The herald., 1893-09-07
THE G. A. R. ENCAMPMENT.
Veterans at Indianapolis Get
Down to Business.
Capt. j. G.. B. Adams Elected
C0mmander-in- Chief.
The Retiring Commander Delivers
His Annual Address.
He Makes Caustic Criticism OF tho Ad-
ministration Of the Pension Laws
by tho Party Now In
Power, Etc.

=
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 6.-Captain J. G.
Adams Of Massachusetts lie to be COM
mander-in.chief Of the Grand Army OF
the Republic the ensuing year, he hav-
ing been chosen by acclamation this
afternoon.
After scores Of regimental and other
reunions and grand display of fire.
works tonight, the exodus of veterans
began, and by tomorrow night thou
sands will have left for home. From
this time until the close Of the encamp-
ment on Friday next 1t is no longer
pleasure for the many, but business for
the few.
This was busy day for the veterans.
The first session of the encampment
opened at 8 80 q. M. as we'll as the first
session of the Woman's Relief Corps
and Daughters of the Regiment. This
afternoon scores of regimental and di-
vision reunions were held. To-
night there were dozen or
more public and private re-
ceptions, with electric and natural
gas displays outside. Among the reports
to the national encampment is that
OF the special committee on legislation.
The object OF the appointments OF this
committee wac to secure the enforce
ment of two federal laws almost totally
disregarded for many years, the first
providing that those discharged from
the military or naval service by reason
of wounds or sickness, should have pref
erence in appointments to public Office;
the other recommending veterans to
business men aud firms of the country
for lucrative employment. The report
says bill to that end was introduced
last congress, but amended 80 as to des-'
troy its effect in the senate; it was sub
sequently acceptably amended in the
house, but failed to pess that this bill
has been reintroduced in both houses OF
the present session, and that it is neces-
sary to keep up the fight with vigor till
it is passed.
General Matthews, Major Sullivan and
Colonel Lilly, chairman OF the executive
committee, delivered addresses of well
come. Commander-In-chief Weissert
responded. Then the encampment went
into executive session to hear the reports
OF the officers.
Commander Weissert, in his report
and address, reviewed the progress Of
the order during the year. He referred
to the deaths OF Gen. Rutherford B,
Hays and Gen. BENZ. IF. Butler, among
the illustrious comrades who had passed
away, snd to the excessive mortality
among the rank and file. The report
showed total membership of 443, ,544, of
whom 1929 were in good standing.
The gain by muster during the year was
24,954. For relief $177, ,846 was disbursed
during the year. The Woman's Relief
Corps diSbursed $58. .820.
The commander devoted much space
to the subject Of pensions. He said,
after reference to the recent activity OF
the pension bureau in cutting off PEN
siona: "During. the past three years
scme of those who were not friends of
our country dnring the mighty contest
from 1861 to 1866 have taken every
means within their power to create
public sentiment against the pension
laws and pensions. Unwarranted
statements are made against the pen
sion roll. The pension laws of our
country affect the interest Of the vet
e-ans of various wars, but somehow
this indiecriminate taking away of PEN
sions effects only those who served in
the war against treason and rebellion;
neither does it favor any system that
permits those whose loyalty was never
Justly questioned to pass upon
the merits of the veterans who
served honorably in the union army, or
which takes away or cancels the pay
ment OF q pension lawfully granted
without first investigating the case and
permitting the pensioner to be heard.
which should be done at the expense of
the government which demands the ad.
ditional proof. Acsion should be taken
to secure the reinstatement of all
worthy veterans who have been dropped
or suspended from the pension roll.''
After dispoHing OF various reports. the
encampment proceeded to elect officers.
Past Commander-in-C Chief Merrill NOM
mated Capt. j. G. B. Adams of Masss-
chussetts for commander-in-chief to sue.
ceed Weissert. Hurst Of Ohio withdrew
and Adams was chosen by acclamation,
amid tremendous cheering.
Ivan N. Walker of Indianapolis was
chosen senior vice.commander. and 7.
@. Bigger Of Texas junior vice com
mander. The encsmpment then ad-
journed until tomorrow.
Pittsburg is the only city, 80 far. max
ing much of struggle for next years
encampment.
The seventh annual convention OF the
Womsn's Relief Corps met today. The
report of the president showed a gain
of two departments, 81 circles and an
increase of $50 in membership. The
total membership is over $4,000, with
1900 honarary members. TWENTY
eight states and 213 departments are
represented, every one Of which is in
excellent condition.