Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1893-09-09
NEW COMMANDER.
Capt. Adams, Of Massachusetts,,
Elected by the g. A. r.
He IS CHOSEN BY RECLAMATION,
Address of COMMUNICATIVE Chief weissert
-Inroads of Death In the Ranks OF
Veterans The Pension
Question.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Sept. 1.-THE
first session of the national encamp-
ment of the q. A. II. began ut $3.50
o'clock, as did also the first session OF
the Woman's Relief Corps convention
and the Daughters of the Regiment.
One of the most important reports
made to the national encampment was
that of the special committee on legls-
lation, by Chairman Keay. The pur-
pose of the appointment OF the commit
tee was to do something to secure the
enforcement of the two federal laws,
almost totally disregarded for many
years, the first providing that those
discharged from military or naval SER
vices by reason of wounds or privations
incurred in the line of duty should have
a preference in the appointment TO
public offices and the other recommends
ing that honorably discharged men
should be preferred by the business
men and firms of the country for lucra-
tive employment. On this subject the
report says:
At the time Of making our report TO the ma
tional encampment ut Washington we sue
ceeded in getting before congress bill which,
II enacted into law. would have greatly pene
fitted our interests. The committee DESTROYED
Its value for the purpose we had IN view we
entered vigorous protest
Letters and kilograms TO the gentleman who
introduced the senate bill and to the chairman
of the committee OF that body which had re-
ported IL back with an amendment" shows
chow not to do Il" received no attentions; per-
haps they were unworthy OF reply.
The Grand Army OF the Republic, united as
one in a common cause. assisted by the Sons OF
Veterans and all patriotic people, must attack
the citadel where the latter day enemies OF
the veterans are entrenched, charging 1t again
and again and never cease advancing. charg-
ing and firing. until they have won the victory.
Your committee Is pleased to announce
that with view to securing early con-
alteration OF H r. 509S, as amended In
committed but which failed In the Fffty-seconu
congress, IL has already been re-introduced in
both branches Of the Fifty third congress, now
in special session II eternal vigilance be
now exercised by the membership OF our organ
ization it shall soon become law. We desire
10 also renew the recommendations made IN
our first report that they are such rs expert
ence has taught are necessary TO the prosecu'
ton OF the war for vetera MS rights
The report and address of Command
er-in-Chief Weissert was delivered yes
terday afternoon. He reviewed the
progress of the order during the past
year and made allusion to the death
during that time of two illustrious
comrades, ex-President Rutherford ID.
Hayes and Gen. benjamin. +. Butler.
Continuing he said:
re
there has been an unusually large death loss
among the rank and file, among those who car
ried the gun and knapsack during the late war,
and post charters throughout the order nave
been repeatedly draped with the insignia OF
mourning The loss by death In the ranks OF
the G. A. r. during the past year Is '.OO2 This
is an excess OF any previous mortuary return
Add TO the figures the estimated loss OF veter
ans not members OF the order amounting by u
conservative estimate to 1900 we have total
loss by death among the union veterans OF IA
800.
In the returns for December, 1892, there was
an increase OF membership OF 5000 over the
June previous in good standing and large In
crease was constantly looked for In June, out
the desired result was not obtained. After
most earnest efforts made by headquarters 10
increase the membership in good standing
loss from June. 1897, OF over ZOO must be re-
ported The determination to weed out oil
members who are practically dead weight to
the order, together with the pressure IN imam
cial matters throughout the country. from Of
fetal reports is largely the cause lam pleased,
however 10 report the delinquent list Tor the
same period reduced by almost 4,OW The total
membership OF the Grand Army OF the Repub.
lie is I43 h54 of which 1912 are in good stand
ing: suspended 1861. by delinquent reports
4,47 The gain by muster during the past year
is 1ti3L
Recently. we find scores OF worthy veterans
some above the age OF three score and ten. yes
four score years, many suffering from wounds
received ON the battle field, or disease incurred
while In the service OF the country, or other
disabilities which IRE covered by law, cut on
from the pension roll without first making
proper investigation. During the past threo
wears some OF those who were not the friends
of our country during the mighty contest from
1851 to 1855 have taken every means WITHIN
their power to create public sentiment against
pension laws and pensioners Unwarranted
statements are made against the pension roll
No fucts are advanced to substitute the state
ments made The pension laws Of our country
affect the interests OF veterans OF various wars,
hut somehow the indiscriminate taking away
.of pensions affects only those who served in the
war against treason and rebellion.
After the reading of the various, re-
ports were completed at 4:SO o'clock,
and a half hours routine work dis
posed of, Past Commander-in-Chief Mer-
rill arose and nominated Capt. j. G. B.
Adams, of Massachusetts,, as command
4er-in-chief, to succeed Commander
Weissert, of Wisconsin. Immediately
there was pandemonium, and cries of
adams" adams, /" resounded through
the great hall Gen. Hurst, of Ohio,
then withdrew and Adams was chosen
by reclamation.
Ivan N. Walker, of Indianapolis, was
then elected senior vice commander,
and ]. c. Bigger, of Texas, was elected
Junior vice commander without opposi-