The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-06-07

stage were such well-knOwn Grand Army
men as T. H. Goodman. w. II. L. Barnes,
Captain Nesteton, c. Mason Kline, w. r.
Smedberg. J. NJ. Davies and E. H. Herrick.
When all had been seated and the strains
of the overture by the band had died away,
W. II. l.. Barnes delivered Ri eloquent adj
dress of welcome
AN ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
"San Francisco" said he, SIS becoming
the Mecca to which all great men come
No President If this great and glorious re-
public and no Grand Army man Will think
his lies work done until he visits this glOri-
GUS fairyland. We have with us tonight
the third Of our COmmander-in-C Chiefs who
has hUnOred the golden State with a visit
Colonel NeaZey will md here the same
loyalty that characteriZes this noble order
of ours We extend TO him our faithful and
devoted allegiance as COMMUNICATIVE Chief
Of the remnant OF the greatest body OF men
that ever graced society"
Continuing, COmrade Barnes alluded to
the great bOnOTS already conferred upon
Colonel Veazey. and said he could receive
no greater than to be chosen COMMANDMENTS
Chief of the Grand Army Of the Republic.
Captain Knowlton proposed three cheers
for the distinguished visitor, and they were
given With n viii and an extra tiger or
two thrown in by the enthusiastic veterans.
When the cheering had subsidized, Colonel
edZeY stepped 10 the front OI Tie Sl&Se anu
in substance said:
COLONEL VEAZEY's ADDRESS.
''This night reminds me of the scenes of
FIVE years ago, when the national encamp-
mPnt received that hearty welcome accorded
b. the citizens Of California. | came here
almost without notice, yet | find waiting TO
receive me this splendid company OF veter-
ans-famed from The Pacific to the Atlantic.
1t is not on my account as an individual, but
is an ovation you people give TO the Com
niander-in- Chief of the Grand Army OF the
Republic.
You will give the same to all my sue
cesSorS who shall visit this city. Any one
who fails to visit San Francisco Will make
the grea est mistake of his life. Five years
ago the encampmens here was one of the
greatest events in the history of the Grand
Army of the Republic. At no place had
the veterans who attended it received such
a spl endid reception as they received here.
1t brought the East ana West together into
closer relation ship, and ever since we Of the
East have looked on California comrades as
close friends.
THAT encampment was an important era
in the history of the organization. You
cannot appreciate how much YOU did for
the order by the hearty reception on that
occasion. No city has since tried to surpass
it, and none ever will l don't know how
you can do as much in the future as you
did then unless you give US Commander
in-Chief that will surpass all his predecess-
OTs as you surpassed all predecessors Dy the
reception you gave Us five years ago.
LAST VISIT IN THH CIRCUIT.
"This is my last visit i1 the circuit. 1t is
with satisfaction that l can sa, there has
been a constant increase 10 numbers In the
order during the past year. In most OF the
departments there has, Of course. been an
increase in the death rate. Notwithstanding
this the membership has shown an increase
in numbers. They te me that members OF
the Grand Army OF the Republic are never
found among the disturbing elements.
" This magnificent organization was never
I'm better condition or promise than at the
present time. During the last twelve
months there has been material improve
ment in the administration OF the laws
at Washington. | am satisfied there has
been a reorganization of the forces OF the
Pension Department, in order that the adj
ministrat ion of the pension laws might be
facilitate d. There has been most decided
improv ement in the pension business, and
there has been st0ppage OF delays upon
applications. One can now no longer say
that it takes longer to get pension than 1t
did to suppress the rebellion.
I'VE want TO increase the membership OF
the order simply to strengthen our hands in
the work of charity and promoting the great
principles of loyalty. You, every one of
you, should become recruiting agents and
bring all who stood shoulder to shoulder
ID Tue great slIuBRle IHlO IulS OIsdnlLatIuH.
Years do not decrease but strengthen the
love for the flag"
ALI. TAKE SHAKE.
Continuing his tribute to the stars and
stripes Colonel VeaZey said the flag should
wave from every school-hOuse. and should
also adOrn the rooms within. The flag
should also be placed inside of every church,
"for any man who would not respond to
that call ought to go to hell" In closing he
thanked all present for the reception ac-
corded him.
Comrade Barnes said that the Commander
in-Chief would be happy to take a shake
with all. Then the veterans formed in line,
and filed slowly By, each receiving a cordial
grasp of the hand Of their national leader.