Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-09-19

An Organization Where Affairs Have Caused
Much Discussion.

Much Discussion.
The G.. A. r. was first organized in Louisiana
in 1867 with H. G. warmoth department COM
mander. Bat little attention was given to re-
ports at that period. so that the records fur
nish meager information as to the number and
strength of the posts. The unsettled condi-
ton of affairs existing in the state at that time
soon FASTENED general breaking up of the or
ganization. Reorganization Of the Grand
Army commenced in Louisiana in 1872 Joseph
A. Mower Post, No. l. was chartered on the 10th
day Of April of that year, and as this was the
only organized post in the state for
several years it performed great
missionary work among the old vete-
rams who had located in Louisiana
and adjoining states. The friendly association
Of Its members with similar organizations Of
the ex-confederntes was greatly instrumental in
alaying the prejudices and subduing the bitter
feeling engendered by the war. Harvey Post,
No 2, was organized at Baton Rouge. La,
April 10. 1883, and during the same wear T. O.
Howe Post. No. 8, and A. Lincoln Post, No. 4,
OF New Orleans were chartered. Custer Post,
No. s. of New Orleans was organized in 1884.
Jennings Post, No. 6, Of Jennings. La, in 1883,
Nicksburg Post No. Z, of Vicksburg, Miss
and John A Logan Post, No. 8, Of Hammond
La, in 1889. Under the reorganization
the Gulf held in New Orleans. La. =.
May Is. 1854. William Roy, commander By
general orders from national headauarters
dated June Is, 1888. the title was changed to
the Department of Louisiana and Mississippi
An unfortunate condition Of affairs has ex-
listed in this department since the annual en-
campment of 1880. Early in that year nine
posts were chartered by Department Com
mander Jacob GRAY The motives of Com
mander Gray in suddenly bringing into exist
eEce these new posts. to II inclusive, and
composed largely Of colored members, were
questioned and the regularity and legality Of
the organizations disputed by the succeeding
department. administrations. In the de-
partment encampment OF 1890, 1891
and 1892 representation allowed
these newly created posts. The c.se was
regularly brought before the natioHai encamp-
ments on appeal, where the principle was clearly
enunciated by at least two national encamp-
ments that the colored ex-soldier was entitled
TO all the privileges and benefits enjoyed by his
white fellow soldier in the Grand Army of the
Republic, and must be accorded equal recogni-
ton
During the month Of MAY of the present year
the department commander, senior vice CON-
mander and junior vice commander were sus-
pended from Office by the commander-in chief
for disobedience of orders in refusing to recog-
nize Posts to IL after they had been directed to
give these posts proper recognition, and on the
third day OF June A. S. Badger was appointed
department commander. Under his supervision
a thorough inspection was made Of the posts
composing the department. and reports made OF
same to national headquarters. The charters OF
/ five posts have been surrendered. Under in
structions from the comman 'er-in-chief de-
partment encampment of Louisiana and Missis-
/ rippi was held on August s, 1892, in which
twelve posts were represented and full set OF
/ department officers elected. The department
/ Is now established on the basis contemplated
by the national administration and will proba.
/ bly, continue to flourish with its white and col
ored posts acting in harmony together with
increasing prosperity.
The officers are as follows: A. 8. Badger
commander; Chas. H. Shute, senior vice com.
mander; p. 7. Shea, junior vice commander
Geo. Merritt, chaplain; J. B. Vsndegrid
medical director; Chas. W. Kesting, assistani
adjutant general; ]. A. Brooksheir, resistant
quartermaster general; Oscar PiIman, judg'
advocate; O. Q. Antoine. ehise Dnstsrinl
l of6csr.