The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-11-12
The GRAND ARMY
News From The DeparimentS---New
Posts, etc.
THE HONOR OF TIE FLAG

Gen. HAlmer'h Views on tue hA-ienledefate tlAE
Nuisance.
The following General Order has been issued
from tie National Headquarters OF the GAR.
at Albany
OFFICE ADJUTkN GENERAL G. A T.
ALBANY, Nov. a. 1891.
The attention Of the Commander-iu-Chid
has been called 20 the fact that comrades wear
ing the badge aud uniform OF the Grand Army
OF the Republic participated in a recent demon,
stration where the Confederate flag was carried
and displayed.
For four long wears you hraved all the pcrils
aud gicissitudcs OF war 10 wipe out All that nag
represented. When YOUR great work was ae-
complishcd tlo grand Union armies had become
the most powerful aud effective the world had
ever seen. They melted away like the snow
ON the hiiItops under the beams OF a MONDAY
sun. Nuu resumed the peaceful vacations OF
civil lie, aud the Nation resumed once more us
career Of unparalleled progress, prosperity, and
happiness. There never WAS la The history OF
any civilized warlarcsuch nagnanimty evlnced
toward a foe as the terms Of the surrender OF
Lees army az AnpomattoX.
GALLANTEY OF THE vANouIsHED.
We had learned 10 admire the galantry Of
the men we had vauquished rs only men could
admire them who had tested their endurance
aud ynlor up0n many bloody battleieids. When
they laid down their arms we sought peace;
toall who would accept il on the broad grounds
OF American citizenship aud unconditional 10y
atty. The contest had cost us untold millions
of dollars aud the lives OF thousands OF the
hrayest aud the best who marched under the
Stars and Stripes down into the Jaws OF death,
mot for n party nor creed, Tor men OF all
opinions aud affiliations gave mp their lives TO
save the Nation from disruption and the flag
from dishouor. To-day the same Rag which
floats over aud protects the conquer0rs protects
equally as we'll the conquered. We admire the
spirit which prompts the people OF the South
10 commemorate the galiaHtry of the men who
sacrificed their lives in The lost cause but
that civil conflict settled one great question
the battle for the Union was right the doctrine
Of secession was wrong, and the Stars and
Stripes the emblem OF liberty, equal rights,
Justice aud law Is the only flag which the
loyal people Of this great Nation respect aud
honor. We saved our children the contest that
they would have been compelled to encounter.
We have given them a heritage Of peace and
prosperity instead of au enormous and expen-
sive litigation 10 be settled by jury Of soldiers,
and to-day every American citizen is IN the
full enjoyment OF the fruits Of our great labors.
THE COST OF VICTORY.
We cannot afford 60 lose sight Of the valor
that achieved victory for the right, We can
never forget what the contest cost MS in blood
Bnd treasure. We must not forget that loyalty
10 country Is not q mere sentiment, but that IL
requires q devotion 10 principle, aud that pTln-
Ciple means that the flag which every Union
soldier stood ready 10 defend with his life must
now be sauted with honor. One Of the great
principles of our organization is 10 teach the
rising generation loyalty 10 country aud fidelity
o. duty. The Union soldiers have repeatedly
said 10 the soldiers of the South: o. We have no
desire TO arouse sectional animosites or pas
sions cngendored by the war. Give US loyalty
and iu return we will give you fraternity"
A0n have demonstrated your fraternity on
numerous occasions, but when comrades Joined
inthe recent ceremonies ia honor of the memory
OF patriotic Southern journalist and philan-
thropist they found their fraternity confronted
with the emblem of treason which is an evil
dence 10 you that there still turks in the hearts
OF a few the desire, by the display Of that flag,
20 Ere the hearts Of the young generation Of the
South to rebellion.
VIOLATION OF his OBLIGATION.
comrade wearing the badge or uniform Of
che Order and participating IN any demonstra-
ton where the rebel flag Is displayed violates
his obligation 10 maintain true allegiance to
the United States OF America, 10 honor its
Constitution, 20 discouBteuance whatever tends
90 weaken loyalty, incite treason or rebellion,
aud 10 encourage universal liberty and justice
20 all mankind" aud brings disgrace upon the
Order Of which De is a member
u Nllf the COMMANDER lll- Anltl DIS NHllnef
the right nor disposition TO interfere with the
individual rights or privileges Of members Of
the Order be has assumed au obligation 10 pro-
toct IL against any and all acts that will bring
rcpT1ach upon itE good name. DO you pro-
poe 10 surrender what you fought for, aud
what your comrades who sleep IN heroic graves
died fort
rs ihc stars are fixed IN the skies, so your
patriotism is fixed and immovable 10 preserve
tbc memories and fruits o. that great struggle.
il this Grand Army Of loyal citizens serves no
other purpose it viii keep fresh in the hearts
Of tic rising generation that love Of country
that devotion 20 the Union; that reverence ior
the Stars aud Stripes tho Constitution aud the
Laws which in the future, as they have been
d. the past, must be the anchors which hold
d. firmly "a q solid, permanent aud prosperous
national existence. With these words Of adj
ni0utiOu have sufficient confidence IN your
honor and fidelity 10 the principles Of the Or
der 20 feel thai there will bc no further par
tieipation iu any demonstration or parade
whore the emblem 0! treason is carried OF
displayed
let the cause which triumphed IN The war be
maintained in the completeness Of It's victory
aud the fullness OF its significance.
tsigucd) JOuN PALMER,
C0mmRudcE-iu-Chief
Ey the Commandments
Fred PHIsIEKER Adiutant General.
ID. Y, QUICK, Assistant Adjutant- General.