The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-09-14
a MONSTER GATHERING.
Tomlnson Hall the Scene of Campfire at
which Many Notables were Present.

Tomlinson Hall the Scene of Campfire at
which Many Notables were Present.
Hundreds were turned away from the Camp
FIRE at Tomlinson Hall on Wednesday night
The audience was for the most part composed of
men, and Commander Fairchld said in the
course of his remarks that he never saw so many
baldheads assembled before in his life. The
stage was com fortably filled with people Ex-
President Harrison was there as master of cere-
monies. and behind and to the right of him sat
Gov. Mckinley, of Ohio. To the right of the
latter sat ex-Secretary Noble, and to the left
ex-Congressman II. T. Morey and Gen. Charles
III. GrOsyeuor, of Ohio. Gen. Green B. Raum
ex-Commssioner of Pensions, had position
behind the ex-President. Near by sat also
Hon. Jeremiah Rusk, ex-Secretary of Agricul.
ture; Gen. Lucius Fairchild. Past Com mander
of the GAR; Bernard Kelly, United States
Pension Agent at Topeka, Kan and Gen. John
II. Duvall. of West Virginia who commanded
the division during the war of which the late
ex-President Hayes commanded brigade.
When ex-Presdent Harrison made his ap-
pearance on the stage he was given hearty
welcome of cheers from the whole audience.
Gen. Harrison made a short Introductory
speech, and presented Gen. Rusk, after a song
by the Glee Club and recitation.
The ex. Secretary told little anecdote that
set the ball rolling and ended by blessing every
one of the veterans, declaring that they will
forever live in the hearts of the American peo-
pie.
]. j. Phelps, of Michigan, entertained the
audience with war "reminiscences, and gave
thrilling account of the battle of Lookout
Mountain.
Mai. r. Fl. Hendershott aroused the enthusi-
asm of the veterans by display of his skill on
the drum Mrs. Cooper, in behalf of the W.R.C,
presented him with badge.
Several songs and Rotations were given,
and attempts were made to carry out the
printed program. Miss HcManis gave a whis
thing solo, Mrs. Walker sang, and Miss Daisy
futile and Mrs. Pearl Patterson Bean rected.
Calls for Mckinley having meantime become
loud and numerous, the Governor responded.
After telling story, instancing the devotion
of the soldier to his flag, he went on:
There are some things you cannot buy, and pat
riotism is of them. Patriotism Is above
pricel And when you entered the service you
were moved by that one sentiment, TO preserve the
best Government In the world for yourselves and
for posterity; and it don't make any difference
what happens in the future. 1t don't make any diff
ference what may be taken from you your pat
riotism and loyalty will abide in your hearts for
ever. You love the old flag and you would serve
your country and you would fight for both If there
was no such thing pension ever issued by
the Government. [Great applause.l Nobody
wants unworthy soldier to be on the pension
rolls Of the Government cries of That's so and
my old comrades would be the first to take them
of the roll Of honor. But when they have once
been put on, they should stay there until the Gov
eminent by conclusive proof, convicts the pen
sioner of fraud. [Appause and cries of That's
it; that's right"l As Gen. Harrison so well said
yesterday the presumption should be in favor Of
soldier. [Great applause.l All I-insist upon is
this: That is. if the old soldier s 10 be taken off
the roll. before he Is taken off he should be per-
mitted to confront his aecuser. Cries of That's
far."l The worst criminal in this country has the
right to meet his accuser. want the old veteran
to have a chance.
Past COMMANDMENTS Chief Fairchild came for
ward after repeated calls, and Endorsed what
Gen. Rusk had said, and added few more
eloquent remarks concerning the rights of the
veterans to have justice shown them in the
matter of pensions
Bugler Leon Wiley gave all the bugle calls,
and was heartily applauded. Music and recita-
tons followed and then the Campfire broke up
with three cheers for Harrison and Mckinley.