Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-08-06

of the Disability Pension and Suggests
Service Pension.
Associated Press Dispatch by Special Wires.
DETROIT, Mich, Aug. 5.-The
twenty-tifth annual encampment of the
G.. A. r. met in formal session this
morning, in the mammoth hall that had
been set apart for the business deliber-
atoms of the veterans.
All that art could do to make the
building attractive had been done in the
decorations which adorned the interior
in emblematic order At the head of
the hall over the platform was large
q. A. X. badge, tlanked on either side
by American flags and in the rear the
grand seal Of the United States also set,
between flags from the ceiling hung
clusters of the flags of all the republics
in the world. The side walls were
draped with cream colored bunting
and the windows bore curtains
of silk and lace On the
two band stands were suspended
blue silk banners, known as the Presi-
dental banners, being the especial EN-
blems of honor hung out on a visit from
the President Of the United States. The
sides of the trusses of the buildings and
the walls below the balconies were hung
with cream colored bunting on viii Ii
were placed the seals of all the states
and territories, each surrounded BY silk
flags and gilt eagles. At other appro-
pirate points were numerous flags and
other decorations. At the bottom of
each truss were clusters of incandescent
lamps which, when lighted, will give
rare effect to the interior.
IA, In, IF 11II "a
was crowded to its utmost seating
| capacity by the multitude of veterans
| attracted by the momentous question to
be settled at this encampment Of The
order. 1t was fully understood that the
race question might be precipitated in
the deliberations at any moment and be-
come the subject of acrimonious dis
cussion and this impending problem
together with the projected revision Of
yhe constitution combined to heighten
the general interest IN the proceedings.
A few moments before the hour Of open
ing General Veazey and his staff en-
tered tine hail and were escorted
to the grand stand. Tho appearance OF
the commander-in.chief was the signal
for general applause, and minute later
the two bands burst forth in an inspir-
ing military air in harmony with the
martial scene. Rapping the assemblage
to order, the commander n-chief an
nounced the formal opening of the 18th
annual encampment of the e. A. r.,
and directed the acknowledgement to call
the roll of departments. Every state
and territory in the union, not even ex-
capting far off Alaska, was represented
and the roll showed the fullest attend
ance of delegates in the history of the
order. The opening address of the COM
mander-in-c was listened to with
attention by the assembled veterans.
The first part of address was devoted
to an eulogistic tribute of members of
q. A. r.. who have died. Commander
Neazey spoke of the female support and
assistance rendered various posts and
also of the aid given by Sons of Vet
Grams and expressed to them thanks and
gratitude of the order.
Referring to the troubles existing be-
tween white and colored posts of Louis
lama and Mississippi and inspection of
| them ordered by him, Commander
Veazey said that report on their eondi-
ton have been made to him. The re-
| port, as made, recommends that the
present encampment authorizes the Gre
ating of Il separate department, cover
ing the same territory as several of the
existing departments in the south. This
recommendation is supported by
memorials from six colored posts of the
department. Commander Veazey was
| of the opinion that il would be wise to
confer upon his successor authority to
create such department and then leave
il to his judgment whether the interest
of order would be promoted by so Gre
ating such department.
Coming to official reports of finances
of order Commander Veazey said that
1888 ,699.s5 had been paid for relief
during past year from fund 1t is esti-
mated that nearly rs much has been
paid by individual comrades; women's
relief corps has paid $780, l0.sO. Since
1870 total amount paid out by G.. A. r.,
not including payments by auxiliary
bodies is $2,500,000.
Commander Veazey deprecated the
asking through official channels of
order contribution for various objects
from comrades. lie is of the opinion
that a great majority of members are
financially unable to meet these de-
mands. Commander Veazey approves
the Disability Pension bill Abut is in
favor also of service pension. In con-
Guiding his address the commander
thanked the order for honor conferred
upon him by his election to commander
in-chief At conclusion of address he
was GREETED with great applause
Adjutant-general j. II. Goulding's
annual report for the year ended June
30th shows that there are in the order
40 departments, with 7,409 posts and
39s,067 comrades in good standing. The
sum expended in charities during the
year was $333,690 against $2l7 1857 the
previous year There have been $3.50
deaths this year against 5,479 in 1890.