The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-09-07
THE GRAND ARMY.
Addresses of Welcome by Indiana's Gov
ernor-Reports OF Committees.

-
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 6.-Captain ]. G.
B. Adams of Massachusetts, is to be COM
mander in chief OF the Grand Army of
the Republic for the ensuing year, being
chosen by reclamation this afternoon.
After scores of regimental reunions and
grand display OF fireworks were over to-
night, the exodus of veterans began, and
by tomorrow night thousands will have
left for home. From this time until the
close of the encampnent, Friday next,
is no longer a pleasure for many,
but business for few. This was a
busy day for the G. A. r. veterans. The
first session of the encampment at $50
as we'll as the first session of the Woman's
Relief Corps and Daughters OF the Regi-
ment. This afternoon there were scores
of regimental and division reunions and
tonight there will be a dozen or more
public and private receptions, with cleo
trio and natural gas displays outside.
Among the reports of the national en-
eampment is that of the special commit
tee on legislation. The object of the ap-
pointment of this committee was to Sc
cure the enforcement of two federal
laws almost totally disregarded for
many years. The first, pro-
from the military or naval
service by reason of wounds or sickness,
should have preference in the appoint
ment to public office; the other recon-
meuding the veterans to business men
and firms of the country for lucrative
employment. The report says a bill to
that end was introduced in the last Con-
gress, but it was amended SO as to des-
troy its effect in the Senate; subsequently
1t was acceptably amended in the House,
but failed to pass; that this bill has been
reintroduced in both houses of the pre-
sent session, and that it is necessary to
keep up the fight with vigor till 1t passes.
Governor Matthews, Mayor Sullivan
and Colonel Lilly, chairman of the ex-
ecutive committee, delivered addresses of
welcome. Commander in Chief Weisert
responded. Then the encampment went
] into executive session to hear the report
OF the officers.
| Commander Weissert in his report and
address, reviewed the progress OF the
order during the year and referred to the
deaths of General Rutherford Hayes and
General Butler among the illustrious
comrades who had passed away; and to
the excessive mortality among the rank
and file. The reports showed total
| membership Oh t4O, O94, u WuOn OSf 10
were in good standing. The gains by
muster was "a, 954. For reliefs S177, S46
had been disbursed during the year.
! The Woman Relief corps had disbursed
SOS, $50.
The commander devoted much space to
the subject of pensions. He said, after
reference to the recent activity OF the pen
sion bureau in cutting off pensions,
stduring the past three years some Of
-. frsa Jo II
try during the mighty contest from 1851
to 1866 have taken every means within
| their power to create public sentiment
against the pension laws and pensioners.
and unwarranted statements are made
against the pension roll. The pension
laws of our country affect the interest of
the veterans of various wars, but some
how this indiscriminate taking away OF
pensions affects only those who
served in the war against treason
and rebellion. Neither does If
favor any system that permits those
whose loyalty was never justly ques-
| toned to pass upon the merits CT veterans
who served honorably in the union army,
or which takes away, or cancels the pay
ment of pension lawfully granted with
out first Investigating the case and per-
hitting the pensioner to be heard, which
| should be done at the expense of the gov
eminent which demands additional proof
Action should be taken to secure the re-
instatement of all worthy veterans who
have been dropped or suspended from the
pension roll. -
After disposing of various reports, the
encampment proceeded to elect officers.
Past Commander-in- chief Merrill nomi-
mated captain j. G.. B. Adams, of Massa-
chusetts for COMMUNICATIVE chief, to
succeed General Weissert. Mr.
Hurst, of Ohio. withdrew and Captain
Adams was chosen by reclamation, amid
tremendous cheering. Ivan N. Walker
Of indianapolis, was chosen senior vice.
commander, and J. G. Bigger of Texas,
junior vice-commander. The encamp-
ment then adjourned until tomorrow
Pittsburg is the only city so far making
much of struggle for next years. en-
campment.
The seventh annual convention of the
Woman's Relief corps met today. The
report of the president showed a gain OF
two departments, fifty two circles and ar
increase OF s, $50 in membership. The
mem bership is over Is, 900, with 1 ,5O(
honorary mem bers. Twenty eight states
and thirteen departments are represented
every one of which are in excellent con-
dition.