Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-06-16
THE G. A. II. ENCAMPMENT.
What is Wanted to Secure 1t and What Has
Already Been Promised.

At the close of the war thousands of soldiers
who had fought through the long and bitter
struggle marched up Pennsylvania avenue in
grand review. Many OF these soldiers have
since visited Washington. but never in a grand
whole. If the energetic efforts now being
made, however. meet with success. the veterans
next year will again march up Pennsylvania
avenue in a body, and to reachis tn desirable
end nothing seems needed but the earnest
and hearty cooperation of Washington bust
ness men. The Grand Army of the Republic
should hold its annual encampment next year
in this city, say the local members, and from
the enthusiastic start already made it seems
certain that the business element of the capital
city thoroughly agree with the veterans.
AN ADDRESS TO THE CITIZENS
The work in regard to obtaining the encamp-
ment has just begun, but promises more than
well. At a meeting held last week of the COM
mittee of prominent men who have taken the
matter in charge a subcommittee was ap-
pointed. which will shortly draw up an ad-
dress to the public and afterward mass meet
ing will be held and subscriptions be asked 1t
is thought that the local delegates, when they
present Washington's claims at Detroit next
August. must be in a position to guarantee
$500 as entertainment fund, and there
seems little doubt that this sum will be easily
raised. Boston this year had an enter
tainment fund of 500, 900 and used
$4,000, but 1t is the opinion of every one who
has given the matter any thought that with
S5O.OOO Washington can much better entertain
the encampment than any other city with three
times the sum. This does not follow only from
the advantages which Washington possesses as
ameetIng place for all large bodies, but from
the particular points of interest to the old sol
dlers. The city has clustering around il the
entire traditions and history of the war. 1t is
a center and within easy reach of most of the
large1 battlehelds. Along its at that time mud
covered avenue these soldiers marched in vic
torlOus procession at the close of the war.
Every public building in Washington has its
peculiar interest for the veterans, and thou
sands of the old soldiers would come to Wash
ington to view its buildings, make flying trips
to the fields where they fought and their COM
rades died and to march once more along Penn
sylvania avenue with colors flying and bands
playing martial music.
MONEY ALREADY PLEDGED.
Without any subscription books opened as
yet already $1,000 has been pledged to the
entertainment fund, while Mr.. o. s. Staples
has offered the free of parlor 10 at Wizards
and Willard Hall for headquarters and place of
meeting. The hotels and steamboat and rail-
road companies have expressed an earnest de-
sire to further the plan. The magnitude of
the crowd which would be present if Washing
ton should be chosen can hardly be estimated
but II Is thought certain that 300. GOO strangers
would visit the city. There were in line at
Boston last year over lO0. 900 veterans.
Mr.. Il. j. Beall has been one of the most
earnest workers in the preliminary arrange
ments for obtaining the encampment and has
L good idea of the chances for success Il do
not have the slightest doubt" said he to a STAR
reporter, that the necessary guarantee will be
obtained and the encampment come here. For
several years there has been a desire among the
veterans to come to Washington and since
the movement commenced many expressions of
good will and promises of votes have been re-
celyed from the different states"