Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-02-26
AROUND TIE CAMP FIRE.
Daniel Green Elected Commander
of Delaware, @. A. r.

Chaplain Mccoy Says awe Saved the
Country and 1t is Ours"--Speeches and
Addresses--i1lec of Officers.
Special Correspondence of Gazstte and journal
NEW CASTLE, Feb. 19.-The eleventh
annual encampment of the Department
of Delaware, G, A. r., convened here
this morning. The incoming trains
brought crowds of people and by 10
O'clock, the streets We're thronged with
both white and colored veterans. Every
post in the state is largely represented
and the prospects for one of the most
successful gatherings in the history of
the department is indeed gratifying.
Notwithstanding the fact thatatelegram
was received from the National Com
mander Judge w. G. Neazey stat
ing that he would not he present owing
TO his having to attend the obsequies of
General Sherman to-day. This news
of course occasioned much regret and
all engagements for the reception that
would have been rendered him, had to
be Cancelled. The date for holding the
encampment was changed from the 18th
to the 18th Of February to suit the con
venience of General Veazey, and when
his telegram mentioned above, was read
at the encampment this morning every
one was exceedingly disappointed.
The city is in gala attire, however,
many hotels and private residences
being tastefully decorated the whole
presenting a beautiful appearance. The
decorations in the Opera House are very
unique.
Comrade Kendall of Post 90 is officer
Of the day, and Robert 5. Martin of
Post 5, officer of the guard. The council
of administration met in the committee
room of Watson Post 5 in the city hall
Mt $50 o'clock. The committee on
credentials composed of Robert Nc
Caulley, Post 23; II. II. Williams, Post
8; William O'Connor, Post 10; Lawrence
f. Fisher, Post 4, and John j. Gormley,
Post 5, met at the Opera House at $50
o'clock, but as yet have not presented u
report.
At 1890 o'clock the encampment was
called to order by Department Com
mander Lewis All the sessions are
secret and none will be public until the
open camp fire, tonight.
A dispatch was received from Speaker
John P. Donahoe expressing his regrets
at not being able to be present.
The name OF DIR. A. +. Hopkins of
Sussex county is the most prominently
mentioned for the office of department
commander and that of Captain II. NJ
Hizar of this city for the Office Of senior
vice commander.
The election will take place immedi-
ately after dinner, and it is expected
that there will be quite contest for
some of minor offices. All the morning
the ladies of the w. G. T. U. were busy
in the auditorium of the city hall, ar
ranging the tables and preparing dinner
for the hungry soldiers. The decora-
tions here are very pretty and are
worthy Of mention. The tables are
laden with many delicacies, and when
the encampment adjourned at noon the
boys in blue repaired to the hall where
they We're feasted.
The noon train from down the State
brought many more veterans to the
encampment. The weather is all that
could be desired, and this afternoon a
busy session is anticipated. This even
ing, at 7.45 o'clock, an open camp fire
will be held, where general good time
is expected. Addresses will be made by
the department commander and a num-
Der of the post commanders, All the
''vets" at this hour are enjoying their
annual reunion immensely
The customary fakir with his encamp-
ment medals, badges and war relics, is
on the scene and reaping a rich harvest.
New CASTLE, Feb. 2o.-At o'clock yes
terday afternoon the 11th annual encamp-
ment Of the G. A. r. assembled in the
Opera House.
The reports of committees and routine
business consumed the time until o'clock
when the election of department officers
was held. Peter b. Ayars of Wilmington
then arose and nominated for Depart
ment Commander William Il. Hopkins of
Milford, who he eulogized highly and
said he was the man for the office. this
was received with storms Of applause, and
when w. T., Gallagher of Post nominated
the Rev. Daniel Green Of Newport,
there were cheers and applause from each
side of the house. Mr., Gallagher spoke of
Mr.. tireen as a brave soldier and Chris
tian gentleman, who if elected to the
office of commander would be credit to
the Department, then there were rousing
cheers and applause which fairly shook the
building, from tho followers, of the two
respective candidates.
The vote was then ordered taken by De
partment Commander Lewis. and Isl dele
gates cast their ballots. When the ballots
were collected two of them were found
stuck together, and after much wrangling
on both sides. they were declared void.
The result was then announced as follows:
Green, 75; Hopkins, a.
Instantly every one of GREEN'S supporters
arose to his feet and gave cheers which
could be heard squares away. The scene
was an animated one and probably the
auditorium never held such an excited and
enthusiastic asseinblage. Mr.. Green the
successful candidate was then called on
for speech and responded in an able ad-
dress.
Other officers were elected as follows
Senior Vice Commander, Aquilla NJ
Hizar of Post 5; Junior Vice Commander
Simeon Hood, Post 4; Council of Ad-
nlinistration, Joseph E. Vantine, Post
b. John Work, Post 3; Luther W. Palmer,
Post 13; Samuel ]. Wood, Post /; William
i. Fowler, Post p; Delegate to National
Alternate, Albert I. Hyatt Post 923.
The address of the department COM
mander was placed in the hands Of COM
mittee to have some printed, with any
suggestions concerning the q. A. r., that
may be made. The newly-eleeted officers
were. then installed. A resolution of
the w. c. T. IT,, and the citizens of New
Castle for cordiality shown them was
passed unanimously \
The Rev. Daniel Green, the department
is about AZ years of age
He served several years in the late rebel
lion and lost his left leg in the battle of
the Wilderness He has been prominent
and Jealous worker in the Grand Army
since its organization, and is also local
preacher of the NJ. X. church. Mr.. Green
Ut present is paying teller of the Newport
National Bank. He is married, but has no
children. At the conclusion of his speech
ypsfpr1ay HE