The National tribune., 1893-03-30
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
ARIZONA

The annual EncampmeBt of the Department was
called to order March il by Commander
Schwartz. After the routine business the meeting
adjourned. The next day an excursion 10 the old
San Xavier Mission rendered the members
attending The Euczmpment by Comrades Slurgis
and Finley which proved TO be a very pleasurable
and interesting trip
On reassembiing pursuant 10 adjournment the
EDcampment received reports of committees after
which beautiful bronze star sparkling with seven
diamonds. and bearing The dates 1891. 1892 to in
dictate his period of service presented relir-
ing Commander Schwartz. Dr. Bolden made n
neat speech on behalf OF the comrades who thus
handsomely remembered their popular Com
maDder.
in lie election of officers Douglas Snyder. Of TIC
son. became Department Commander. The next
EIcsmpment Viii be held al Phoenix. At D. m
the customary banquet was served, and proved 10
be One Of The most successful ever given. About
15o comrsnes and guests sat down. Music and
decorations of erea. excellence added TO the pleas
Ure OF veteran companionship. Col. Zabriskie
Rcied as POSTMASTER.
CALIFORNIA
Al act OF broiherly love was manifested recently
by the members Of HAmlin Post. of Crescent City
By the death Of ]. w. Diiler, who formerly be-
loneed 10 Post in distant part Of the State, his
family was left almost destitute, and the veterans
rallied and took upon themselves the duty of de-
fraying all expenses and conducting the funeral
which. Tor the small number here, speaks volumes
for them.
GEORGIA.
At the regular meeting, March t. OF o. NJ
Eichel Post. Atlanta. memorial service was
beId ia memory of the comrades of that Post who
died during The past year. This beautiful and
touching service was most appropriately conducted
tn the presence of "A large audience, including the
families OF the deceased comrades, visiting men,
bers OF the Grand Army, aud many Of the people
OF Atlanta. The occasion was exceedingly i'm
pressIre and interesting and the singing was not
only most exceenily adapted TO the service but
beautifully sweet and inspiring. Hon. = A. Oar
neil, United States Attorney, present with his
daughter and party OF ladies, and he delivered
Tie address OF the evening.
ILLINOIS,
The 9Th annual Encsmpment of this Depart
ment wac convened at thc State House March I6
with fully 300 members in attendance. The Com
nguder in his report called attentiou-io the mel
ancholy fact that the Grand Army is BOW on the
Mane, llai Tor the brst lime in The history OF the
Illinois Department The statistics for the last year
show loss Of membership the net decrease being
zvOS lie said that the Grand Army never in
more prosperous condition financially than now
That y Was mol losing ground in point Of popularity
ano that The thinning cut in ihe ranks was due TO
tie farages Of lime: OF the Sons OF Veterans lac
taic have clIeeffuly Endorsed the Sons of Vet
Grams organization, whose object is to keep green
The memories of their fathers and their sacrifices to
maintain the Union. with assurance That the
Order Is neither political nor sectarian" At the
conclusion ui his remark s the Commander, Gen.
Harlan, was presented with a handsome diamond
studded badge by the Encampment and the MEM
bers Of his stan, Maj. James A. Connolly making
the presentation speech, and Gen. Harlan respond
lag happily. large foral design placed on
The tonlinanders desk the gift of the ladies Of the
DniieG States Pension Department Of Chicago
ConllnandeI-iu-Chie Messert, who WAS present
ln tiie audience, WIS called upon to make speech
lie spoke Ui The evils which lessen Interest in Posts
snc stated ihnt the worst evil la the selection
oil officers who were negligent His advice was 10
Put Eo man Commander who had net The welfare
OF tie Order at heart. =" Your Department officer
have undonbiedy worked hard during the last
year, but IN examining The records of this Depart
meht yesterday found. Notwithstanding all your
Efforts. HAT you are several hundred comrades
short la 1892, IN June, you had g, 3S3 comrades
3n The State. AT your last report. Dec 81. 1892 six
months later, you had 80. 1862. Your death rate WAS
tss You had Ia ls90 0S. go pensioners in the De-
psrliaeni OF Illinois. but now you have of comrades
soldiers. and marines Of the late war eligible "a
membership In the O. a X. In this Department
1622s. Your membership at the close OF last term
Dee 81, 1892 50 952-far LEES than half Tie
number la The State. Now, what you want to dc
is 10 get those old veterans who do not belong ia
the Order into the ranks, and dc II just quick Is
as possible, Tor sincerely believe there wa
q time ia the history of our Order wien the veter
ans Of the late war should stand closer together
and their hearts beat than al the present
time. Applause IL. when YOU leave this hal
and return 10 your Posts, you imDued with tht
spirit Of fraternity, loyalty. and charity thai
You have had up this time, and you go To work
a'd assist The officers whom you elect to hold iii,
Responsible positions In this Department for the
ensuing year. you should have no fear TO tn,
& result
The election of officers resulted in the selection
OF Conn.,, T. A. Blodgeit $. V. c., +. Is. Hamilton
Quincy; J.V.C., VIC. Rdgeway, Wabash County
Snap., j. IL. Wolfe, Carlinville; Medical Director