The state herald., 1893-09-15
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Great Throng Of War Veterans Gather
Mt indianapolis to Attend tho
Encampment.


Mt Indianapolis to Attend tho
Encampmsnt.
The encampmert of the Grand Army OF tho
Republic began at Indianapolis on the 4tb.
The city had made great preparations for the
cven and every effort was made 10 render the
visit Of the old soldiers pleasant one. Great
crowds Of them were In attendance from oil
parts Of tho country. Receptions and re-
unions wero the order Of the day, and electric
illuminations were given for their entertain
ment. The business OF the encampment be-
gan on the 9th, in Tomlinson Hall which was
magnIilcently decorated with flowers and pa
triotic designs. Governor Matthews, In be-
half OF the state, welcomed the veterans and
Mayor Sullivan performed a like service In be-
half OF the city, while Colonel Eli Lilly, chair
man The Executive Committee, added few
words. Commander-in-Ch Chief Weissert made
the response iu 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 legisln-
ton. The purpose Of the appointment of tho
committee was to do something to secure the
enforcement Of the general laws, almost to-
tally dIsregarded for many years, the first
providing those discharged from service by
reason OF wounds or sickness Incurred In the
line Of duty should have preference in APP
pont,nent to public Office and the other one
recommending those hUnorably discharged by
reason Of expiration Of their terms Of service
In navy or army, or the close Of the war, TO
the business mon 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 4:3O o'clock, and 4 half
hours routine work disposed OF, Past Com
mander-in-C Chief Merrill arose and nominated
Captain j. q. b. Adams OF Massachusetts rs
commander-ln-chicf to succeed Commander
Weissert OF Wisconsin. Immediately there
was n pandemonlum, and cries Of adams,
Adams" resounded through the great hall
General Hurst Of Ohio withdrew, and Adams
was chosen by reclamation.
Ivan E. Walker of indianapolis was elected
senior vice commander, and j. C. Bigger of
Texas was elected junior Vice commander
without opposition.
The convention, In the midst Of the great
excitement, adjourned until 10 80 o'clock to-
morrow morning
Adams, the new commander, was born In
1s4l and In 1861 enlisted 10 Major Ben Perlcy
Poore's ltlhe battalion. which was the nucleus
Of the Nineteenth Massachusetts regiment.
He was promoted to captain for his valor.
lie participated in every battle of the army of
the Potomac, In which his regiment was en-
0Aued A eli ahurtr ha ,ved the cnlors
from capture after eight color-bearers had
been killed He was captured In 1864 and
held prisoner for nine months. He hes held
several offices Of trust since the close Of the
war and Ia now sergeant-at- arms Of the COM
monwealh. lie has always been active In the
work Of the q. A. X. and has been n delegate
to the last twelve national encampments.
The report OF Commander-in-C Chief Wcissert
stated that 1000 members OF the order had
died during the past year, and as many more
veterans outside the order had passed away.
The total membership OF the Grand Army of
the Republic Of the United States Ia 4+3,55i,
of which 39i OBJ are In good standing; sus-
pended, il.6Gl; by delinquent reports, 4,iG)
Thursday morning the Rev. A. b. Hen
drick Of West Liberty, Ohio, was unanimous
ly elected chaplain-In-chief
J. q. Fleming was chosen rs a member Of
the national council of administration from
Colorado.
The committee on pensions rendered n re-
port In which the present manner Of admin
istcring the pension bureau was denounced.
1t was resolved, That rs the commissioner
If pensions by his recent withdrawal OF tho
obnoxious rulings which have been so gener-
ally condemned has virtually acknowledged
the incorrcctness Of such rulings, we deem II
his further duty TO a, once restore TO the rolls
the thousands Of pensioners now standing H.
legally suspended"
The encampment Instructed the com
mnnder- in chief TO carry the question OF the
legality OF suspension OF pensions up To the
Supreme Court Of the United States.
The resolution asking that veterans be
given preference In public service was adopt
cd, rs was also the memorial asking the
Grand Army TO hold services on Washing
tons birthday.
The new officers were then installed AMI
each made short address.
Commander.in-Chief Adams selected Dr.
George Il. Graham Of Maryland, surgeon
general; J. 7. Leach Of Massachusetts, adj
Jutant general. Louis Wagner Of Philadel-
phia was continued as quartermas,er gem
eral.
The convention then adjourned sine die.
The following officers were elected and iu
stalled by the woman's Relief Corps:
President, Mrs. A. j. Wcthers Of Mime
sofa. senior vice president, Mrs. Taylor of
Iowa; junior Vice president, Mrs y. r. An-
der.on OF California; treasurer, Mrs. Gordon
Of Kansas; counselor, Mr.. j. V. Sheriff Of
Pennsylvania.