Connecticut western news., 1894-06-07

| helpless on the battle field he was visit ed by a kind hearted Confederate off, cer who asked him, ''Is there anything in the world I can do for you?" Cap tain Jones replied, II don't think there is anything you can do for me, only let me lie here" But" replied the Confederate, 'It would afford me great pleasure to do something for your com fort or relief, and if there is anything in the world can do for you I would be glad to do it." Captain Jones could not think of anything to be done and so after awhile the Confederate went away but soon returned with bundles of straw and made bed for Captain Jones to rest upon, gave him a blanket, showed him every attention and made him as comfortable as possi- ble, in fact did all that a brother could do in like circumstances. After relating the foregoing incident, Captain Jones informed the audience that most of the Southern prison pens were guarded by old men and boys while the able bodied Rebel soldiers were at the front. He stated that the cruelties inflicted upon the Union prisoners were not counte. nanced by the rank and file of the Rebel army; in fact all brave genuine soldiers, whether Rebels or Unionists, were kind to prisoners. He stated that the cruelties to prisoners were at the instigation of civilians, not soldiers and that the politicians, the stay-at-homes, and not the soldiers, were keeping alive the embers of sectional hatred and for ever harping upon the theme of cruelty to prisoners. EDITOR NEWS.
 It Is to perpetuate the memory and to express admiration for the services of these patriotic Americans that the thirtieth day of May has been set apart by grateful government as National holiday. And 1t is especially for this memorial duty that the surviving sol diers of the Union have banded them selves together into the Grand Army ot hie Republic, that while they or any of them shall remain-an example, and an object lesson of American patriotism and American devotion to duty, shall be seen by the rising American genera tions; that these generations like their sires of 1861-5 may love and honor the old flag and all that 1t stands for.
 The Grand Army of the Republic was organized in Decatur, Illinois, April 1866, by Dr B. F. Stevenson of Spring field, ILL. surgeon 4th Ill Infantry. He first suggested the idea in February '6G and made draft of the ritual. After consulting number of army friends he deputed several comrade soldiers in the office of the Decatur Tribune to print the ritual The organization was then at once effected in Decatur, and Post No. was formed. Post No. 2 at Springfield soon followed and other Posts throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and Missouri The first department convention was held at Springfield, July 12, 1866, and John M. Palmer elected Dept. Com mander. A resolution was adopted recognizing Major Stevenson as tn. head and front of the organization, and that for his energy he is entitled to the gratitude of all loyal men. Soldiers and sailors of the United States army navy or marine corps who served be tween April 19. 1861 and August 20, 1866 having been honorably discharged therefrom after such service are eligi ble to membership. No person shall be eligible to membership who has al any time borne arms against the United States. There are now more than 8,00C Posts with a membership of nearly 300, 900. The motto of the Grand Army of the Republicis Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty" FRATERNITY, to preserve and strengthen those kind and fraterna feelings which bind together the sol diers, sailors and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion, and tc perpetuate the memory and history oi the dead. CHARITY, to assist such for mer comrades in arms as need help and protection, and to extend needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen. LOYALTY. to maintain true allegiance to the United States oi America, based upon a paramount re spect for, and fidelity to, its constitu tion and laws; to discountenance what ever tends to weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, treason or rebellion, or ir any manner impairs the efficiency and permanancy of our free institutions and to encourage the spread of univer sal liberty, equal rights and justice tc all men. THE BADGE, Is made out ol cannon captured in war that serious ly affected the financial and industrial prosperity of the country at home and abroad, that cost 400, 900 loyal lives that made 300, ,00O Union soldiers and sailors cripples for life; and that Jeff more than a million devoted mothers widows, sisters and orphans to mourn for the loved ones who did not return
 The poem entitled "Comradeship, written by Kate Brownlee Sherwood beautifully expresses the fraternal feel ings of the members of the G. A. R. al follows: Comrade, tried in battles many,
 On the far outposts of time,
 Tell me, Comrade, is there any
 Sign or signal so sublime
 AS the name we name each other Halting in the ranks to-day?
 | "Comrade. like the name of mother, How 1t charms all cares awayi Comradel In all sorts of weather. ' In the sunshine, In the snow
 We have shared our crusts together, We have fought the furious foe; We have felt the bullets raking,
 Standing by each other true;
 While the sad old earth was shaking, Side by side we struggled through. We have shared each others sorrow, We have shared each others joy, II When it seemed that TO tomorrow
 Gould our hearts and hands employ; , We have supped with death and danger 1 When defeat has laid us low;
 ) Shared our exile with the stranger,
 Love alone to ease the blow.
 Comrade, when among the dying, Came the news that she, my bride, In her lonely grave was lying,
 !, With her baby at her side,
 Yours the tender arms that bore me Through the solemn, somber wood, . You who kept sad vigils OCT me, Whispered, "Comrade, God is good.' Comrada, when my vision darkens, When m gfarG arc ai1ant rroup