The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-09-14

the OH1CerS ana DeietiteSs
Tomlinson Hall was the scene on Monday
night of magnificent occasion. 1t was a com
plimentary reception by the citizens of Indian
apolis to the officers and delegates of the 9th
annual Encampment, Grand Army OF the Re-
public"
A great jolly, goodnatured crowd attended,
of brave boys in blue and their wives, sweet
hearts, sisters, sons, and daughters, and they
unaffectedly enjoyed the openhanded Western
hospitality which greeted them. Tomlinson
Hall was decorated lavishIy but tsstefully. A
canopy Of blue genmed with stars was over
sl, and tho hewildering array Of silver vreaths,
flags, battle-axes, blue uniforms, brass buttons.
with the various colors in the gowns Of the
ladies, all combined to make q scene that
caused Temlinson Hall to reach hight of
glory such as she probably never will again.
Comrads Benjamin Harrison was the first to
appear on the platform as a speaker, escorted
to the front by Mayor Sullivan, who intro
duced him. although it was not necessary; for
hardly had the words died on the Mayors lips
before such . cheering went up that the canopy
above waved with the roar, the building shook,
and the General was kept bowling for several
minutes before he was allowed to proceed.
The Ex-Presidcnt's utterances were so clear
that all in that densely -cr0wded ball could
hear every word. His sentiments went
straight to the hearts of the boys in blue, and
applauded. In the course of his speech he
said:
Commander Weissert, Delegates TO the Twenty
seventh Annual Eucampment of the Grand Army
OF the Republic, Comrades and Felow-Citizens:
Has not indianapolis already spok Ken TO you? Have
not these gay streets, these waving flags these
smiling faces given you assurance OF welcome to
the Capital of Indiana? Can add anything to
that magnificent demonstration that has already
greeted your eyes?
We welcome you tonight because we are in ac
cord with you. TApplause.l / declare to you that
citizens of indianapolis and of the State are in
thorough sympathy with the organization and the
aims of the Grand Army of the Republic. IGreat
Applause We welcome you because you have
"the arduous greatness of things done" in behalf
of the fng and of the country. tAppause.l Our
hearts and our homes are open to you
The American soldier of the civil war has not
been commercially greedy. IL there had been no
other impulse than sIl or Sl3 a month we would
have had no army And when the war was over
their thought was not Of dependence upon the
Government, but upon their right arms.
Applause saw that great parade, with the
gallant and lanented Cen Sherman at its head.
sweep by the Treasury of the United States and
there WAS not a greedy eye turned toward 1t. APP
plause.l Every eye was toward home. and the
hurrying footsteps were bent thither. Their hearts
went faster than the quick step of the march, on to
the humble homes from which they had gone out,
to the loved ones they had left there.
And all these years, in every community, in
every trade, the soldier has been workman. As
long God gave him strength of arm. he wrought
aud ate the bread of independence. Only when he
became the veteran of time, and the arm that had
wrought so bravely for his country and sturcily
for his family lost its strength. only then did ne
turn his hopeful eye toward the Government for
relief Applause.
1t is n familiar maxim of the law that remedial
legislation is 10 have favorable interpretation in
the interest of the evil to be remedied. Secondly,
we may, and we do, insist that In the administra-
ton of the law the soldiers integrity and honor
shall not be wanionly impeached. Applause.
We do not ask that any who have fraudulenily OBJ
tanned a place upon the pension roll shall be kept
there, but do Hsk that other familiar maxim of
the law that fraud is TO be proved and not pre-
stunned shall be applied to the soldiers claim.
These general principles j think must be accept
able 10 every right-thinking. patriotic man. We
are impatient only with those who start with
prejudice against the soldier.
Commander in Chief Weissert, who is always
exceedingly happy in expression of his thoughts,
responded to the address of welcome. Among
other things he said:
We recognize the fact that Indianapolis Is in
thorough accord with this organization. We notice
in the decorations notice in the hospitality
of its citizens. They showed il during that great
war from 1861 to 1865. Indiana was the soldiers
friend then 1t has ways been the soldiers friend.
and fortnight we lave this grand demonstration,
proving that 1t continues the soldiers friend. APP
plause
Col. Lilly, Chairman of the Citizens Execu-
tive Committee, was loudly called for and re-
sponded in his hearty way. bringing the cheers
almost with every period.
A large orchestra interspersed the exercises
with overtures aud character pieces. Mrs.
Zelda Seguin Wallace sang The Star Spangled
Banner" the people joining in the refrain.
Miss Sadie Walker. daughter of Col. !. N.
Walker. sang a sweet song. The Baldheaded
Glee Club responded to several encores. the
crowd cheering and waving hats and hsndker-
chiefs
When the program was concluded the floor
was cleared, and the young people took posses
sion for dancing There was delicious punch
served throughout the evening, which was
departure from the usual banquet. The boy
veterans voted it grand affair, and fitting
opening for such an Encampment as it has
proved to be.