The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-12-13
TEE COMING GRAND ARMY ENoAMpMEHr.

The plan of campaign for the twenty
seventh annual encampment of the
Grand Army Of the Republic, to be held
in this city next September, was form
ally inaugurated at a citizens meeting
last hight. a report of which appears in
this issue of the Journal. The event
will be one of great interest to the peo-
pie of this city and of the entire State.
1t interests on account of its magnitude
as we'll as the sentiment it represents.
The membership of the Grand Army
of the Republic constitute the true aris-
tocracy of this country. They are the
survivors of that patriotic host who, in
the hour of the Nations peril, rallied
round the flag and followed it through
four years of deadly strife to final vic
tory. They represent the grandest DEM
onstration of American patriotism and
the most magnificent display of Amer
lean citizenship the country has ever
seen OF, perhaps, iseverlikely TO see. The
history they were instrumental in making
may never havea parallel. The present
generation of Americans ought not to
lose any opportunity of doing honor to
these surviving actors in the most heroic
passage Of our history. Especially
should the city of Indianapolis and the
State of Indiana be proud end happy to
receive and entertain the veterans. No
other State gained more distinction or
more credit out of the war than did
Indiana, and no other city, except
Washington. echoed to the tread of
more soldiers than did IndIana's capital.
Every city, town, village, hamlet and
school district, almost every home In
the State, contributed it's best blood to
the army, and those who remained
behind, with some conspicuous ex-
ceptions, sent their prayers and good
wishes with those who went to the
front. Thus the whole State had a
baptism of patriotism which gave it a
great impulse forward on higher lines
to better things. These are the days
and the sentiments which a Grand
Army encampment recalls in Indiana.
The location of Indianapolis, in the
heart of the central West, and it's ac-
feasibility from all directions, make it
certain that the next annual encamp-
ment will attract a vast concourse of
people. The aggregate attendance dur
ing the last encampment at Washing
ton, including veterans and visitors, was
about $4,000. and it is believed the at
tendance at the next encampment will
be even larger. The worlds fair will
be in progress. and thousands of persons
will stop off here to take in the encamp-
ment on their way to or from Chicago.
There is every reason to believe that
the crowd will be very much the largest
ever assembled on Indiana soil.
Col. Eli Lilly. widely known as one of
the most public spirited citizens of In
dianapolis, has kindly consented to take
the position of chairman of the execu-
tive board for making arrangements to
handle the encampment, and his ad-
dress last night showed that he has a
full appreciation of the magnitude of
the undertaking. and the responsibility
it devolves on the city and State. He
has entire confidence in the patriotic
disposition of the people to extend a
magnificent reception to the veterans,
and yet he realizes the magnitude OF the
undertaking. and the necessity of the
cordial and energetic cooperation of
all classes of citizens to insure a credit
able outcome. His plans, as outlined in
his address and in the committees ap-
pointed. are admirable, and if the peo-
pie come to his support, as there is
every reason to believe they will, no
fears need be entertained as to the re-
sult. But there is an immense amount
of work to be done. and every one must
do his part. This Is a case in which In
diana expects every man to do his duty.