The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-08-07
Having Been Faithful in Small
Things He Is Made Ruler
OF Many.
Elected Commandor-in- Chief. OF
All the Mighty Hosts Of
the G.. A. r.
Color Line VIII not Re Drawn In til o
Ranks-Msj. Warner Champions
the Colered VeteranA

DETRo1T, Aug. 6.-Immediately after the
meeting of the encnmpment this morning
tho election of commander in chief was de-
clared the first business. There we're four
candidates, John Palmer, of New York; A.
g. Wsissert, of Milwaukee: w. p. Smed-
burg, of California. and s. H. Hurst, of
Ohio. BENZ. 9. Bryant, of Wisconsin.
plrced Weissert in nomination in an elo-
quent speech. Weissert's nomination was
seconded by Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and
kentucky. Corporal Tanner, of New York,
placed Palmer in nomination., and Massa-
ohusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania Sec
ondsd the nomination. J. j. Hollings-
worth, of Ohio, nominated Hurst, and W.
II. l.. Barnes, of California. nominated
Smedburg. The latter's nomination was
seconded by Nebraska Kansas. Oregon,
Washington and Alaska, New Mexico and
Idaho. just before the ballot opened S. II.
Hurst asked for recognition. "The state of
Ohio" said he. "believes in justice and fair
play and recognition to all departments of
the G. A. II. Applause.] 1t has been con-
ceded for years that whenever New York
became united on a candidate this state
which gave more men to the great army of
entitled to the commander-in-c chief. New
York is now united on candidate, and
desire to withdraw my nams and second
the nomination of Palmer. of New York. "
The election was by secret ballot. The an
nouncement of the first ballot with Pal
mer far in the lead indicated the certainty
of his ultimate election. Great enthusias m
was manifested by New York delegates dur
ing the second ballot, when Palmer led
from the start. At the conclusion, when
the result was still somewhat in doubt, the
California delegation changed it's entire
vote to Palmer. Prolonged cheering greeted
this announcement, which meant Smed-
burg's withdrawal and Palmer's election
An enthusiastic delegate moved that Pal
mer's election be declared unanimous. and
1t prevailed amid the widest enthusiasm.
Capt. John Palmer, the new commander
in-chief, was boin on Staten Island Marcel
%, 1842, and he has splendid war record
He served during the was in the Ninety
first New York volunteers, taking part il
all it's engage ements. Since the was he en
gagged in the freSco painting and decorating
businessin Albany, N. Y. AS a member o
mandsr of Lew Benedict Post No. S. ant
later was elected commander of the New
York department.. In 1879 he WAS elected
senior vice commander-ln- chief, nll o
which important positions he filled will
credit. He is said to be a forcible speake
and model presiding officer.
For senior vice commander in chief ther
was but one candidate. Henry M. Duf1ield
of Michigan, being chosen by acolamation
j. s. Clarkson, of Iowa, Peter b. Ayers, O
Delaware, and Albert Z. Sholss. of Georgia
were nominatee- for junior vice commander
in-chief. Clarkson won OH the first ballot
For chaplain there were til ee candidates.
S. Is. Payne, of Florida, ID. G., Miner, O
WAS elected. Surgeon General Stevenson
of Connecticut, was reelected by acclama
tiou