Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1894-09-27

col. THOMAS q. LAWYER.
Charles II. Shute, junior vice COM
mander in chief, of New Orleans; o.
w. Weeks, surgeon general in chief,
of Marion, o.; Rev. T.. II. Haggerty,
chaplain in chief, Of Missouri
The Resolutions.
The session of the national encamp.
ment ended Thursday evening after
the installation of the newly-elected
officers. A large amount of business
was transacted during the day, but
only the more important features can
be ascertained. Principal interest
centered in the report of the commit
tee on resolutions, which reported late
in the afternoon. The main points in
the long list of resolutions presented
are demands for the restoration of
pensions where now suspended, the
passage of a law removing the arbi-
trary powers of the pension commits
sioner, and denunciation of the con-
duct of government officials in remov-
ing from public service old soldiers
for the purpose of appointing or re-
tanning other persons, destitute of the
loyal and patriotic claims of these vic
Tins, or of superior qualifications, for
the places thus taken.
The Ladies' Organizations.
The Daughters of Veterans met dur
ing the morning and elected officers.
Mrs. Ellen NJ Walker, of Worcester,
Mass, was chosen president.
The Ladies of the Grand Army of the
Republic met and received greetings
from the other women's organizations
here. The national inspector, Mrs.
Mary E. Gordan, of Kansas, reported
that the organization has over 10000
members and has expended SS5, 600 dur
ing the year.
Mrs. Emma Wallace, of Rockford,
Ill, was elected president.
Grand Illumination.
AS fitting close to the magnificence
and splendor of the event came the
last thing on the official programme,
the fireworks and general illumina-
ton Thursday night. The entertain
ment was of a magnificent sort.
Every decoration and illumination
was displayed to the best advan-
tage by thousands of dazzling
lights. The mammoth notices GRAND
Army of the Republic welcome"
placed on the great hills overlooking
each city. were lighted. Search lights,
operated from points of equal vantage,
swept the city with their piercing
rays, while the climax was reached by
the thousands of private Examinations
on all the principal streets. The en-
tire city glowed under the magic in
f1uences and dazzling radiances of
thousands of lights
The New Commander.
Col Thomas G. LAWYER was born in Liver
pool England, about fifty years ago. He was
brought to this county when he was ten years
old. He was but u when Sumter was fired
upon and he enlisted In response to President
Lincoln's first call for troops, His title Of
colonel came through service in the Illinois
national guard. with which he was con-
neeted for twelve years. In 1877 he was APP
pointed postmaster Of Rockford by President
Hayes He retired from the Office during
President Cleveland's first term, but was re-
appointed by President Harrison. He is popu-
lar in Rockford, which has always been his
home in this country His business is in the
lumber and coal trade.
Col LAWYER is now serving his twenty-sixth
consecutive year as commander Of Nevins
post No l. of Rockford. He was senior vice
commander of the department of Illinois in
1874 1875 and 1876 and was commander of the
department in 1882. He served during the
war in the Nineteenth Illinois infantry
from April, 1851 to the final muster
out in June 1865. Col. Lawler was always with
his regiment. He was with it in its first cam
paign down in Tennessee. he fought at Chicka-
manga Missionary Ridge. was in the advance
o. Atlanta, at Ressca at the capture Of At
lanta, and he marched with Sherman to the