The record-union., 1893-09-07
posed.
Special to the RECoRD-UNIoN.

Special to the RECoRD-UNIoN.
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 6.-Captain J. G..
B. Adams of Massachusetts is to be Com
mander-in- Chief of the Grand Army of
the Republic during the ensuing year, he
being chosen by acclamation this after
noon. After the scores of regimental and
other reunions and a grand display of
fireworks were over tonight, the exodus
of veterans began, and by tomorrow
night thousands will have left for home.
From this time until the close of the en-
campment on Friday next it is no longer
pleasure for many, but business for
few.
The first session of the encampment
opened at 7:30, as well as the first session
Of the Woman's Relief Corps and the
Daughters of the Regiment. This after
noon there are scores of regimental and
division reunions, and tonight there will
be dozen or more public and private re-
ceptions, with electric and natural gas
displays outside.
Among the reports to the National En-
campment was that of the Special Com
mittee on Legislation. The object of the
appointment of this committee was to Sc
cure the enforcement of two Federal laws
almost totally disregarded for many
years. The first provides that those dis
charged from military or naval service
by reason of wounds or sickness should
have preference in appointments to pub
lie office; the other recommends veterans
to business men and firms of the country
for lucrative employment. The report
says a bill to that end was introduced at
the last Congress, but amended so as to
destroy its effect in the Senate, and was
subsequently acceptably amended in the
House, but failed to pass; that this bill
has been reintroduced in both houses the
present session. and that it is necessary
to keep up the fight with vigor until it
passes.
Governor Matthews. Mayor Sullivan
and Colonel Lilly, Chairman of the Exec
utive Committee, delivered addresses of
welcome. Commander-in-C Chief Weissert
responded, and then the encampment
went into executive session to hear the
reports of the officers. Commander
Weissert, in his report and address, re-
viewed the progress of the order during
the year; referred to the deaths of General
Rutherford b. Hayes and General Butler
as among the illustrious comrades who
had passed away and to the excessive
mortality among the rank and file The
report showed total membership of
As. .544, of whom 397 ,223 were in good
standing. The gain by muster during
the year was M,954. For relief Sl77, $40
was disbursed during the year. The
Woman's Relief Corps disbursed S5S, $40.
After disposing of the various reports
the encampment proceeded to elect Off
GERS. Past Commander-in-Ch Chief Merrill
nominated Captain J. q. B. Adams of
Massachusetts for Commander-in-C Chief
to succeed Weissert. Hurst of Ohio with
drew and Adams was chosen by acclama-
ton amid tremendous cheering. Ivan \.
Walker of indianapolis was chosen Vice
Commander and J. c. Bigger of Texas
Junior Vice Commander. The encamp-
ment then adjourned until tomorrow.
Pittsburg is the only city so far making
much of struggle for next years en-
campment.
The Seventh Annual Convention of the
Woman's Relief Corps met to-day. The
report of the President showed a gain of
two departments, tifty-two circles and an
increase Of $50 in membership. The total
membership is over 5000, with !, 800 hon
orary members. Twenty-eight States and
thirteen departments are represented,
every one of which is in excellent condi-
tlOn.