The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-04-12
SUGGESTIONS.

Encouragement to Renewed Eforts-Aids
TO Work.
We solicit careful study of the Constitution
of the Chaplains' Association:
/. The name OF this organization shall be the
Chaplains' Association.
II. The object of this Association shall be to
cultivate fraternal and helpful relations among
its members to build up the GAR. and to
secure greater efficiency in caring for the moral
and religious interests of the comrades.
Ill It's members shall be composed of all
GAR. Chaplsins, past and present and all who
have served as Chaplains in the army navy
of the United States and will forward their
names, addresses and a fee OF % cents to the
Secretary.
~. Its officers shall be 8 President Vice.
President and Secretary, who may also be
Treasurer. The duties of these officers shall
be those usually performed by similar officers
in other organizations. These officers shall be
elected at the regular annual meeting, and
shall hold Office until their successors are
elected
v. The annual meeting shall be held in con-
nection with the National GA K. Eucampment,
at such time and place as the President shall
select.
VI. Branch Associations, auxiliary to this,
may be formed in each Department of the
GAR
VII. This Constitution may be altered or
amended at the annual meeting by two irds
vote of those present and voting one months
notice having previously been given in writing
to the President or Secretary.
The above was adopted at the last National
Encampment held at indianapolis, Ind, when
the organization was formed. The officers
elected for the ensuing year were: Chaplain D.
r. Lowell, Fort Riley, Kan President and
Rev. George K. Hoover, Davenport Iowa, Sec
rotary and Treasurer.
The Chaplains are invited to send names and
fee as above indicated and thus become men,
bers. They are more than invited. they are
urged to do so, and to do 80 without delay. The
small fee is intended only to cover the neces-
sary expenses of printing, correspondence, pur-
chase of record books, etc.
This column in The NATIONAL TRIBUNE Is
intended as means of com nuncation between
Cbapans and Others and for the better carry
ing cut of the purposes of this organization.
We therefore ask all to read it and to send us
brief letters or articles of suggestions, incl
dents, items of work. war "reminiscences,
| sketches of army Chaplains, and of whatever
will be of interest or helpfulness to the Chap
lains and comrades. To carry on this column
such correspondence Is absolutely necessary,
hence let each one interested in this work do
his share.
We desire shortly to present symposium on
Memorial Day and Sunday preceding. We
therefore invite large number of brief letters
on this subject. Give US your views and sug-
gestions as to how these can be made most sue
cessful.
ARMY CHAPLAINs.
Chaplain Adams, who served faithfully dur
ing the whole war, kept full diary, which in
these days reads like romance Here are just
few items from his diary, which show what
faithful Chaplains did, and how the boys lived
at the front.
Writing to his wife March 7, 1864, he says:
alt is wonderful to see how these men recu-
perate. Labors that would break down recruit
do not crush the veterans. They have become
so accustomed TO severe trials of their strength
and endurance that they feel it unsoldierly to
complain. / honor these men, especially when,
after three years toll, they volunteer to serve
another three years for their country's good.
Shame on those who stay at home, and while
| they do not lift finger in defense of their
Government, feel at liberty to carp at Generals
and soldiers because they have not accomplished
more. I want such in the front rank with sharp
bayonets behind. A prick or two would not
hurt them"
June g. 1884, am now at Division Hospi-
-ta attending to the wounded, who are, many
of them, great sufferers; also, attending to the
burial of the dead, and searching for and taking
care of their effects. Have undressed but twice
for a month"; sleep on the ground, anywhere,
wet or dry; have not removed my boots for six
consecutive nights; they were so wet, l feared
l should not get them OH again."
June 8, 1864, after the battle of Cold Harbor:
I" 1t was affecting to hear soldiers and men ask
ing spiritual advice and guidance, and it was
a privilege to me to kneel down amid the
wounded and dying. and commend them to
God in prayer. Men with severe wounds were
placed in army wagons as we did not have
ambulances enough. Cedar boughs were put
on the bottom but it was not downy bed for
the legless and arml less suffers over rough
road at night. Some died before they reached
Fredericksburg. | took hold of the stretcher
and helped to carry officers and men to the
wagons. Many God bless. you l received.
Yesterday there was a ludicrous and instruct
i've scene. A newspaper correspondent had
written something derogatory to Gen. Meade.
He was placed on horseback, and an officer
| bearing flag, Trumpeter, and six or eight
Orderlies rode with him through all the differ
| ent corps. An occasional blast was given to
attract attention and 10! all eyes were turned
| to witness the spectacle. The correspondent
| was labelled Libeller for the Press"
| How such items will bring back those terri
| BILE experiences and set the veterans to think
| ing! i wish the old Chaplains would write
| up their experiences just as they occurred
| How thrilling would their recital be, and how
| interested the boys would be to read them
| Chaplains write us, and let those comrades who
were ministered to by these noble men also
| write us of their experience.-D. Z. LOWELL.
|
| 4 Musical Wonder.
Anyone who has and played the Silver Harp
| hfSLh aZnH at he of oil 1inc