The Washington times., 1894-11-22
DOING HONOR TO THE CHIEF
Reception to Gen. LaWler, Head Of the
G. A. R., by Local Posts.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME
Three Organizations Visited by the Distin-
suished visitors-Speeches, Music, and
Luncheon-Living Over Old Days-Gen.
Lawler Interviews with Secretary Thurbe-

There were patriotic speeches and good
music. and general interchange OF g. A. r.
courte5ies and compliments at Potomac De-
partment headquarters, No. 141o Pennsyl-
vania avenue last night, and the comrades
were out, full 600 strong.
The occasion was of more than extraordi-
nary importance, owing to the presence OF
the commander-in-chief of the order, Gen.
Lawler, and his chief aide, Adit Gen. ones
Three posts had the honor of the extraordi-
nary visitation, the party including Com
mander Bickford and his staff, OF the Depart
ment OF the Potomac.
The distinguished guests were first received
by Lincoln Post, No. 8, where the commander
in-chief briefly addressed the comrades upon
subjects of great interest to the order his re-
marks being enthusiastically applauded. The
adjutant-general responded to an invitation
for talk, and Commander Bickford was also
called upon and responded felicitously.
The hail was so densey packed that it
was difficult to move about, but the proceed
ings lost none OF their interest to the enthu-
siastic old boys on that account.
Extricating themselves from the moving
mass of blue coats, badges. and brass buttons,
whose owners were living over the old days
once more, the visitors proceeded to the
rooms OF Summer Post, No. g. where similar
programme was carried out. An added fea-
ture hero was the splendid singing by the G.
A. r. Musical Union and the choir OF Sumner
Post Senior Vice Commander Anderson,
Junior Vice Commander Hewlett Depart
ment Chaplain Smith and others made short
speeches. Comrade West spoke for the post
Tat ha n11 lFnn NJ a ar chi aF
aad the department officials were driven to
4 Costello Hall, the headquarters OF Lafayette
! Post, No. 20, where there were already con-
~gregated over 800 waiting comrades, who had
assembled to receive them. The numbers
added by the visitation wave crowded the
hall almost to suffocation, but the enthusiasm
was undiminished.
Speeches were made by tn ose who had Off
ciated as the orators on the other two occa-
sions, by Chaplain Blackiord, Comrade Den
| mis- O'Connor, and others. Comrade Morgan
sang patriotic song as his contribution.
Pipes We're passed, and there was an old
| fashioned smoker and campfire in progress
| within few minutes after the arrival OF the
visitors Commander Benjamin, of Lafayette
| Post serving as master of ceremonies.
A bountiful lunchson of coffee and sand
witches was served here, and there was gen.
eral handshake indulged in.
Potomac Department officials hung upon
| the outer walls OF their headquarters yester-
day brand new edition of "Old Glory that
is double the size of any other flag in the
city
Commander-in-C Chief Lawler was asked last
night by a TIMES reporter If he had accom-
plished the purpose OF mis- visit to Wash
ington.
Il had a very pleasant interview with
Private Secretary Thurber." said he, "and
presented the resolutions entrusted to me.
also made a plain, conservative statement OF
the cases of the old soldiers discharged from
the departments, and know my papers will
| reach the President l have the promise
that they will do what they can. L shall not
be able to see the President I called upon
Commissioner Lochren, OF the Pension Office
also, upon a special case
Gen. Lawler will leave this evening at
| o'clock, but will return to the city in Febru.
ary to attend the department encampment.