The National tribune., 1890-08-21

THE GATH NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT.
All is over now-save flood Of delightful
recollections.
The great Reunion has been held, the
long lOoked-for visit TO Boston has been
made, thousands of gray haired veterans who
went out in the morn of life from the hills
and valleys of New England to battle for
the Union, and have since made their homes
beyond the Mississippi, have revisited, pos
sibly for the last time the homes of their
childhood; the 9th National Encampment
has convened, deliberated and is now his
tory.
Naught remains but indelible memories
of gloriously good time among a people
whose hospitality is as boundless rs the sea,
and their loyalty as deep-memories of a
fair, queenly city, whose fame gilds two
centuries of our history, whose sons and
daughters have stood among the great ones
of earth, and whose wealth is like that of
0rmuz or of Ind, who decked herself in all
her robes of beauty to welcome the veterans
as honored guests
San Francisco was sumptuous and prince
ly; weeping skies chilled st. Louis's hospi-
tality; Columbus was genial and homelike /;
Milwaukee was bright, breezy and generous ;
Boston was all that hospitality could be, all
that money could provide, all that civic
beauty and grandeur, and ideal weather
could give to make the visit of her guests
enjoyable. For one week her people gave
themselves mp TO the entertainment of their
guests, and they made week which will
never be forgotten by those fortunate enough
TO be the enjoyers of ii. Other cities may
equal the entertainment-they will do very
well indeed if they do; but we can rest as
sured that none will ever surpass it. Boston
has set the mark too high.
Looking back over the week now, with
the cool, critical glance of the next day"
no room is found for anything but praise
There was absolutely nothing 10 criticize. 1t
is wonderful that everything was so well
done There was q forethought and COM
pleteness about every preparation that ex-
cited constant admiration. Everything had
been foreseen and carefully provided for.
In all branches the organization was simply
perfect. The right men had been put in
charge Of the right things-they had been
lavishly supplied with money, and they had
considered aud worked out every detail.
The proceedings of the Eucampment
proper could not have been more satisfac-
tory. The sessions were very harmonious.
Every detail of business was thoroly dis
cussed in the most fraternal spirit, no wrang-
ling or animosity marred the debate; the
decisions arrived at were so clearly the will
Of the majority that the minority acquiesced
with cheerful readiness
The election Of Col. Veazey as Commander
in-Chief, and Of his subordinatcs, gratilied
everyone. So did the selection of Detroit as
the next meeting-place. No other persons
or place would have suited everybody quite
so well.
The parade was undoubtedly the finest in
the history Of the Order. 1t is doubtful if
it viii ever be equaled again. The parade
at Columbus was the finest one before this,
and many believed that no Encampnent
would ever show an equal spectacle, but the
procession at Boston was some thousands
larger, was Shower in many ways, and con-
tanned more attractive features Clearly the
GAR. has not yet entered upon its waning
period.
It was grand time for Boston, it was
proud one for the Order, and it was de-
Iightful one for the comrades.