Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-09-07

attacks upon this couutry's defenders had
started n storm of indignation which
threatened to overwhelm them. Com
missioner Lochrea's order, Issued last
week, Is complete reversal Of the
previous action of the pension office in
its Wholesale suspension of pensions but the
spirit In which it was issued is fully por-
trsyed in tho letter addressed to Congress-
man Morse of Massachusetts, This remerk-
able production broathes the most bitter
hatred as we'll as vindictveness.
1t is dus to a cousderab portion OF the
democratic party, bowever, to say that
they appear to be as much ashamed of
Locbrens insolent outburst OF passion as
are the Grand fArmy men and republicans,
in general The old veterans in their
twenty seventh encampment will therefore
be fully justified in handling the present ad-
mnistration of tho pension Office without
gloves, and 1t is to be hoped that they will
arpaign tho prosecutors of tho old soldiers
In such burning terms as will render a repe-
tition Of the offence one of the strongest i'm
probabilities OF the future.
Many pleasant as we'll as inspiring
thoughts, however, present themselves in
connection with the national encampmsnt
Of the Grand Army Of the Republic. 1t is
a wonderful organization in its widespread
influence, as well as in Its constant growth
and the invigor atng enthusiasm OF its mem
bers. The Graud Army is regarded in some
quarters Gs Il relic OF the war, and such it
is In Que sense of the term, but it should
not be assumed Ivy any means that the old
veterans hayo outgrown their usefulness.
Their organization not only reminds the
new generation of Its obligation to them for
having made continuance of our great
and glorious Union possible, but in its
observance OF memorial day and its various
and impressive services it hos also done
more and is now doing more than any other
single agency to instil into the hearts Of
American youth that spirit of patriotism
which found its highest and most sublime
expression In the suppression of the rebel
lion The lessons of love of country and
| patriotism cannot be too thoroughly learn
ed. and well will it be for our republic if
the Grand Army leaves behind it an organ
za,ion worthy to.follow in its footsteps and
to carry On the work Which 1t has SO grand
! y begun.
Tho national encampment has also its sad
fea uteI md these increase in significance
and intensity as tho years roll on. In all
probability the Grand Army has reached
its maximum in membership even IL it has
not already begun to Decline and one OF the
chief points OF interest at the Indianapolis
encampmont will be to sos whether the sta
tistics will disclose real as well as a mark
ed falling Oft. The Official report statsd
last year that tho membership of the Grand
Army was at it's highest point and that it
would undoubtedly remain stationary for e
few years and then it must necessarily de
| crease and the decrease lie very rapid.
Still the Grand Army ia over 400, o0O
strong and it will be many years before the
last veteran OF the Union army will have
answered the last buge call. The Grand
Army still has grand work to do and II
will continue to perform its duty with the
same fearlsssIsss and zeal as charactered the
services OF It's members in the darkest day,
Of the civil war.