The National tribune., 1892-09-22

| was the recipient of numerous oommu-
nications from Departments and comrades,
asking for information about certain projects
| for which they had been asked TO contribute.
and having no knowledge of either thu
project or the comrade asking for funds, I
| was unable to give satisfactory answer.
deem it advisable that the National En-
campment should take some action 10 pre-
vent abuses in the future, so that any COM
rade having authority to solicit funds shall
be in possession Of the proper credentials
would also recommend that The En-
caraprsenttake action preventing Posts from
sending direct to Congress or other iegisla-
tive bodies petitions in the interest or AZ tbs
solicitation of individuals. 1t frequently
impedes the progress of legislation for the
veterans; destroys the influence Of the Or
der; places Us in false light before tina
people of the country, and In many IN
stances sets up the opinions of few against
the deliberate judgment of the representa-
tiVes of the Order.
FINANCES.
Following the advice of the Comuittae On
the Quartermasser-Generaps report. that thu
utmost economy should be exercised In the
management of the affairs of the Order.
would say that no expense has been incurred
except what was absolutely necessary Ia
maintain the dignity of the Order and de-
Tray necessary expenses. The reporta will
show large reduction in the curr.nt sx-
penses Tor the year. Through the kindness
Oh many of the railroads and the courtesies
Oh the comrades where I have visited. nv
personal expenses have been about one-baIf
OF the amount appropriated for the e4Denss
OF the Commander-in-C Chief.
The National Encampment redDo.5 ~.
per capita tax, and changed the time for
rendering reports from quarterly to semi
annually. When the present adnainistra-
tion came into power it was without avail
able funds, and money was advanced bv III,
Quartermaster-General until the first half
Oh the years dues were paid. avoided
drawing upon the funds invested in bonds
put my successor will find it difacult In
meet expenses at National Hesdouarser.
with the reduced income, and will necesss-
MY be compelled to draw upon the bonds
for current expenses.
THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY.
On the l4th day of June, 1777, the FIa9
Committee Of the Continental Congresu rae-
commended that the flag of the United States
consist of Is stripes alternate red and vhits
that the Union be 13 stars on q fsld Of
blue To-day the flag of our country con-
sains A stars, representing "A States.
made possible by the heroic services Of
the msn who wore the blue. And an
we look upon the glorious Stars and ssripes
which were sanctifed by the blood of the
men whose devotion to their country shed
ulster and renown upon the annals of the
struggles for National Independence In
the earlier history of the Nation, the MEM
cries of old associations during army life ara
renewed and strengthened, and We rejoice
to feel that the services and sacrifices Of ths
men who In after years maintained. de-
tended and preserved the Independence 10
gloriously won by our ancestors, ara r.
garded with affectionate gratitude by every
American citizen In whose breast shsre
arises an aspiration fer human rights and
human liberties, and that the flag of our
country Is recognized by every civilized Ma
ton as the emblem of liberty, equal rights,
justice and law. There are thousands of
men in this country of foreign birth who are
loyal to the flag and their adopted country.
This class of citizens the Grand Army of
the Republic welcome to our shores. But
there Is another class who did,not come to
our shores with the intention of becoming
law-abiding citizens, but who were driven
from their own countries for the vary crimes
they are attempting to perpetrate On Aneri-
can citizens, their only aim appearing to be
to overthrow law and order, or to destroy
life by dynamite or the revolver.
IN A NATION so JEALOUS OBJ ITS LIBERTIES
there is no room for such assassins to dwell
The ippunity of such offenders encourage
them to repeat their offenses, and the wit
nesses of their IMMUNITY are tempted to re-
peat their crimes. Security to life and prop
erty depends upon the loyalty and intslli-
gence Of the country which enjoys it, and
every sentiment aiming at a higher standard
Of patriotism, coming not only from the
Grand Army Of the Republic, but from
every organization in the land that loves
liberty and order, will have decided influ-
ence on the entire community. The man
who does not respect the flag and all It rep
resents, is at heart traitor, and the sooner
such men are made to feel the majesty Of
.he law, the sooner will National horor be
and the better ii will be for the
future safety to life and property. The
Stars and Stripes must float supreme over,
every foot of our land.
As I lay down the trust so unanimously
conferred upon me at Detroit, desire to ex-
Tend to members of my staff my grateful
for the cordial support
given me during my term of Office. To them
am deeply indebted for that measure of
success which marks the administration of
he affairs committed to my charge, and
want to extend to all my comrades my heart
cit thanks for the kindness I have received
It their hands everywhere. I have had but
,ne object in view: to discharge the duties
II the Office with all the ability and fidelity
aod has given me. If have succeeded In
,,aaf;,.r 1or1r ord bo~