Evening journal., 1892-09-21


Retrospective Speech An Unpopular
Movement to Secure Service Pensions.
Proposed Legislation and Routine Busi-
ness.
IBy Telegraph to the Evening Journall
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21.-Rain began
to fau this morning not heavily but still
in sufficient quantity to put damper on
many expected features of the day.
The first incident Of the day was the
parade of the union veterans at 10
o'clock. About 800 braved the elements,
commanded by General Green Clay
Smith.
The business feature Of the day was
the official meeting Of the national en-
campment which took place at Albaugh's
Opera House. Commander-in-Chief Pal
mer was escorted to the place Of meeting
in the drizzling rain by the Union Vet
eran corps and the ''old guard" of Wash
ington. At that time the streets were
filed with bedraggled crowd that in
vain sought shelter under awnings and
in doorways. Albaugh's theatre was
decorated with great profusion of ma
terial and artistic arrangement. At 1880
Adjutant General Phisterer called the
encampment to order.
Commander PaImer's Speech.
Hon. John B. Douglas president of the
District board of commissioners, made a
welcoming address which was responded
to by Commander in Chief Palmer, who
spoke as follows:
MR.. CoMMIsstONER;-I behalf Of the rep
resontatives OF the tWcnty-sixth national en-
campment OF the Grand Army Of the Repub-
lie, return 20 you and the citizens OF wash
ington their heartfelt acknowledgements for
your kind and hOspitabe welcome 20 your
beautiful city. COllmbia's capital. It il
eminentlv apnroDriate that we should again
meet I'm n city. whore twenty-seven years ago
at the close of that great civil conflict the
gallant leaders. the grandest and most effec-
tive army the world had ever seen. In those
days marched TO the grand music of war,
Wreathed with the gariands OF victory
Yesterday the survivors of that grand union
army winch IN 1863 We're so replete with
youthful vigor and manly strength. marched
over the same ground, no longer with muskets
q on their shoulders and sabres by their sides
but keeping step to the silvery strains of
peace, happy i'm the thought that the union
has been cemented anew and citizens of a II
sections OF our country look benignly upon
our festivities aud rejoice to see the stars and
stripes floating supremcly over a reunited
people and prosperous nation. Today We
nave Iue representatives from lOIlA-luul
states; strong in themselves, they are the
mightier because they speak for the half-a-
million veterans left at home.
They voice the sentiments Of the nation
defenders. When they laid aside the weapons
of war they enlisted i'm the noble work of car
ing for the weak and feeble, alleviating the
sorrows of the widows and tho orphans, anf
extending aid TO these worthy comrades witt
whom they stood shoulder to shoulder in thi
field.
Time has wrought many changes. There j
hut a remnant left Of thar great army o
50 Many who donned the soldier garb in th
full vigor of their manhood, begin TO falteI
and while time seems 70 be vanishing as
dream there will soon come to us all that fina
reunion in the great hereafter. This gathering
today brings back vividly TO our memOrie
many of the sad scenes Of the past; but we ar
not mere TO open up the closed wounds mad
in that great struggle. Should the ster
necessities Of war again require the service
of the "ctizen soldier" You wonld find tn
men Of all sections of this great nation stand
ing shoulder 10 shoulder ir the ranks Of thei
common country. Permit me to thank yo
sincerely and warmly for this welcome to on
order. can offer you nothing in return eX
cept IL be that which / now most col
daily tender, soldiers remembrance an
hts hpnrtfelt gratitude.