The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-11
AT PITTSBURG.
Lively Fight is On for Choice
Of Grand Army Commander.

PITTsBURo, Sept 1.-THE ninth annua,
convention of naval veterans was held In
the room OF the Allegheny County Bar
association yesterday afternoon. There
were 200 delegates present Rear Admiral
Osborn presided. His annual report
showed n very encouraging condition OF
affairs, notwithstanding the defalcation OF
the fleets paymaster last year
When the indianapolis convention ad-
journod there was not a dollar in the
treasury and the association was heavily
I'm debt. During the past year all the old
accounts has been settled, as well as all
bills OF the present administration. In
closing Rear Admiral Osborn stated that
having served four terms he would like to
be relieved of the duties OF his Office.
National Secretary Bostwick's report
showed that charters had been issued TO
seven local associations during the year In
the cities OF Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Bos-
ton, Annapolis, Md; Lowell, Mass, and
Rockford, Ills.
Second Vice President Allen of the
northern Ohio department. proposed q res
olution asking congress at its next session
TO so amend the laws regarding enlisted
men in the navy that those competent
may aspire TO higher positions. The reso-
luton was supported by the shipmates,
and IL was decided TO memorialize CON
gress. AS the laws stand, enlisted men
cannot rise above the rank OF warrant OFF,
GERS
After tho reading Of reports and presen-
tation Of large number of resolutions,
which were referred, Francis Ball of Hart
ford was elected commander.
The "tars" brought their day to Gloss
by holding dog watch" in old city hall
last night. The hall was magnificently
decorated I'm nautical decorations and
patriotic colors. A number Of distin-
guished speakers were present.
A Grand Reception.
The social event of the day was a recep-
tion by Mrs. George Westinghouse at her
suburban residence, Solitude, given TO the
visiting ladies. Some OF the guests who
have attended similar affairs pronounce
this the most gorgeous ever seen. The
flower decorations were the finest ever
seen in this city. Henry Watterson, ex-
Governor Beaver and all Of the prominent
national officers of the Grand Army were
present.
Many reunions were held during the day
and evening by members of different regi-
ments, and many were the "reminiscences
exchanged.
one ot the features of the first day OF the
encampment was the performance of Fred
Ennis new composition Of "War and
Peace" at the exposition. This musical
spectacle, dedicated to the oncampment,
was given by the Thirteenth Regiment band
OF New York, "a grand chorus of 400 voices,
accompany from the Pennsylvania National
Guard, Ransom Post, No. 500, of st. Louis,
and a battery of artillery, all under the
direction of the composer. There were
about 10000 people present.
Lively Politics.
Canvasslng has been going on briskly in
all directions in connection with the
Grand Army. OF the four candidates for
the Office of commander-in chief, each has
a pretty strong backing among the dele
gates TO encampment. John Long OF
Michigan has an enthusiastic following,
hut the friends of Colonel Lawler of Illi-
nois claim to have almost all the north
western states behind MIN, while the sup
porters of Colonel Walker of Indiana as
sert that they have promises enough TO
carry him through. The Texas aspirant,
John ID. Bigger, also has plenty Of friends
who are confident of his ability 20 win.
Louisville and st. Paul are making
strong fight between them for the next en-
ampment The Louisville delegation,
however claim TO have promises enough
from the various departments to result in
majority of the national delegates voting
in favor Of that city. Kansas City is also
pushing her claims for recognition
Throughout the day and evening numer-
Gus reunions were held in different parts
OF the city
The sidewalks are inndquate to accom-
modato the throngs along them in the
streets. The street cars and vehicles
are almost blockaded. Taken altogether,
pittsburg has never before enjoyed such
state of animation. Innumerablel bands
marched through the streets last night,
screnading the newspapers and prominent
people.