The Helena independent., 1893-09-07
MEMBERSHIP OF 443,544
Total Enrolment OF the Grand Army
OF the Republic at
Present
During the Year $177,84o Was
Dlsbursed for the Relief of
the Needy.
Capt. Adams, of Massnchusetts, Elected
Commando r. In. Oh ief for the Ensuing
Ycar-Tho Proceedings.

1HDiANAPOLIS, O.-A EeCopLlOu WIS
given LIST night by the ladies and citizens
to the Woman's Relief corps and other
auxiliaries at Tomlinson's hall. President
Hat rtson spoke feelinRly of the work done
BY the loyal women Of America. Gen.
Noble, Gen. Rusk, Gov. Matthews and
Mayor Sullivan spoke briefly, and responses
were made by number Of ladies. A grand
display Of fireworks was given at night,
among which Was G. A. Il. badge one
hundred feet long and twenty-five feet
wide. sent up in balloon and fred at the
height Of one thousand feet.
This was a busy day for the veterans
The first session OF the encampment opened
at $780, as we'll as the frst session OF the
Woman's Relief Corps and the Daughters
OF the Regiment. This afternoon there
were scores of regimen tal and division re-
unions.
eaml ment was that OF the special commit
too on legislation. Tho object of tho ap-
pointment of this committee was to secure
the enforcement of two federal laws almost
totally disHeRarded for many years, the
first providing that those discharged from
military or paval service by reason Of
wounds or sickness should have the prefer
ence in appointment to public Office; the
other recommending veterans to business
men and firms of the country for lucrative
employment. The report says bill to that
end Was introduced in the last congress
but amended 10 as to destroy its effect In
the senate. subsequently IL WAS accepta-
bly, amended in the house, but failed to
pass. This bill has been reintroduced in
both houses At tbs present session. and II is
necessary to keep up the fight with viRor
Till 1t passes.
Gov. Matthews, Mayor Sullivan and Col.
Lilly chairman of the executive committee.
delivered addresses of welcome. Conman-
def-in-Chief Weisert responded. Then
the encampment went into executive ses
sion to hear reports of officers.
The 'eports showed a total membership
OF 443.5 Of whom 397.223 were in good
standing. The gain by muster during the
year was "a 954. For relief $177.84G was
disbsrsed during the yenr. The Woman's
Relief Corps disbursed $685. 620.
The commando devoted much space to
the subject Of pensions. He said. after
, rese. t-dee 10 sie recent activity of the pen
sion bureau in cutting off pensions. thRt
du ing the past three years some Of those
who wsre not the friends of our country
during the mighty contest from 1861 to
power to create public sentiment against
pen nsion law and pensioners. Unwarranted
statements are made against tho pension
roll. The pension laws OF our country
affect the interest of veterans Of various
wars. but somehow this indisoriminate
taking away Of pensions Affects only those
who served In the war against treason and
rebellion. Neither does IL favor any sys-
tenn that permits those whose loyalty WAS
ever justly questioned TO pass upon the
merits of veterans who served honorably In
the union o. my. or which takes away or
csnoels the payment OF spsnsion lawfully
granted: without frst investigating the
case and permitting the pensioner to be
heard. which should be done at the expense
of the governments which demands addt-
tional proof. Action should be taken to
secure tho reinstatement of all worthy
veterans who have been dropped or sus-
pended from the roll.
After disposinR of various reports the
encampment proceeded to elect officers.
Past CommandeY-in-Ch Chief Mer Ill uomi-
mated Capt. j. q. b. Adams, of Massaohu-
sstts, for sommander-in-chief to sucoeed
Weissert. Hurst. of Ohio, Withdrew and
Adams Was chosen by acola alton, amid
tremendous cheering. Ivan N. Walker. of
| Indianapolis. WAS chosen senior vice COM
mander and J. G. Bigger, Of Texas, junior
vice commander.
Pit.sbsra IL the only oity 80 far making
much Of = struggle for next yeaI's sncsmp-
| ment.
The seventh annual convention of the
Woman's Relief corps met to-day. The
| report of the president shows a gaia Of two
| departments. ffty-two circles, and an in
crease OF $3.50 in membership. The total
mem bership is over 1s 600, with 800 honor
ary members. Twenty eight states and
thirteen departments are represented,
every one Of which Is in excellent condi-
| tion.
| The exodus of Veterans has begun and by
| to- orrow night thousands will have left
for home. From this time until the close
| of the encamt ment, Friday next, it will no
| longer be pleasure for many, but business
| for few.