Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1894-09-14
Delegates to the G. A. R. Convention
Take Up the Serious Work Of
the Meeting.
WALKER FOR COMMANDER.
The Indiana Candidate Said to Be in
the Lead For Head of the
Organization.

1IIISbURd, 0epG. lO.-luo OeloBdIeS
to the national encampment of the
G. A. R. have got down to a solid bust
ness basis. While 10000 persons have
left the city since the last old soldier
passed in review Tuesday, there are still
100000 strangers in town, the majority
Of whom will stay until Saturday and
Sunday, while some will remain even
longer. The national encampment
opened in the new Grand Opera House.
The commanders -in-chief and delegates
were welcomed on behalf of the citizens
executive board by Chairman Daniel G.
RIPLEY, and also William Hamilton,
chairman of the committee on invita-
tions. Governor Pattison welcomed
them on behalf of the State Of Penn
sylvania, while Mayor McKenna Of
Pittsburg and Mayor Kennedy of Allie
gheny performed the same pleasant
duty on behalf Of their respective cities.
Walker For Commander.
The serious business Of the encamp-
ment proper then began. Since the
withdrawal Of Judge Charles D. Long
Of Michigan for rcommander-in-chief the
opinion is rapidly growing that Colonel
!. N. Walker Of Indiana will secure the
coveted honor. The selection Of the
next encampment city has also been de-
ferred. While the surface indications
are that Louisville will have a walk
over it is limited that st. Paul has been
doing good work in quiet, but very ef-
fective way.
The fair auxiliaries of the G.. A. R.,
having recovered from the excitement
of Tuesdays parade, are also holding
their conventions. The Women's Re-
lief Corps, the Ladies Of the G. A. R.
and Daughters Of Veterans will discuss
serious matters, chief of which will be
their official relation to the q. A. R.
In addition they will elect national
officers.
Commander Adams Speech.
At the conclusion of the welcoming
speeches in the G.. A. R. convention
Commander-in-C Chief Adams delivered
his annual address.
Commander Adams opened his ad-
dress by congratulating Pittsburg on it's
loyalty now, as well as during the days
of the war, citing it's iberality in car
ing for the soldiers from the West on
their way to the front, as Philadelphia
had done for those from the Eastern
states.
He then referred to the fact that four
months confinement in hospital had
prevented him from attending to his
duties, but having received the order in
such excellent condition from his pre-
decessor, and being so ably assisted by
his comrades the order had not suffered
by reason Of his disability.
Beginning of the End.
Regarding the membership of the
order the commander said that on June
81, 1894, the number in good standing
was 369,083, a loss during the year of
over 10000. The commander contin-
ued:
"'These figures show that the G. A. R.
has reached the beginning Of the end,
and each succeeding year will show a
gradual decrease in our membership.
The long continued depression in bl1si.
ness has caused many suspensions, and
these we hope to regain when prosperity
returns, but it will be impossible for us
to recruit our ranks as fast as our mem
bers are mustered out by death.
During the year the Grand Army
has not forgotten the great work of
charity, and has expended $2O9, $50. 10
for relief. While it has lost in member
ship, the interest in the order has not
abated, but has grown stronger. The
little bronze button was never worn
with more pride than it is today, and
the enthusiasm Of comrades in Grand
Army work is everywhere apparent.
The Question of Pensions.
,On the subject Of. pensions he spoke
at length, stating that while it was a
question Of great interest and he s.dis-
liked to consider money matters in con-
nection with our services to the gov