The record-union., 1891-04-07
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS old.
The Grand Army of the Republics
Veterans Celebrate.
Interesting and Patriotic Exercises ut
the Congregational Church-Songs
and Stirring Speeches.

In accordance with orders issued from
National Headquarters of the Grand
Army of the Republic, the twenty fifth
anniversary of the organization of the
Grand Army was celebrated throughout
the United States yesterday.
In this city the event was observed by
public services last evening at the Con-
gregatiOnal Church. on Sixth street.
1t had been announced that Governor
Markham would ofiiciate, as President of
the Day, but owing to pressure of busi-
ness he was unable to be present. Adju-
tant w. 3. Maydwell ofliciated in the
Governors place, however, and carried
the programme through admirably.
After prayer by Rev. j. B. Silcox, and
a rendition of 1.-The Star-Spangled Ban
ner'' by the organist, Adjutant Maydwen
read the general orders for the observ-
ance OF the twenty-fifih anniversary of
the organization Of the Grand Army, as
| issued from the National Headquarters
Rev. Silcox invoked the blessing Of the
Almighty upon the Old soldiers and
others present, and Charles Phillips rem
dered an excellent bass solo.
PATRIOTISM AND MUSIC.
Rev. A. 7. Needham, Department
Chaplain, then delivered the oration Of
the evening, and was very patriotic in his
remarks.
Miss Edna Incz FicSs sang the Tribute
to the Flag and the Grand Army with
splendid effect. and Miss Eugena Kelly
and Miss DOlphiuc EGibel gave charm
ing duet on the banjo and piano.
George w. Ficks, the local historian Of
the q. \. r.. related the history Of the
organization OF that order in Sacramento.
de said that historians, as Il rule. had to-
tell OF things which they knew moth
ing about. But his duties were
not so labOrious, as the events he
| had to chronicle We're fresh in his
memory. One thing he was compelled
to speak of was the fact that the faces
| oi the comrades who sat before him were
not IS handsome rs they were twenty
five years ago. Mr.. Ficks said that the
history Of the G.. A, x. in Sacramento
was the history OF the old Sumner Post,
No. 2. This post was organized on No
yemDer p, 1867, with fourteen charter
members. Ex-Postmaster James Coey
was Adjutant, and NJ. j. Miller, Grand
Commander. Warren Post was organ
lied August 4, 1888, with tWenty-siX
charter members. Fair Oaks Post was
organized May u, 1885, with thirteen
charter members. Sumner Women's
Relief Corps was organized April -, 1885,
with thirty-six charter members, and
Fair Oaks Corps, on May Il, 1885, with
eighty nine charter members. The latest
additions were the
SONS OF VETERANS,
And the Ladies Of the c. A. r. Sumner
Post now musters 460 recruits, Warren
Post 14S, Fair Oaks Post 60, Sumner Re
lief Corps 25l, and Fair Oaks Corps 24O.
expended by these posts in the
relief of unfortunate comrades and
their families, and great deal
of good had been accomplished. In con-
| Guiding, the historian paid high tribute
to the old veterans, and said that to o-day,
old as they were. they still stood ready TO
defend the flag OF their country; and,
should call be issued, million could
be gathered around Jackson's monument
III New Orleans, and would scare off the
biggest fleet Italy could send.
Inasmuch as nothing but soldier talk
had been heard all evening, Adiutant
Maydwel asked Rev. Mr.. Silcox. who
had not been a soldier, to make few re-
marks.
The reverend gentlemen said that
through an unfortunate whim Of his pa
rents he was born in Canada instead of
the United States. But he was only a
few miles from Uncle Sans territory.
and therefore knew all about George
Washington and his hatchet, and was
also familiar with the late civil war. He
learned many of the war songs, and
always felt happy when he got among the
veterans and could sing with them. But
he
WARNED THE OLD SOLDIERS
That their duties were not over vet. nor
were those of any American. 1t was very
necessary, he said, that every person
within the territory of the United
States, and particularly foreigners like
himself should be thoroughly instilled
with the knowledge that this [pointing
to the American f1agl is the flag of this
nation, and no other" When they leave
their native countries, to come and live
under the American flag, they should be
loyal to it, or else they should be sent
back to the country where there is a flag
they will be loyal to. 81 was glad. - CON
cluded Mr.. SilcoX, "when it went forth
that the American flag should float from
every schoolhouse. There is where pa
triOtism should be fostered. and I might
add that ii would be good idea for for
eignerS to be sent to school q long time
before they be allowed TO vote, and have
a say as to who shall govern this nation"
The speakers concluding remarks
We're greeted with deafening applause by
the audience.
Miss May Connolly treated the audi
ence to recital of "The Girl Slave"
and it was indeed a treat. The young
citation is clear and distinct, and her voice
sweet and sympathetic. The recitation
was difficult one and required consid-
erable dramatic ability, but the little lady
was fully equal 10 the task.
The exercises concluded with the sing
ing of MY Country, ',Iis of Thee" by
the entire audience, and a benediction by
Rev. Silcox.