The National tribune., 1894-03-08
SUGGESTIONS.

Encouragement to Renewed Efforts-AIds
to Work.
We have recently received letters from Chap
lains that are suggestive. The Chaplain Of the
GAR. Post at Union, n. Y, writes:
Il think it would be good thing IL more
was done in our Posts by the Chaplain; bat
there is nothing in our ritual that gives Us the
privilege, and you know we have lots of kick
ers among the comrades over anything done
that is not in the ritual.
II think If there could be some additions 10
our ritual, so IS to authorize the Chaplsins 70
work in the Post meetings, that good would
result"
Now, is not this Chaplain all of the track
As we understand it the ritual is all right sud
needs no amending, at least in the way sug-
gested. The Post room is not the best place for
Chaplain to do his religious work To talk
religion, as rule, on the Post floor is not wise.
Our most successful Chaplains seldom, if ever,
do this. At the Post meeting the Chaplain has
the rights of all members, and no more. He
can accomplish much here by his presenee, be-
coming acquainted with the comrades, partak-
ing in all the deliberations, initiating action
for the good of the Post and comrades, and thus
indirectly put himself in condition to reach
them by personal work and open the way, il Q
minister, to secure their attendance on his pub
lie ministratiOns.
1t is here at his own services, or in personal
contact, or in public gatherings-as CampHres,
Encampments, Reunions, etc.-that he can do
his direct and most effective work, and By not
intruding it in the midst of the business Of the
Post meeting. Chaplains should remember to
be Wise as serpents and harmless as doves"
In other words, to use great discretion and tact
in doing their work.
In Communication Of this week Is the fol-
lowing:
81 do not take THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
A clipping from that paper handed to me this
morning. is the first knew of this organize
tiOn and the efforts being put forth to arouse
an interest in our comrades"
Two things are suggested by this statement
and we remark:
LIST. Thanks to the comrade for this use Of
the clipping. Let all comrades thus call the at
tentiOn of Chsplains and others to this column
and the work we are trying to do.
I'd. We think all the Chsplains should sub
scribe Immediately for The NATIONAL TRIB-
UNE. Why, do you ask2
Because of its cheapness; only 81 Q year.
Because we are fighting largely the old battles
of the late war over again. We are challenged
not only to defend the principles for which We
our reputation for the part we took in that war.
There has not been a time since the war that
there has been so determined unblushing. and
successful effort to cast contumely on those who
won in that fight as now. We face the posi-
BILE fact of going down to our children and ali
succeeding generations branded as frauds, hire
lings, etc.
In this struggle for our good name these
papers are our leaders. They give direction. and
point the way for US, as well as do much Of the
fighting. Without them we would be a. an
army without Generals. The NATIONAL TRIB-
UNE is the comrades champion. Let all take
it. We want to reach the comrades through
you and how can we do this unless you have
aud read this paperf Put yourself in line
where we can touch you.
What say the Chaplains to this? Suppose we
have a Department GAR. organization, meet
ing each year at the Department Encamp-
ment. If each Post Chaplain was member or
delegate, large number of Chspsins probably
could be present, and much enthusiasm awaken
ed and good accomplished.
Think of this, please, and write Us. Why
have you not written before? Surely You
must have something to communicate to your
and comrades.