The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-05-29


Everybody seemed in gala dress and In gracious
mood. To those of US who used to be in that sec
tion during the war, when trains were fired into,
and when death lurlsed on every side, and ecu.
Price lowered near with n great army, the scene
was significant. That part of Missouri is certainly
greatly changed and entirely loyal.
The Governor of Missouri had placed the State
House, With its ample House and Senate halls, at
the disposal of the Committee of Arrangements,
and the cOmmodious chambers were resented aud
hlted up in fine style Gen. Alger and his Staff
were entertained by the Governor, and the COM
mittec of the w re. took good care of Mrs Man
chester and myself
The GAR Encampment met In the hall of the
House; the W.R.C. in the Senate chamber. i was
surprised to see so large n body of loyal women
Intelligent widG-nwake, nelOokiug women
ready III business and up IN parliamentary knowl-
edgc. Department President Russell presided
Win ease and grace, and kept business well in
hhnd. The reports of work were most encour-
aging. Tho colored delegates were unusually
bright and well up In business methods.
Here, as in Iowa, met hundreds whom had
ministered to during the war. One man, with the
tears on his f,ce, said I" want to thank you for
mnisteribg to my brother down at Young's Point"
Another came forward his face full of ElHduess, to
question: :" Do you remember coming TO Arkansas
fosC with steamer loaded with supples?" Yes,
] remembered. Well, our regiment got n good
lot of them; just the things we needed, too-pota-
toes, cabbage, onions and saucr kraut tell you
that sauer <raut went well with US. for were
getting III Il bad condition, and needed auti-scOr-
Duties" And each hour had its heart histories
OF the grand old fiery past.
Mrs. MANCHESTER who accompanied me, was
very helpful, and her words of encouragement
were highly appreciated. She remained and in
stalled the officers.
had the privilege of spcaking before the En-
chmpment, and my presentation Of the work being
done by the Woman s Relief Corps, and their plans
Tor iuture work, were received with great entbusi
asm. Gov. Frances welcomed the veterans at the
Campfire, and Commander in chief AlGcr made
an eloquent speech, and | followed with some
pleasant "reminiscences of the war.
IA enthusiasm about
workers IN Missouri that show that they nre in
earnest Action was taken in the W.R.C. COnven-
ton looking To the establishment of - Home for
disabled veterans, with their wives. and for SOL
dicr5' widows. Mrs. Buchan of st. Louis, who
painted Mrs. iInrrsons reception dress, was pres
Ont, and was liberal in her gifts of flowers and
other tokens
Much work and hard travel occupied the few
days following. Saturday evening ecturcd at
Springfield, H., aud was the guest of Mira. Gov.
fiicr ut the Executive Mansion. Mrs. Fiier il n
member of our Order visited the tomb Of Lin
coin, and also the old homestead. where all that
can he gathered together that ever belonged to
him IL carefully preserved, even to the old cook
ing stove the family oaee used On Monday even
ing lecturcd mt Jacksonville. H.; was the guest
of ma old friend. After speaking took the 4" Can
non Ball at midnight for Omaha where was 10
reioin Gen Alger and his family and speak
Tuesday evening at Omaha. There inn
monso audiences; people had come from all parts
Of the state, and the enthusiasm was bouudle-s.
Here met Our old time friend aud colnborer, Paul
Van Der Wort. lie has lost none Of mis- cOqucnCe
or interest. ] heard him speHls at the Dcs Moiues
Euchmpmcnt with wonderful power. He Is the
same true friend OF the Woman's Relief Corps that
he has been from the FIRST, aud the order owes
debt OF gratitude To him that IT will not be able to
pay There were number OF distinguished
speakers, among them Gen. Alger. / also had the
privilege OF presenting our work,
The masa-mcctinR was followed 10y reception.
Mrs. John a. Logan, who was present, was the
center OF attraction. and literally thousands passed
by rs hurficdiy, with only time To- say " God bless
you!" The next morning early we were off for
Denver, Colo. The wheels turned all day and ell
night, and we reached Denver the next morning.
An enthusiastic welcome awaited us. rccep-
ton was given at the Executive Mansion by Gov.
and Mrs, Cooper. II was - brilliant affair, radiant
with flags aud flowers aud to the thousands who
came the ample dining hall stood open inviting
them To- refresh thcmselvcI. Everything in the
dining hall WAS rcd, white and blue, even 10 the
Ice cream
As the living human tide flowed past the long
line which stood To receive them at the head Of
which was Gen. Algcr aud Mrs. Gov. Cooper, the
one question most frequently asked was Which
IL Mrs Logan which is Mrs Wiitcnmycr7" All
the ladies were very gracious and earnest In their
greetings, but Mrs Logan especially pleased
when she was greeted by old veterans vino served
In her husbaud's command. IL was MY privilege
To meet men for "a brief moment, - they were hur-
ried past, to whom had mnistercd during the
bloody days of the war; bnt Sueh was the rush of
the moving line that they could only announce tho
fact and add God bless you"
Tho Convention OF the w.RC. was much larger
than had hoped. There were many superior
women tn attendance. aud some or them had come
hundreds OF miles To Rttcnd the Convention, for
fourndp - a country OF vast reaches Depart
mcut President Henderson, who has led the forces
grandly during thc past year presided with marked
ability. Her colaborcrs could hardly reconcile
themselves TO her leaving them aud becoming "a
size Il about 70 do resident of Omaha. Neb. At
the close of the Convention she was presented with
"A very handsome gold watch.
The report OF the years work was most cncour-
aging. Good service had been rendered 10 needy
veterans and their families
Mrs. Manchester addressed tho Convention and
added greatly To the interest by her presence aud
encouraging words.
II was my privilege to accompany the committee
that returned the fralcFual greetings OF the ncamp-
ment. most gracious reception was accorded
Us aud Riter the committee had reported spoke
OF the work and plans OF the W re. / reminded
the comrades thnt seven years hnd not yet pissed
-iucc right there In Denver this society had been
organ,zcd. Then weak, we were
strong and helpful then we were few, now we
numbered about 10000 then there was not one
bonds for $4,000. and we have in the local treas
arics Of the country $4,000. The greatest enthu-
sasm prevailed. SO that II seemed almost impossi
bic Ia get away.
The Campfire in the evening was crowded 10
ovctfowing Many OF the most distinguished
people oi the state on the platform and
many pleasant and able speeches were made. Mrs.
Logan, who was on the platform, attracted great
attention, and upon entering elected the iaOst
hearty applause.
At Denver our paths divided. Ahcr my address
at thr Campfire ! was obliged to bid adeau 10 Gcn
A gcr and his family aud Mrs. Logan. who accom-
panied them To the Pacific cpnst, as 1 could 20 no
farther bat Obliged to return al once 10 attend
the Kentucky and Ohio Cunyentions--Annie Wit
tenmyer.