The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-08-31
A MONUMENT TO THE PRIVATE SOL
DER

DER.
There has been for years a strong and
rapidly growing feeling among the ex-sol-
diers and sailors of the country that there
should be erected in Washington suitable
memorial to the valor and patriotism of the
enlisted men who by land and sea, fought
the battles of the Union and rescued the
Government from destruction.
There is nothing anywhere in Washing
ton to show the visitor to the National Capt.
tai that more than 100000 of the gallant
sons of the country rallied to the support of
her institutions, and fought for four long
years the bloodiest and most stubbornly-
contested war in history.
There are plenty of statues of Generals
and Admirals, not only of the rebellion, but
of previous wars in which the Nation was
engaged, but nothing to speak of the men
whom they commanded.
During the National Encampment in
Washington last year the Committee on Re
unions secured the use of the beautiful
ellipse lying between the White House
Grounds and the Monument, upon which
to hold the great Reunions of armies, corps,
divisions, brigades and regiments. This
spot, previously known as the ' White Lot"
was solemnly dedicated as "Grand Army
Place" President Harrison being unable
to be present owing to the mortal illness of
his wife, Yice-President Morton oficated
in his stead, and in the presence of large
number of high officials of the Governments,
Senators and Representatives, members of
the Supreme Court, bodies of cavalry, artil-
lery and infantry of the Regular Army,
sailors and marines from the Navy the Ma
and tens of thousands of comrades, he dedi-
Gated the spot to the soldiers and sailors of
lion. 1t was felt that this was an act of pc
culiar Significance because this was the first
time the men who fought for the Nation
had assembled in its Capital since the
war, and tens of thousands of veterans met
on that spot for the first time since their
muster-out their old comrades and COM
manders, and the meeting was probably
their last on earth.
Considering all these things the Commit
tee ON Reunions of the 26th National En-
campment decided to form itself into per-
manent association to carry out the wishes
of the comrades for q memorial in Washing
ton to the enlisted men, the same to be
erected on the ground that had been en-
deared to them by such impressive assoca-
tons.
The comrades have formed themselves into
an association regularly incorporated under
the laws of the District of Columbia.
Its title is The National Reunion Monu-
ment Association" and it is believed that a
more thoroughly representatives, and National
association could not be formed. Every
corps in the army and squadrons in the
navy are represented by comrades who saw
long and honorable service in the oreanza-
tions they represent, and besides they are
citizens of different States, and men of best
repute for character and ability.
The coming National Encampment will
be asked to indorse the Association, and
will go 10 work actively to secure the neces-
sary funds to erect the memorial. 1t is con-
fident that it will be successful in this, for
not only are the comrades everywhere very