Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-11-22
THE G. A. X. ENCAMPMENT
Some of the Point. Made in Chairman Ed
sons Final Report.


sons Final Report.
There were some gratifying circumstances
about the final meeting of the citizens execu-
tive committee Of the late Grand Army encamp-
ment held yesterday, which were mentioned by
Chairman Edison in his remarks. In the first
place il is tribute to the business ability
which has characterized the work Of this COM
mittee. that In less than sixty days after the
encampment they we're able TO settle mp all
their affairs and submit final account Then,
there had seemed to be an impression before
the encampment. Mr.. Edison said, that
this city did not want the G. A r.,
and. Furthermore, that there was lack
OF hospitality on the part Of the public.
Both of these groundless preiudices were effec-
tually dissipated. Prom the manner in which
all seemed to enjoy their stay In our city
during the week of the encsmpment" observed
Nr. Edison, and from the expressions uni
versally received from them since their depart
ure. we feel that the uEfavorable sentiment
toward Washington that may have existed has
been entirely dispelled"
The opinion was expressed BY Mr.. Edison,
based on reliable information, that at least
400 900 people visited Washington during the
encampment.
HOSPITALITY OF Ex-ooSFEDEhArEs
I'm this report" added Mr.. Edison, cit is
entirely just and proper that reference to and
Acknowledgements should be made to ex-con-
federate soldiers. well as citizens of the
south, for their manifestations of hospitality
and their exhibition of desire to fraternize
daily with the members Of the Grand ARMY Of
the Republic revisiting the scenes Of the camps
and conflicts of the civil war in which they took
part rs antagonists. Some of the first sub
seriptions to the fund contributed voluntarily
for the entertainment of the G. A. r. were
made by eI-confederate soldiers, and the
amount contributed BY them formed @ con-
siderable percentage of the total amount. An
ex-cOnfederate organization In this city in
spirit of magnificent fraternity and kindness,
donated 500 toward the expenses Of the citi-
zens temporary hospital established to relieve
the sick and suffering veterans Of the Grand
Army that might be afflicted during their visit
TO Washington
The citizens committee which was organized
to escort the Grand Army in their parade down
the avenue on the 10th Of September, and
which presented so fine an appearance. was
alSo composed IN part of ex-confederate SOL
Giers- They voluntarily and promptly stepped
forward to do honor TO the Grand Army and to
themselves. in showing their pleasure by escort
ing the members of the q. A. r. in the greatest
parade that had ever taken place in the history
OF that organization.
The committee had reports from many
sources, where the veterans had revisited camps
and battletelds, of the kindness and courtesies
shown to them by ey-confederates. notably in
the city Of Richmond, where it is ostimated
II. coo veterans visited during the week Of the
encampment They were entertained by Camp
Robert F. Lee. camp of eX-ccnfederate sol
Clers. ~ u great expense and cost of time with
a hberaiity and personal attention to the vet
Grams that commands from us the most grateful
and assurances OF our appre-
citation. So extensive. So cordial and so sincere
were the. manifestations of hospitality and fra
FrlPrdS in Richmond
would seem thst we are called upon to express
by some public act gratitude and our
pleas ure that such an era of good feeling exists
and il il evident that it IS thoroughly recipro-
Gated by the members of the Grand Army of
the Republic"
THE GREAT PARADE
As to the great parade Mr.. Edison said that it
differed in some interesting respects from any
parade of men that had ever taken place.
Nearly thirty years after the war out of over
100000 veterans, soldiers, sailors and ma
rines visiting Washington over 20 900 who had
thu assembled at the capital of the nation or
garIzed and Iaruded with creditable discipline.
Another remarkable fact thai made the parade
so impressive and interesting was that every
man in it was fOrty-five years of age and up
ward with but few exceptions.
The encampment, Mr.. Edison said, resulted in
great benefit to the District Of Columbia not
only in the monetary financial stimulant to
business by the leaving OF large sums of money
here. but IN demonstrating to the G.. A. r. and
to the nation that the capital hospitab!e
city. abundantly able to successfully entertain
and accommodate an immense number of peo-
pie. and one Of the most beautiful. clean and
healthy. "a well as attractive. cities in the
world. Washington at one stroke has estab-
lished a reputation for hospitality and attrac-
tons in the estimation OF the people Of our
country which must unquesrionably inure to its
future substantial prosperity and welfare.
The special thanks of the committee were
voted 10 Mr.. Edison, the chairman. and Mr.
Dingman, the secretary of the committee. 1t
was decided to present to the Department of
the Potomac the silver invitation souvenir
taken to Detroit by the citizens committee A
letter of thanks directed 70 be sent to every
one who had aided in the success of the encamp-
neut.
The committee adjourned sine die.