The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-08-12
SONS OF VETERANS.

In answer to numerous inquiries by
members OF the order and the public con-
cerning the origin, principles. objects,
etc., OF the Sons Of Veterans, u. S. A.,
tion regarding the formation of camps,
the following Is the correct history:
ORIGIN.
The first idea Of such an organization
grew out of the cadet corps associated
with Posts Nos. l and of the G. A. r. In
Philadelphia in 1877.
These cadet corps in April 1879 organ
lied themselves into independent camps
of Sons of Veterans, but it was not until
November. 1881, that the order of S. of V.
u. s. A., with National pretentions was
organized by Major A. p. Davis of Pitts
A. X. The charter for the first
camp was granted by the Com
monwealth of Pennsylvania, and from
this camp there has radiated an
influence which has extended through
out the length and breadth of our land,
from Maine to California, and from Min
nesota to Louisiana and Florida. Our
tree has grown to such massive proper
tions that its branches are to be founu in
thirty-one States. five territories and the
District of Columbia, and to-day number
nearly SOC, 900 members.
The components OF the order are:
First-Local organizations known as
camps.
Second-State organizations known as
divisions.
Third-National organization, known
as the Commandery- -in-Chief.
The order In military in character and
ceremonied work. and is oficered in ac-
cordance with army regulations. Camps
maintain the same order and work AS
companies. Divisions correspond to reg
iments aud the commandery-in-chief to
the army.
The captain, first and second lieutants
are elected by ballot. The captain ap-
points his staff as follows: First SER
geant, quartermaster sergeant, chaplain,
color sergeant, Sergeant Of the guard,
musician, camp guard and picket guard.
Divisions are officered as regiment, the
Commander-in-Ch Chief as an army.
Principles: A firm belief and trust in
Almighty God, and recognition of His
beneficent guidance in the preservation of
the life and integrity of the nation.
True allegiance To the government of
the United States of America, respect
for and fidelity to its constitutional
laws and opposition To any system or
power that in any manner tends to i'm
pair the efficiency and permanency OF our
national union.
Objects to keep green the memories OF
our fathers and their sacrifices TO main
tain the Union, aad To promote their in-
offer or necessity may demand; TO aid aud
assist in caring for their helpless and dis
abled veterans. to extend ala and protec-
tion to their widows and orphans; perpet-
uate the memory of their heroic dead,
aud the proper observance of Memorial
Day; TO aid and assist worthy and needy
members of the order; TO emulate patriot
ism and love Of country, not only amongst
our membership, but among all the peo-
pie of our land aud To spread aud sustain
the doctrine of equal rights, universal
liberty and justice To all.
AT the regular meeting OF Capt. "A, n.
Tiiton Camp, No. q, of Pawtuc ket, last
Wednesday evening, Franklin n. Blake
was elected third member or the Camp
Council to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Past Capt. j. r.. Mason.
There were also two Candidates elected
and two applications received.
Fred r.. Davis Camp No. Is was largely
attended last Tuesday evening. Frank
III. Miles was mustered TO membership.
At the regular meeting OF Gen. James
A. Garfield Camp No. III last Wednesday
evening, there was one application re-
ceived. The camp will omit the regular
meeting next "Wednesday evening
Gen. George q. Meade Camp No. IL
will hold their third anniversary in q a.
X. Hall, East Providence, Wednesday
evening, September Z, 1897.