The National tribune., 1891-08-13

duced Past Commander-in- Chief Burdett,
who made an eloquent presentation Of the
city of Washington, the second most beaRd-
ful city Of the world. lie paid a beautiful
tribute TO the work of the comrades in rescu-
ing the city from its peril aud the degrada-
tion OF slavery, and said that now the CRATE
iul people sent an invitation engraved on
silver and accompanied witA golden key to
their hearts aud homes. TO visit Washington
and see the glOrions results Of their work. lie
appealed 10 the comrades 10 go once more to
the Capital Of their country and revisit the
battlefelds hallowed by the blood and yalor Of
their comrades and themselves. He said, in
conclusion, that the invitation was meant from
top TO bottom; that the citizens of Washington
would entertain the comrades as well as the
most hospitable had; they would beat the rec
ord or die in the effort.
Comrade Pipes said that the Encampment
would be held in the House of Representa-
tivcs.
A comrade from Massachusetts asked IL the
Department Of the Potomac did not have also
candidate FOR Commander-in-Chief.
Comrade Burdett replied that Col. c. T. Lin
coin bad been spoken Of as n candidate aud had
received flat;ering offers of support but had
withdrawn. SO as not to embarTass the caudi-
dacy OF the city
Past Commander-in- Chief Van Der Voort pre-
sented the invitation of Lincoln. The city
had hotel accommodations for p, 600 people and
private accommodations for rs many more.
Free headquarters for all the Departments and
Societies. lie read business-like, ronClad
proposition for free quarters, free excursions,
free horses, free entertainment for the Com
mander-in- Chief, etc. This was backed up by
a solid bond for $4,000. signed by 81 OF the
wealthiest citizens. This was no battlefield,
grown up with weeds, but business; it was
solid money talk, as he would show by a GER
tifcate from II. G. Dun q Co., 10 the effect that
the signors OF the bond were, collectively,
worth S4000OO0.
Van Der WORT made n rattling speech. scoring
Washington for its rebel proclivities, and
setting forth the attractions of Lincoln in
breezy Western style.
Gov. Thayer, or Nebraska, said that all the
propositions made would be complied with to
the letter. There would not be house in Lin
coin but would have the Starry Banner floating
over it. Every man, woman, and child would
give a warm greeting There would be no
pccping through haf-opened blinds 10 500
the Yankee soldiers 20 by" lie extended a
hearty invitation 90 the comrades 10 come 10
the beautiful Capital Of Nebraska.
Comrade Campbell OF Kansas, seconded Lin
coin. The veterans in the Great American
Desert could not afford TO 60 20 the Seaboard.
The Encampment should 20 where there was
soldier under almost every suna0wer. There
that was contrary TO the spirit OF the Grand
Army Of the Republic.
Past COMMANDMENTS Chief Rea, Of Minnesota,
made an appeal for the 1000 miles lying be-
tween st. Louis and Denver in which there
has never been National Encampmcnt held.
This country was peCpled by men who had
fought TO make Washington what IL is and
then had gone out into the Great American
Desert and conquered homes for themselves
and their families. IN the midst of this country
they had built up beautiful city as a grand
monument 10 the grandest American that ever
lived. lie paid tribute to the splendid SOL
dicr-citzens and comrades Of the great prairies.
Corporal Tanner made strong appeal for
Washington.
Comrado Allen, Of Virginia, made an appeal
10 the Encampment TO give tho comrades a
chance 10 visit their Capital, the battlcfelds
upon which they fought and the graves Of
their comrades
It was decided 10 call the roll and allow the
Commanders Of the Departments to announce
the votes Of their Departments. The vote re-
suited as follows: