The National tribune., 1891-07-23
POTOMAC'S ARMY.
Echoes and Gossip from the Recent Reunion at
RufaI0, n. Y.


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Another an
nual Reunion of the veterans of the Society of
the Army Of the Potomac has passed into his
tory. The meeting was not large one-per-
haps the smallest save one in its history. Buff
falO did herself proud. No city except PrOvi-
dence has surpassed her in the profuseness Of
her hospitality. 1t was of the most cordial
sort. Nothing but the weather marred its COM
plete success. This the authorities have not
yet under full control.
The enjoyment was not wholly unmingled
with sadness. Every year sees additional
vacant chairs. The loss Of dear old sherman,
who rarely missed a meeting TO whom We have
annually looked for little paternal, goOd-na-
tured scolding. was deeply deplOred. So, too,
was that of the scholarly Devens, whose after
dinner eloquence has so often inspired the vet
Grams.
Gen. Slocum, the orator of tho occasion, and
the only ex.eommander of an army present.
was enthusiastically received. but his address
was something of q disappointment. His topic,
intended to DO a criticism Of the press in
war lacked completeness. More should have
been added in the way Of charges and, then,
fair play shOnld have given the press credit for
the good il achieved. This he failed to do, and
peced out his address with some ill-cOnsidered
remarks ON pensions. The General threw
away great opportunity. His pen is GER
tainly not as mighty as his sword. The poem
Of Hon. Geo. A. Marden was warmly received.
1t was as full of wit aud pungency as his
speeches, aud immensely delighted every body.
The local authorities were greatly disgusted
that two prominent politicians, one Republic
can and the other a Democrat, should have
been put on to the toast list. What they said,
however was we'll enough, although somewhat
long drawn out. They greatly abridged the
subsequent addresses, notably that of the new
President of the Society, Gen. Daniel Butter
field, who was compelled to leave early. Gen.
ButterGeld's presence ut the guest table Is q
new one, although veteran well known. He
has not always been in sympathy with the man
agement Of the Society. lie will make good
official.
For the first time in the history Of the So
ciety the toast to the Private Soldier" was
responded to by private soldier. Although
anxious for their dollars, the management have
studiOusly avoided giving prominence to the
rank and file at these meetings. To such an
extent has this been carried out that the inn
preston still obtains with many veterans that
the Society is composed solely Of officers.
Right here it should be said that great dissatis-
faction prevails with the management Of the
Society in general. A little coterie of good
fellows in New York have dominated it for
many years, and never with frmer grip than
ut Buffalo.
Secretary King, at the business meeting, be-
walled the shrinking revenues Of the Society.
The shrinkage will continue. i heard several
veterans openly declare that it was the last Re-
union they should attend until there was q
complete change. A business meeting held at IL
o'clock p. IN. with attendance Of less than so,
is a dismal farce and has but one significance.
A new headquarters with an entirely new deal
is the only thing which can restore full conf
dence in the organization. have No sympathy,
however, with those veterans who growl at the
powers in authority, yet do not attend the
meetings, or, if present. do not enter protest
Everybody regretted the absence Of the
President, Gen. Selden Conner, whose illness
| detained him. In his stead q. VI. 5. Ira M.
Hedges, of New York, presided, and with
ability-the first time that q man not general
officer has occupied that position. Had it not