The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-10-05
DEPARTMENT NEWS
MASSACHUSETTS,.

MASSACHUSETTS,.
Charles Ward Post, 81, Newton recently cells
brated its silver anniversary in grand style.
The Commander-in-Chisf and a large number
OF other distinguished personages were present.
w. b. Fowle, the first Commander CT the Post
made the opening address, giving reminis-
cenees OF the organization for quarter Of
century.
COMMANDMENTS Chief ]. G.. B. Adams, Of the
National Department, was given a rousing re-
ception when he arose to speak. He spoke OK
the bringing OF the flag into the audieuce-room
and salutiDg it. 1t is a new feature and one
that ought to be adopted everywhere on such
occasions. The veteran soldiers love the flag.
They saw it go down many times. but brought
1t home with every star undimmed. Depart
ment Commander of Massachusetts, Eli B. Hall
made stirring speech. and was followed by
Past Department. Commander Billings George
s. Evans and others.
Charles Ward Post was organized July 81
1868 with 10 charter members. They were
Newton men, who came from Post Is, Boston.
The first Post order was issued by Commander
w. B. Fowle Sept. 10. 1868 and on the same
date the late Thomas Rice presented the Post
with its first stand of colors The first contri-
button to the charity fund came in the shape Of
a check for 500 from Gen. Fitzpatrick. The
late Hon. ]. Wiley Edmands was one Of ths
Posts most generous friends from the period Of
its inception until his death in 1877 The whole
number of persons who Joined the Post from
the date of organization up to the present tins
is 40. The number of deaths so far as can be
ascertained is sc; the present membership is
179; the average disbursement for charity il
about $3.50 per annum; the amount expended
from the charity fund up to 1888 was So 1872 %,
and since then about $4,000. Nearly $4,000
has been expended for entertainments from the
Post fund, the latter representing alone the
contributions of members. The charity fund
is held as q sacred thing, and every cent do
mated to it ia utilized for charitable purposes
only.
MISSOURI
John Fl. Kendall Post. 40 Brazito. passed
resolutions condemning the action Of the pref
ent Commissioner Of Pensions in his order
suspending comrades pensions whose pen.
sions were properly adjudieated; that the sol-
diers who left their homes and fresides, went to
the front, fought the battles for the Union and
saved their country in its time of peril and
great need; that all such should be cared for
now in their old days in order that their old
days may be spent in quietude and rest from
their labors.
PENNSYLVANIA
1t is gratifying to the Department Com
mander to announce that the large attendance
of comrades from Pennsylvania to the 9Th EG-
tional Encampment at indianapolis. aHd their
soldierly appearance on parade, reflected great
credit upon the Department. Pennsylvania
has again won the distinguished honor of being
the banner Department of the Grand Army OF
the Republic. This proud position it should be
our aim to retain, and the Department Com
mander urges upon comrades TO at once COM
meuce the work of recruiting. Post Com
manders are requested to appoint efficient
recruiting committees, who will not only en-.
deavor to bring in new members, but who will
specially look after those who have allowed
themselves to be dropped from the rolls. Every
facility should be afforded them to again be-
come active members of the Post.
Pennsylvania was signally honored by the
National Encampment at indianapolis select
ing the city of Pittsburg as the place for hold
ing the 28th National Encampment, and from
the well-known reputation of the citizens Of
that community for loyalty and hospitality the
meeting no doubt will be grand success.
The sermon delivered by Department Chap
lain Rev. John w. Sayers, in the National Gem
etery at Gettysburg. Sunday, July 16. 1893. has
been published, aud copies are forwarded to
Posts in accordance with resolution passed At
the semi-annual Encampment.
POTOMAC
Members of Lincoln Post, g. are preparingto
hold big fair at their hall, beginning Oct. 8
and lasting two weeks. The object of this fair
will be to raise funds for the support Of the
needy families of deceased comrades. Tho
committee in charge propose to give al enter
tainment each evening. Booths have been
fitted up, which will be in charge of the ladies
of the W.RC. of the Post. There has been .
large decrease in the membership Of the Post
by death since January last.
TENNESSEE
The latest General Order of the Department.
Commander, Frank Seaman, is devoted to inn
pOrtant events occurring at the indianapolis
Encampment. In regard to numbers he says:
Z" The attendance from this Department was IN.
usually large. The register at our Headquar.
tiers shows the names of 137 from Tennessee,
and there were those who did not register. 10
is physically impossible for the majority to go
through the long marches outlined az these
Encampments. To those from this Department.
who so faithfully marched under the glare Of
q burning sun, the Commander returns sincere
thanks-the cheers and plaudits that greeted
us from one end of the line to the other was
compensation for our physical fatigue. 4
pleasing episode of our march was the presence
of our distinguished eomrade, Gen. John T,
Wilder, of Post 20 without mention Of whose
honorable service no history of the war can be
written), with the boys at the head Of the
Posts Is, 80, AZ. 60 and so, suspended by Gem
eral Orders No. 5, July 90 having complied with
Rules and Regulations, have been reinstated.