Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-05-10

Two prominent AlIeghenians. both mem
bers of Post 162, met on the street the other
day and the following dialogue ensued,
II am going to take this off," said COM
rade No 1, referring to the small G. A. r.
bronze button which he wore in button
hole in lapel of his coat.
"Why?~ asked comrade No2
For this reason: had not appeared in
public half an hour wearing the button
when was approached by an old bum who
extended his hand and burst forth raptur-
ously with how are you, comrade?' Then
becoming confidential he said; I am in tight
hole just now and wish you could obligs me
with half dollar or 30 for while.' Instances
OF this nature crowded each other must 70.
move the device rs q measure Of self proteo.
tion."
Comrade No. became o member Of the
Grand Army only recently. He did not know,
as 10 older comrades. that there Is no occasion
Tor being annoyed In the manner he related
Comrade No. removed the scales from the
new and desperate comrades eyes, and Com
rade No. has decided to not discard the but
ton. Many comrades, especially ones who have
lately identified themselves with the order. are
mucn annoyed by mendicants, most Of whom
As measure Of protection to the local com.
rades, and Tor the more systematic aiding Of
deserving unfortunates, the Joint Relief Q on
posts in Allegheny county contribute toward
the fund. This committee 10 authorized to and
VIII assist all deserving applicants. There 10 a
COMMITTEES com OF three whose duty Il is to inquire
found to be deserving he is given an order on
the Treasurer. The members of this COM
%ittes are Comrade J. F. Nicely, who has
J. Patterson, who looks after the Pittsburg or
middle division, and Comrade L. T. McGratb
who attends TO the Southside. If man applies
referred to the member of the Relief Commit.
tee In whose district he happens to apply. Past
department Commander Denriston is the
treasurer of the committee. The plan is an
able one, preventing as It does imposition
on local comrades and giving sure relief to the
proper persons. II, after securing an order
from one OF the three committeeman, the
Treasurer has evidence which justifies him in
believing the bearer not proper person to aid,
he may refuse to grant the order.
Comrade A. P. Burchfield in speaking of this
matter said: before the Joint Relief Commit
tee was formed used to have sometimes as
high as or 10 persons day come to see me
seeking aid. l would ask the applicant his
name, place OF residence, name Of his Post
pany, etc. Then I would say: Now you come
around in couple of hours will LOOK into
your case and If it is as you represent will do
what can for you.' In nine cases out of ten
the man would never come back. Frauds knew
would discover the truth and knew there
would be no use of returning. In no case, be-
leve, was ever imposed upon. always tele-
graphed to the applicants alleged home"
In this connection few words on the abuse
of the Grand Army badge will not be out of
place. The badge is intended to be worn only
at post meetings other Grand Army meet
ings and ceremonies. fhe true comrade, while
very proud of his badge, feels delicacy about
parading it around on any and every occasion,
making IL common. It is pretty safe to say that
y hal ind xuiII
the insignia of the order in conspicuous
place while about his daily business 1t Is
belittling to the organization to have a man
going about soliciting aims with a badge OF the
Grand Army of the Republic prominently dis
played ON his breast. The brave man who
answered his country's call in her time OF need,
it may be depended on, will retain his self
respect and not try to live by his connection
with an old soldiers organization.