Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1894-09-20
RANKS THINNING.
Nj arked Decrease in the Number of
Names on the Grand Army
Roster

to the national encampment of the G. A.
K. got down to a solid business basis to-
day. While 100000 persons have left the
city since the last old soldier passed in
review yesterday there are still 100000
strangers in the town, the majority of
whom will stay until Saturday and Sun
day, while some will remain even longer
The national encampment opened this
morning in the Grand Opera house. The
commander-in-chief and delegates were
welcomed on behalf of the citizens ex-
ecutive board by Chairman Daniel {.
Ripley and also by w. c. Quincy, chair
man of the committee on invitations and
reception. Gov. Pattison welcomed them
on behalf of the state of Pennsylvania.
while Mayor Mckenna of Pittsburg and
Mayor Kennedy of Allegheny performed
the same pleasant duty on behalf of their
respective cities. The serious business
OF the encampment proper then begun;
The election of commander-in-chief will
not be held until tomorrow. Since the
withdrawal of Judge Charles d. Long
of Michigan the opinion is rapidly growing
secure the coveted honor. The selection
of the next encampment city has also
been deferred until tomorrow. While the
surface indications are that Louisville
will have Il walkover, it is limited that st.
Paul has been doing good work in quiet
DuI very euecuVe way.
Comm ander Adams Address.
Commander Adams opened his address
by congratulating Pittsburg ON its loyalty
now as well as during the days of the
war, citing its lberality in caring for the
soldiers from the West on their way to
the front as Philadelphia had done for
those from the Eastern states. He then
referred to the fact that four months, con-
fnement in a hospital had prevented him
II n tn
ing received the order in such excellent
condition from his predecessor, and being
so ably assisted by his comrades, the
order had not suffered by reason OF his
disability. The membership of the order,
he said, is as follows: One year ago there
have been gained during the year by mus
term 16 1852; by transfer 6354; by rein-
statement 14,O36; by reinstatement from
delinquent reports 25l9. Total gain 3d.
COL Aggregate 436SS4. There have
been lost: BY death 1888; by yo honorable
pension 81, $685. by dishonorable discharge
154; by delinquent reports 1851. Total
loss 67,S01. Number remaining in good
standing June 80, 1894, 369,OS4. 10
which he added:
These figures show that the G A sn r. has has
crease in our membership The long con,
tinued depression in business mas caused
many suspensions and these we hope. to re- re-,
gain when prosperity returns, but it, will
be impossible for us to recruit our ranks as
fast as our members are mustered OUT ny
has not forgotten the great work of charity
and has expended S2O3. 80 10 for relief.
tereSt in the order has not abated. but
has grown stronger. The little bronze but
ton was never worn with more pride than
it is today. and the enthusiasm of com
radp n work
apparent.
After referring to the celebration of
Memorial day and other holidays which
serve to keep up a spirit of patriotism
Woman's Relief corps as follows:
Born under my administration when COM
mander Of the department of Massachu-
sets, l have seen them grow from little
headquarters of that department. to more
than 100000, located wherever a G. A. r.
post could be found or a worthy comrade
or his family required assistance.
He in the name of the G. A. R., re-
turned his thanks to the corps for the as
sistance it had rendered the old soldiers
and the work done for the children of the
nation by introducing its salute to the
flag" into the public schools. Referring
to the Sons Of Veterans, he commends
the action of the young men in that or
ganiZation and says:
1t will carry on our work when we lay it
down. l do not believe they should ever
become members of our order in any way,
expect it. l believe the G. A r. should
cease to exist and live only in history when
the last comrade IS mustered out but our
principles must live forever. The Sons of
Veterans are as loyal and true as were their
fathers. and should the country require
their services they would respond as prompt
ly to call TO arms. AS our ranks grow thin
ner let urge them to strengthen theirs.
so that this nation will ever have reserve
as order has been. ready AZ are to
march in support of the constituted authori-
ties of the United States whenever the serv
ices Of the volunteer are required.
Pension Bur eau Criticised.
On the subject of pensions he spoke at
length. stating that while it was a cues
ton of great interest and he ''despised to
consider money matters in connection
with our services to the government. the
disabled condition of Il large number of
our comrades forces it upon u.s. By Il
vote of the last encampment Il test case
was ordered to be made in the United
States court and as that one already be-
gun by Judge Long covers all the points
it was settled that no other should be in
stituted. Replying to the message of the
of neiShborhoods had their we'll -known
pension frauds,' he said the pension de-
partment and the order had hunted down
all reported cases. Very few frauds were
discovered. and when found were not
cases where soldiers had defrauded the
government, but where some dishonest
agent had worked poor ignorant widow
and put the money thus obtained into his
pocket. He complained of the policy of
the pension office which, he declared. had
in violation Of the intended liberality of
the act of June %. 1890, rejected every
claim about which there was the slightest
doubt. and many disabled veterans,
hOprh their claims had hpao nro1-oI 1,,-
reliable witnesses, have been deprived Of
the whole or part of what they are Justly
entitled to receive. by act of CONGRESS-
he said the pension is now made a
vested right. | have been doing my best
to find out what that does for the pen
sioner. AS he is examined, re-examined.
reduced and dropped the same as before,
| am unable to say what adEantace tho