The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-09-07

10 hear reports Of officers. Commander
wesssert I'm his report and address re-
viewed the progress Of the order during the
year, and referred TO the deaths OF Gen.
Rutherford n. Hayes ard Gen. Butler
among the iliustrious comrades Who had
passed away, and 20 the excessive mortal
sfy among the rank and file. The COM
mander devoted much space to the sab
ject OF pensions He said. after reference
20 the recent activity Of the pension bu-
resu In cutting OF pensions:
During the past three years some OF
those who we're rot friends Of our coiintry
during the mighty contest from is6i 20
1856 have taken every means within their
power TO create public sentiment against
the pension laws and pensioners. unwar-
Tanted statements are niade against the
pension roll. The pension laws of cur
country affect the interest OF the veterans
of various wars, but somehow this indis-
crimirafe taking away OF pensions affects
only those who ser we'd in the war against
treason and rebe lion. The Grand Army
does not favor any system that permits
those whose loyalty was ever justly ques-
toned to pass upon the merits of veterans
who served honorably in the Union army.
or which takes away or cancels the pay
faent Of q pension lawfully granted with
ting the pensioner 20 be heard, which
ehould be done at the expense OF the gov
eminent, which demands the additional
proof. Action should be taken TO secure
the reinstatement Of all worthy veterans
who have been dropped or suspended from
the pension roll.
The reports showed total membership
of 1854, Of whom 397. 223 were In good
standing. The gain by muster during the
year was 2i,054. For relief, SIT. SIS was
disburssd during the year. The woman's
Relief Corps disbursed SIS. $40.
Among the reports was that of the spe-
ciai committee on legislation. The object
OF the appointment Of this committee was
to secure the enforcement Of two Federal
laws almost totally disregarded for many
years. the first providing that those dis
charged from tho military or naval SER
vice by reason or wounds or sickness
should have preference In appointment TO
public Office. the other recommending
veterans 10 business men and firms Of the
country for lucrative employment. The
report says bill TO that end was intro
duced In the last congress, but was
amended 50 as TO destroy iss effect In the
senate. subsequently IL was acceptably
amended in the house, but failed TO pass.
This bill will be reintroduced in both
houses at the present session, and 10 il
necessary to keep up the fight with vigor
tall IL is passed.
After disposng OF the various reports
the encampment proceeded to elect off,
GERS. Past Commander-in-C Chief Merrill
nominated Capt. j. q. Is. Adams, of Mas
sachusstts. for eommander-in-chief To
suece "a Weisserk. Hurst, Of Ohio. With
drew and Adams was chosen by acclama.
ton amid tremendous cheering. Ivan n.
Walker. of indianapolis. was chosen senior
vice commander. and J. q. Bigger, oil
Texas. junior vice commander. The en-.
eampment then adjourned until tomor.
row.
riitshurg is the only city so far rnakins
much OF struggle for next years encamn
menI
The report of the president OF the wo
mans Relief Corps shows gain of fifty.
two circles and an increase of $50 in tht
membership. The total membership Is
over is.ooo, with Loo honorary members.
Twenty eight states and thirteen depart
inents are represented. every one OF which
is In excellent condition.