Rocky Ford enterprise., 1893-09-14
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
0reAt Throng of War Veterans Gathsr
at indianapolis to Attend tho
Encampment.

at indianapolis to Attend tho
Encampment.
Tho encampmeEt OF the Grand Army OF the
Republic began nt indianapolis on the 4th.
The city had made great preparations for the
event and every effort was made to render the
visit Of the old soldiers pleasant one. Great
crowds Of them were In attendance from all
parts Of the country. Receptions and re-
unions were the order of the day, and electric
illuminat!ons were given for their entertain
msnt. The business OF the encampment be-
gan on the 9th, in Tomlinson Hall which was
magnifcently decorated with flowers and pa
triotio designs. Governor Matthews, in be-
half of the state, welcomed the veterans and
Mayor Sullivan performed q like service In be-
half of the city, while Colonel Ell Lilly, chair.
man of the Executive Committee, added few
worde Commander-in-Ch Chief Weissert made
the response in behalf of the Grand Army of
the Republic and the encampment then went
into executive session to hear reports Of the
officers.
One of the most important reports made
was that Of the special committee on legisla-
ton. The purpose Of the appointment Of the
committee was to do something to secure the
enforcement Of the general laws, almost to-
tally disregarded for many years, the hrst
providing those discharged from service by
reason of wounds or sickness Incurred In the
line Of duty should have preference In ap-
pointment to public Office and the other one
recommending those honorably discharged BY
reason Of expiration of their terms Of service
in navy or army, or the close Of the war, to
the business men and firms Of the country for
lucrative employment. An effect will be made
to have stronger laws passed.
After the reading Of the various reports
was completed at 1880 o'clock, and half
hours routine work disposed of, Past Com
mander-in- Chief Merrill arose and nominated
Captain j. G. B. Adams Of Massachusetts, as
commander-in-chief TO succeed Commander
Weissert of Wisconsin. Immediately there
was pandemonium, and cries Of "Adams,
Adams,' resoundrd through the great hall.
General Hurst of Ohio withdrew, and Adams
was chosen by reclamation.
Ivan E. Walker Of Indianapolis WA elected
senior vice commander, and j. G. Bigger Of
Texas was elected junior vice commander
without opposition.
The convention, in the midst of tho great
excitement, adjourned until 10 80 o'clock to-
morrow morning.
Adams, the new commander, was born In
1S41 and In 1861 enlisted In Major Ben Perley
Poore's Rifle battalion. which was the nucleus
of the Nineteenth Massachusetts regiment
He was promoted to captain for his valor.
He participated In every battle Of the army Of
the Potomac, In which his regiment was en-
gagged. At Fredricksburg he saved the colors
from capture after eight color-bearers had
been killed. He was captured In 1854 and
held prisoner for nine months. He hos held
several offices Of trust since the close Of the
war and is now scrgeant-at-arms Of the COM
monwealh. He has always been active in the
work of the G.. A. X. and has been delegate
to the last twelve national encampments.
The report of Commander-in- Chief Weissert
stated that 1000 members Of the order had
died during the past year, and as many moro
veterans outside the order had passed away.
The total membership of the Grand Army Of
the Republic of the United States is 443, ,554,
of which 397 ,223 are in good standing; sus-
pended, Al, ,661; by delinquent reports, AGO.
Thursday morning the Rev. A. B. Hem
drick of West Liberty, Ohio, was unanimous
ly elected chaplain-in-chief.
j. G. Fleming was chosen as a member OF
the national council Of administration from
Colorado.
The committee on pensions rendered . re-
port in which the present manner Of admin
istering the pension bureau was denounced.
1t was resolved, "That MS the commissioner
Of pensions by his recent withdrawal Of the
obnoxious rulings which have been so gener-
ally condemned has virtually acknowledged
the incorrectness Of such rulings, we deem 1t
his further duty to at once restore to the rolls
the thousands of pensioners now standing IL
legally suspended"
The encampment instructed the COM
mander-in-chief to carry the question of the
legality of suspension Of pensions up to the
Supreme Court Of the United States.
Tho resolution asking that veterans be
given preference in public service was adopt
ed, as was also the memorial asking the
Grand Army to hold services ON Washing
toms birthday.
The new officers were then installed and
each made a short address.
Commander-in-C Chief Adams selected DR..
George r. Graham Of Maryland, surgeon
general; ]. F. Leach OF Massachusetts,, ad-
jutant general. Louis Wagner Of Philadel-
phia was continued as quartermaster gen.
eral.
The convention then adjourned sine die.
The following officers were elected and In
stalled by the Woran's Relief Corps:
President, Mrs. A. j. Wethers Of Minne-
sofa; senior vice president, Mrs. Taylor Of
Iowa; junior vice president, Mrs. N. P. An
derson of California; treasurer, Mrs. Gordon
of Kansas; counselor, Mrs. J. v. Sheriff of
Pennsylvania.