Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-08-07
CLOSING DAYS.
John Palmer, AlblDy, NY,
Elected Commander tn. Chief.
Most ousoss ssful Huosmpment Ever
Hsld-soeuos ard Incidsots.

DErKoIr. Aug. 6-rhe closing day Of
the 35ih annual encsmpment Of the g. A.
4. was ~ bAlmy - the previous days Of the
reunion.
A sensation has bean created by the id
dress Of the president Of the national asso-
cian Of Union ex ex.pfisoners Of the war, E.
A. Williams Of Indiana. Referring to the
treatment accorded ex.prisoners, the presi-
dent says:
"In view Of the great and unprecedented
hardship and suffering endured ~ prison.
ers, We believe that special compensation 10
due US. Many when captured we're robbed
Of what little earnings they he'd sAved from
the smslt compensation allowed by the
government, as we'll ~ other valuables
taken from them. Many were held for
menths after their term Of service had ex-
PRED. while others were compelled to
sxpend their own means in order to get
home after their release. All Of which
ought to be valid claim sgainst the govern
ment. Il. would seem that the suffering
and death Of 400 Of our comrades Who are
buried around Southern pfisons. should
ever be kept sacred in memory Of what
they sn6ered for their country for by the
sacrifice by such men civilization services.
Yet for % yesrs our government has never
90 much - given US vote Of thanks for
these services
This portion Of the presidents address
was formally approved by the association.
Among the reports Of the committees
WAS one embodyipg = bill to be presented
at The nexs session Of Congfets. in behalf
Of soldiers who were in prison for period
Of not less than 60 days or more. providing
that they shall receive 81 for every day Of
thei, confinement from the government.
The new officers Of the organic stion are
a. follows: President. Stephen M. Long,
East Orange, N. j.; vice-president. Major
Marion T. Anderson, Distric. OF Columbia;
chaplain, John s. Ferguson, Keokuk; his
sorian. Warren T. Lee, Norwich, Conn (;
executive committee. B. I. Wilson Of Ohio.
c. w. PAvy Of Illinois, George W. Grant
Of Minnesota, 4 II. Rippler Of Pennsyl-
vania.
The "Comrades Of the Battlefield"
which includesfbo both blue and gray, met and
effected national organization and elected
tfiicers. The order admits only those to
membership who have been under fire Of
the enemy not lees than 30 days, or were
wounded or disabled from further service.
A constitution and bylaws were adopted.
A sensation has been created by the an
nouncemens that the report Of the special
committee on the raised question recon-
mends the creation Of separate department
for the colored veterans. This 10 in &C.
cordauce with the suggestions Of General
Veszey, but can only be adopted by tho
encampment after bitter fight.
Immediately after the meeting Of the Gu
campment this forenoon the election OF a
commander -in-chief disclosed the first busi.
ness. There were four candidates, John
Palmer, Albany, N. Y; A. G. Wescott.
Milwaukee; W. p. Smedbery, California,
8. H. Hurst, Ohio.
An announcement Of the first ballot with
Palmer far in the lead, indicated certainty
Of his unanimous election. Great enthusi
asm was manifested by the New York dele
gates during the second ballot when Palmer
led from the start. Each gain was greeted
with applause. but most Of Palmer's scqui-
sition was at the expense Of Smedbury.
Al the conclusion the result WAS still
somewhat in doubt. The California delegR
tion changed its entire vote to Palmer.
Prolonged cheering greeted this announce
ment. Another delegated at this junction
moved that Palmef's election be declared
unanimous and il prevailed apidst wildes'
ENTHUSIASM.
Capt. John Palmer, Of Albany, N Y,
was elected comm anJer- in-chef Of the
Grand Army Of the Republic.
Captain Palmer vas born on Staten Is
land. March 20, 1s43, and has . splendid
war record. He Unlisted in the 9lst New
York volunteers, Sept. 10, 1861, and was
constantly with regiment until it Was mus
tered out, July 3, 1865, taking part in all
its Engagements. He was seriously injured
at the battle Of Five Forts in the combined
charge Of cavalry and infantry.
Since the war he has been engaged in the
fresco painting and decorating business At
Albany, N. Y, and had the contract for all
the decorating on the new state capitol.
As member Of the @. A. Il. he was for
81 veral terms commander Of Lew Benedici
Post 5, vas twice elected commander Of the
department, and in 1879 was elected senior
vice. commander -in-ch,ef, all Of which i'm
poftapt positions he filled with credit.
He 10 said to be forcible speaker. a
model presiding officer 1t department and
national conventions, and has frequently
been placed at the head Of important COM
mittees by both state and national encamp-
ments.