The National tribune., 1890-06-26
OPEN LErrEn no THE w.R.C.

DEAR SISTERS: I will not ask much Of your
valuable time, but there is matter to which wish
10 call yOur sisterly attention. | desire TO say n
few words in behalf of the Ladies' Aid Society,
auxiliary 10 the Sons OF Veterans. My position
during the past year has shown me that many OF
the ladies of the W.IC are entertaining mistaken
ideas of the LAS.
Almost Immediately after the close of the grcnt
civil war the G. A. r. came into existence, based
upon the grand principles of fraternity and COM
radcship, charity and loyalty High and noble
principles worthy of such men. During the war
the women of tho country, with hearts not less
loyal, but with fewer opportunities did all they
could, and 10 complete that devotion and loyalty
organized, in 1883, the Woman's Relief Corps,
auxiliary to the GAR ! will not occupy your
time with the work of this Order. Ii is sufficient
to say felt IL q proud moment in my life when
subscribed my name To the roll of Richard kyes
Corps, No. l39 and have tried to remain loyal TO
its principles ever since.
Ten years ago the Sons of Veterans sprang Into
existence as "A secret society almost spontaneously
THESE young sons oil our soldiers taking Just ana
honest pride in the record bcqueathed to them by
their fathers They felt privilege To do honor to
that record by organized effort pcrpctunte it's
memory, and 10y making pledge that this bright
and beautiful country, saved and preserved To us
by their fathers should receive their hearts
loyal devotion. So true has been their fidelity
that 10000 OF them now enrolled under their
banner; q grand and noble army Of the country 3
best young blood.
After some struggles over conflicting interests in
their organizations. they have received full
and complete recognition from their fathers of the
Grand Army of the Republic. Though organized
Jects aims and purposes akin TO each other IA TO
be almost naeperable, and possessed OF an ele-
ment OF perpctnity that will continue their exist
encc rs long the great rebellion continues To be
n part of American history. We cannot fail TO
recognize the fact that the mantle of the Grand
Army must all too soon fall upon the shoulders OF
these their sons.
The Sons of Veterans rs an Order have full
realization of this truth, and preparing them.
selves 10 meet t. II when the Eight ON tic
soldiers at the front felt the need of aud accepted
such feeble efforts as the women of the country
were able TO give and If since tho restoration OF
peace the Grand Army Of the Republic have felt
proud 10 have the Woman's Relief Corps stand by
their side and render such help "a lies Ia their
power, s. It any wonder that the proud young
Order Of thc Sons Of Veterans should accept such
efforts of loyalty and devotion To their cause
the patriotic young women of the country can
give? la respect 10 such sentiment the National
EncAmpmcnt held nt Philadelphia, Pa, In 1884,
and at Grand Rapids Mich, in September 1885,
officially recognized tie Ladies' Aid Society as an
auxiliary TO their Order, since which time all tc
organized Divisions have done the same.
This has been done with the feeling that the
Woman's Relief Corps was tho especial espousal
oil the Grand Army, and II II naturally To be cx-
pccted that the young Order would desire 10
espousc a young bride. Remember, please, that
belong TO the W.RCD Now sisters Of the Relief
Corps. cannot we extend 10 the Ladies' Aid Society
the right hand OF fellowship aud receive them 80
cordially aud kindly and in ne fTntCTngl spirit
that exercised by the Grand Army toward the sons
OF Veterans
There Is room enough on the great platform Of
principles upon which All four OF the Orders stand
90 that we need not lo.lc irrilaic one another.
Each has special work To do thai 10 do we'll, will
not give rs time TO quarrel or dispute the ground
Many OF our struggling Camps have thought 10
increase their interest in the Order by adding
Aid Society, but have been met by opposition irOul
the local W.EC. think ia nearly every case this
has come from mistaken impression that tho AID
Society calculated TO oppose their interests
when, in reality, nothing would be more likely 10
benefit tie Corps. Instead 81 our interests being nj
variance they identical, aud the Ladies' Aid
Society stand ready 10 lend 81 helping hand in any
good work that can. in any manncr, contribute 70
tbo welfare or encouragement Of the Grand Army
or It's kindred organizations.
In closing, sisters. permit me again To appeal TO
your kindness OF heart aud 10 your maternal feel
ing. aud ask You To extend hand uf encourage
meut and aid to the Corps ia your locality when
effort Is mHdc To establish Ladies' Aid Society !;
aud assure you when such Is tie the Corps
viii never have cause 10 regret such action. The
harmony Of feeling and Of action between the two
Orders should be akin to that Of mother aud
daughter, and when such feeling exists the good
work Of both will 40 steadily on, until our labor
will be better appreciated by those we both delight
10 honor.--Mfs. J. :. Mason, Division President,
J.. A. -, Medina Ohio.