Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-01-31
THE VERMONT G. A. R
GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF VETERANS
AT RUTLAND.
Commander r. A. AIger's speech-A Let
ter from Secretary Proctor-Eiection
of Ofioers-Address by Col. A. S.
Tracy-Woman's Relief Corps.

At Il 80 O'Clock the delegates gathered
at the town hall where the 23d annual en-
oampment of the Vermont department,
Grand Army of the Republic, was called to
order by Department Commander A. S.
Tracy of Middlebury. There were about
300 delegates in attendance. Past Depart
ment Commanders Peck, Hooker, Kinsman
and Taylor took seats on the platform
Prayer was offered by Rev. E. j. Ranslow
of Swanton.
The afternoon session of the encempment
was called to order by Col Tracy at
O'Clock. Secretary of War Proctor, who
had expected to be present, sent letter
which was read
Gen. Russell A. Alger, gcommander-in-
chief of the Grand Army of the Republic,
accompanied by Mrs Algcr arrived on the
2:15 train, having come from New Bedford,
Mass, where he has been visiting
In introducing Gen. Alger Comman nder
Tracy said that ne considered it one of the
greatest honors of his life to present the COM
mander-in-chef of the q. A. r. of the United
States. Gen. Alger was received with pro-
longed applause, the veterans rising to greet
him. He spoke briefly, saying that he APP
preciated the high honor of representing an
organization of half million Union vet
erans. He had great regard for Vermont
among other things because the best pare
of him. his wife was "A Vermont girl.
Inspector General Griffith of Troy, of the
national organization, was next introduced
and made very witty and effective speech.
Mrs. Newcomb of Montpelier, president
of the Women Relief corps, was next intro
duced and read her report.
The New Officers.
The following officers were then elected
by acclamation, Lieut.. Gov. Woodbury.
presenting the name of Col. Mansur.
Commander--Z. NJ. Mansur of Island
Pond
Senior vice e-commander-James f. FL
dredge of Warren.
Junior vice-commander-J. w. Williams
of Bennington.
Commander Mansur has made the follow
ing appointments:
Assistant adjutant- -general--A. II. Hall
of Island Pond
Assistant quartermaster- -general--E. F.
johnson of Island Pond.
Chaplain-Rev. d. Il. Lowell OF Rutland.
Surgeon-Dr. j. A. Mead of Rutland.
Commander A. 5. Tracy's Address.
Department Commander Tracy in his ad-
dress said that in few years the annual
encampment Of the Grand Army would
cease to be held since death was fast re
cruiting from our ranks the Grand Army
above. The net increase in the department
during the year was 1872. Referring to the
Woman's Relief corps, he said that no post
should be without this valuable assistant
He urged members OF the Grand Army to
encourage the formation of camps of Sons
of Veterans. He urged comrades to dis
courage in all possible ways, the use of
Memorial day as .. day of sports and levity
Referring TO the bennington battle monu-
mont he said that he received such encourage
men. .'Om comrades in all parts of the
State that he had contracted for suitable
memorial tablet and about $50 was still
needed TO pay for il. Col. Tracy gave an
account of the national encampment at Mil
waukee last August, referring to Col
Neasey's graceful withdrawal from
the field candidate for de-
partment commander and urging that the
Vermont delegation present his name At
the national encanpment Of Boston. lie
recommended that the next department
commander be instructed to procure suita-
bic quarters for the department of Vermont
and that tn department purchase stan
of national colors for tue use at public gathd
erings.
Standing of the Orders.
Assistant Adjutant General A. X. Carr
of Middlebury in his report said that there
had been three new posts established during
the year, making l03 posts with 5205 NOM
bers. department Inspector E. o. Hib-
bard of West Randolph made favorable
report, saying that the present standing Of
tl,s l..,., l.,At
year ago. Assistant .Quartermastor Il W.
Bird of Middlebury in his report stated that
the total receipts during the year We're
$264, 3l6 and the expenditures $l9S, 1l9,
leaving a balance on hand of $50, 599
Judge Advocate Henry Ballard of
Burlington in his report says that his
office has had no disputes to settle
and the only business done has been in the
nature of consultation. Chaplin }. H.
Bond Of West Rutland in his report referred
to the increasing interest in memorial sun
day and Memorial day us indicative OF the
respect of the people for the old veterans
Ex-Prisoners' Meeting.
The Vermont association of Union ex-
prisoners OF war. mot at the Grand Army
hall at O'Clock. In the absence of Pres-
dent ID. j. Stafford, First Vice President W
w. Sprague of ST. Johnsbury presided. it
had been intended to present to Gov. Dilling-
ham, as representative Of the state, the
Andorsonville picture, but owing to the
governors absence, the presentation will be
made at Waterbury at some future time
The following officers We're elected for the
ensuing year: President, w. W. Sprague
of ST. Johnsbury; first vice president, j. II.
Marvin of Sheldon; second vice president,
j. L. Baker OF Rutland; third vice presi-
dent, A. W. Davis OF White River June
ton; fourth vice president, I'll. w. Hutch
ms of Bellows Falls fifth vice-president, T..
G. Collision of Barton secretary and treas
urer, j. $. Drenan of Hardwick; chaplain,
Rev. A. A. Spoor Of West Chazy, n. Y;
surgeon, ID, l.. Kitty of Bellows Falls
delegates to the national encampment, j. f..
Baker of Rutland, Frank Keniield of Nor
risville; aternates, Perry Porter of West
Burke, j. c. Farnham of Arlington; oxe-
cutive committee, the president, first vice
president and secretary; standard bearers,
Roger Germain of Fairfield and Edward Le-
Clair of Rutland. Among thenational officers
present were II. c. IL. Lewis Bellows Falls.
vice president for Vermont The associa-
ton now numbers S. Statistics show that
hSn Narpnopt Soldiarg diaJ in