The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-07-17
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
It's Origin, Purpose and Character Stated by
Its Commander.

Its COmmonOer.
W. G. veazey In New York Recorder.
The Grand Army of the Republic had its
origin by the formation of a single post
consisting of twenty members at Decatur.
ILL.,, ON the 9th day of April, 1866. From
that small beginning il has increased In
membership until il now numbers over
four hundred and fifty Thousand comrades,
divided into forty -four departments and
over eight thousand posts.
The national organization Is known rs
the National Encampment, which meets
annually and constitutes the legislative
and governing body Of the association.
The meeting of the National Encamp-
ment has become the occasion OF the larg-
est assembiage of people from ali parts OF
the country that occurs during the year.
made public and are largely published by
the press of the country. All Its work is
of q public character, and it engages In
nothing of a secret nature.
Yet remarks are constantly being made by
people of intelligence showing total mis-
apprehension of the character and work of
the order.
The question is being continually asked,
What are it's objectsi The answer is found
in the rules and regulations. as follows:
"Eirst-TO preserve and strengthen those
kind and fraternal feelings which bind to-
gether the soldiers. sailors and marines
who united to suppress the late rebellion.
and to perpetuate the memory and history
Of the dead.
"Second-To assist such former comrades
in-arms as need help and protection. and
to extend needful aid to the windows and
orphans of those who have fallen.
''Third-TO maintain true allegiance to
the United States of America. based upon a
paramount respect for and fidelity to it's
Constitution and laws: TO discODtensnce
whatever tends to weaken loyalty, iDcites
to insurrection, treason or rebellion. or In
any manner impairs the efficiency aud per-
.>f fro in frfn nd ff,
encourage the spread of universal liberty,
equal rights and justice to all men,"
These Object t. have abbreviated expression
in the three words. Fraternity. Charity
and Loyalty"
No one ever criticised the order on the
score of its principles as above set forth.
No one ever claimed for any other organi-
cation. soldier or otherwise. objects loftier.
nobler or better. Some have objected to 1t
on the assumption that 1t was political
organization. Its rules and regulations
contain q prohibition In that behalf IN
these words: mo cOmrade shall in any
manner use this organization for partisan
purposes. and no discussion OF partisan
questions shall be permitted ct any OF its
meetings. nor shall any nomina-
tions for political Office be made" It's
membership consists of men of all polit-
j al parties and every religious faith. In
some posts Republicans largely prevail; in
Others Democrats. There are but few posts
that do not contain men of both parties. 1t
demands for each of the comrades the right
to vote and pray as he pleases In adher-
ence to the principles of the order the COM
ra,les have been faithful in the highest
degree. Its work of charity has been inn
mense and constantly increasing. 1tis con-
spicuOusly an organization of the rank and
file of the Union armies In the war, yet it
embraces the officers Of those armies in
relative proportion with the rank and file.
The most distinguished in the army and
navy were proud of being comrades in the
order.
In this age of club life it furnishes the
opportunity for it's enjoyment to the old
soldier. however meager his means may be-
The comrades. disciplined to obedience and
support of lawful authority, have consti-
tuted essentially the conservative force of
the country; they have nowhere been part
of the disturbing or lsw-defying element;
they have been guilty of no dislOyal utter
ance or embittered expression toward those
against whom they fought AS they fought
for one united country under its flag they
love both country and flag with intense de-
votion, which none can appreciate who has
never suffered and sacrificed as they have
in its behalf.
The country is better for the Grand Army
of the Republic.