 6'ill
Number of posts reported June 80 1870 10
Number Of deaths during the year. ....... $40
Number u new departments. ...... .....-..
Including the Provisional Department of ln-
dian Territory and oklahoma.
| am constrained to say l do not be-
lieye the number of deaths reported as
above is even approximately correct.
Not, however, on account OF any iault
Of the posts. but as comrades grow Zee
BILE they neglect their posts, are dropped
from tho rolls when i'm fact their health