Morris tribune., 1891-08-05

III works ana results OF klnuuSSS, O1
favor and mutual aid TO those IN need OF
assistance; to make provision where 1t
is not already done for the support, care
and education of soldiers orr hans, and
for the maintenance of the widows or
deceased soldiers; Tor the protection
and assistance of disabled soldiers,
whether disabled by wounds, sickness,
old age or misfortune, and for the es-
tablishment and defense of the late sol
diery of the United States, morally,
socially and politically, with a view to
inculcate a proper appreciation OF their
services to their country. and recognl-
ton of such services and claims by the
American people.
Politics Relegated to the Rear.
When the feeling that the order was
mainly intended to advance the political
prospects of the members was the
strongest, the national encampment de-
clared that "while it was the purpose of
the Grand Army TO secure the rights of
the defenders of their country by all
moral, social and political means with
in our control, yet "this association
2oes not design to make nominations
for office, or to use its influence as
secret organization for partisan pur-
poses. This was in 1868. The next
year the following was added to the
rules and regulations: mo officer or
comrade of the Grand Army of the Re-
public shall in any manner use this or
ganization for partisan purposes, and
no discussion of partisan questions
shall be permitted at any of its meet
ings, nor shall any nomination for
political office be made.
Has Done II Great Work.
The Grand Army has on its rolls over
half the number of living veterans, and
it is stronger than ever before. 1t has
used its influence TO secure legislation
for the education and care OF orphans OF
dead comrades, for increased pensions,
and for homes for destitute and disabled
veterans to help them in their advanc-
ing years. 1t has removed from the ma
tion the disgrace OF permitting men to
die and be buried as pauperS in the land
they had preserved by their bravery
and self-sacritice. Monuments have
been placed upon the battle fields of the
late war and the departed comrades
have been honored. Memorial day has
been established as national holiday
on which to scatter flowers on the
graves of the nations heroes. The
Grand Army to-day is the representa-
tive organization of the soldiers and
sailors of America, the one great associ-
alton which numbers in its ranks vet
Grams of every degree, from the officer
who wears the stars of general to the
private who has only the scars of battle
and the privations of camp life to dis
tinguish him. Itincludes every nation
ality, every color, every creed. All who
fought for the Union on land or sea,
now meet beneath the one flag which
they protected so well when it was in
danger.
A Remarkable Career.
During the twenty-five years of its ex-
istence the Grand Army of the Republic
has had a remarkable career. 1t was
organized at Decatur, Ills, on April 6,
1866. The founder of the order was DR..
Benjamin +. Stephenson. who was sur
geon of the Fourteenth Illinois infantry,
and was mustered out in 1854. 1t is a
matter of general regret that DR.. Steph-
enson did not live to see some of the
beneficial results from his labors. He
died when the order was struggling
with adversely and political dissentions.
Up to 1871 the organization grew but
slowly, owing to its being regarded a
political and religious body. Gradually
these influences disappeared, and a
healthy and rapid growth set in.
The first post commander was NJ. F.
Kanan, and the first national comman-
der General Stephen A. Hurlbut. In
1885 the first post was organized in New
York city, the chartoI being obtained
from Illinois. This post is the present
Phil Kearney Post No. s. The New
York department was organized in 1857.
The first department commander was
| Colonel J. B. Mexican, and the second
General Daniel E. Sickles.
Commanders in Chief,
The rank of commander-in-chief has
fallen upon many distinguished soldiers
| since the Grand Army was organized.
| Here is the list;
General s. A. Hurlhut. Illinois, 1867.
General John A. Logan, Illinois, 1S6S-70.
| General Ambrose E. Burnside, Rhode
| Island, 1912.
General Charles Devens, Jr., Massachu-
! setts, 1884.
General John F. Hartranft, Pennsyl-
| vania, 1886.
General John c. Robinson, New York,
-1S77-S.
Captain William Earnshaw, Ohio, 1879.
! General Louis Wagner, Pennsylvania,
| 1880.
Major George S. Merrill, massachusetts,
1881.
Sergeant Paul Van Der Voort, Ne
Colonel Robert p Beath, Pennsylvania,
1888.
Drummer Boy John S. Kountz, Ohio,
1884
Captain S. S. Burdette District OF
Columbia, 1856
n T
1886.
Major John p Rea, Minnesota, 1887.
Major William Warner, Missouri, 1888.
General Russell A. Alger, Michigan,
1899
Colonel Wheelock G. Veazey, Vermont,
1870.
Half a Million Members.
The order has grown until there are
1000 posts and nearly 500, 900 mem bers.
During the last year $230,000 has been
expended in relieving comrades, ex-
soldiers and their families. Nearly
10000 people have benefited by the
bounty of the order during the year
The aggregate amount expended by the
Grand Army posts for relief since 1871
has reached the sum of 80, 600
Homes and asylums for soldiers, or
phans and widows have been built ant
maintained, and destitute families pro
vided for The amount of good done
by the order cannot be calculated.
Womans' Relief Corps.
The annual convention of the
Womans' Relief Corps is one of the
most interesting features Of the week
There are 10000 members, headed by
Mrs. Mary Sears McHenry, the nationa
president. The organization ha'
branches in every state in the union ex
cept Alabama, and in all the territories
but three.
A South Dakota Coal Find.
MINNEsELA, s. D., Aug. 3.-Much ex
citement prevails here over the discover.
of 12-foot vein of the finest coal ye
discovered in the Northwest. The nep
mine is twentythree miles west of thi