The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-14

Thomas q. Lawler was born in Liver
pool, Eng, in 1914, came to Illinois whena a
child, received his education in the public
schools Of Rockford, Ills. At the age OF
IL no enlisted as a private In company II,
Nineteenth Volunteer Infantry, in June,
1861, serving three years and three months.
He was with his company and regiment In
every battle I'm which they were engaged,
and with the colors of his regiment was
the first man over the Confederate works
at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Nov.
10, 1863.
He served as private, sergeant and was
elected first lieutenant but not mustered.
He commanded his company for two
months during the Atlanta campaign,
was elected by the vote OF his company
and placed upon the roll of honor by order
of Major General Rosecrans, commanding
the Army of the Cumberland. He. organ
tied the Rockford Rifles in 1875, and made
IL the most ofiiclentand bcst-known mill
tary organization in the west.
He was elected colonel and commanded
the Third regiment, Illinois National
Guard, for several years, when he re-
signed in order to give younger officers
chance for promotion. He was post
master at Rockford under the Hayes, Gar
field and Harrison administrations and Is
now engaged i'm the lumber and coal busi-
ness. Colonel Lawler was one of the first
members OF G.. l.. Nevins post No. l, de-
partment of Illinois. He had been Us
commander for 20 consecutive years.
The Government Censured.
Among the resolutions adopted were tho
following:
Whereas. the 2sth national encampment of
tress at as fallen upon many comrades and
wards ~. the order through the withdr- val
from them ~ that preference in the public
service TO which thoy are justly entitled AMI
it should be always the grateful duty OF the
authorities of the national government to ac-
cord,
Resolved That the Grand Army protest 10
the people of the United States against the
conduct OF those OF their public servants, more
particularly at the national capital, without
necessary justification or valid excuse, and
contrary 10 the repeated declarations and as
surances OF the legislative and executive au-
thorities II the government, have deprived
many hun lreds Of honorably discharged SOL
diers and sailors of the Union army and navy,
and the widows, sons and daughters of those
deceased, of their employment in the public
offices and establishments, for the purpose Of
appointing or retaining other persons desti-
tute OF the loyal and patriotic claims Of these
places thus taken from those to whom they
rightfully belong.
Resolved, That we view with great concern
this attack upon those who, in the hour of the
ccuntry's great need, laid aside their political
preferences and became defenders of the
Union, offering their lives 10 the nation TO
maintain its institutions and preserve the
honor of its flag.
Resolved, That our comrades and wards
who are holding employment under the gov
ernment should have, and they have the right
20 demand from the executive authorities
the protection awarded them by the national
legislature and any failure on the part OF
those authorities TO SO protect them Is a viola.
tion OF law ard of Patriotic principles. which
exctes our strongest reprobation.
Resolved, That inasmuch as the efforts of the
national and department officers of this or
ganization against thisvirtuaI prescription of
members and wards of the Grand Army have
proved practically unavailing, an appeal
Is hereby made TO the people Of the United
States for an expression through the columns