The Red Cloud chief., 1895-03-01
. Royal Meeting OF the Grand
Army OF the Republic at
Hastings.


stood to need any explanation as to it
objects. Suhace il to say that it ha,
probably reached its largest member
ship, for the boy soldier Of 30 years ago
is the old man OF today. Not sc old in
years, but old because OF the hardshipt
and privatione he suffered, which has
enabled you and I to enjoy the blessings
Of a free country today. The member.
ship OF this department, according to
last published report is 1923, a loss dur.
ing the year Of 1893 Of 1893. 1877 Of
this number have answered the last roll
call and joined the silent majority.
The Grand Army OF the Republic has
in the past assisted it's unfortunate com
rades in this department to the amount
OF $9722 % in 1892, sl7s6.s3 in 1893. You
can see an increase in '93 Of over 1913 50
caused in some degree by the increased
disabilities OF the boys, but the greater
part OF the difference was on account OF
the suspension OF 30 many pensions. But
here we must speak Of our auxiliary
the Woman's Relief Corps. We are
well aware that but for "the most noble,
grand and patriotic band Of women ever
organized probably one.half Of our posts
at least, would have had to sent in their
charter and disband. Many Of these
noble women gave their services TO this
government to save the boys; and the
writer can testify to the fact that had it
not been for M loyal woman, who had
no near relatives in the service, but who
enlisted as a nurse, and served faithfully,
he would not be here to write today.
Talk OF loyalty and patriotism" these
women are among the greatest the ma.
ton ever knew or ever will know.
ENcAMPMENT.
The encampment Of the Grand Army
Of the Republic and convention OF it's
auxiliary, the Woman's Relief Corps was
held in Hastings February 10 and IA.
On account Of the depressing times the
attendance was not as large as usual.
Grand Army boys convened about 400
and Woman's Relief Corps DO.
The business OF the encampment was
hurried as so many Of the boys felt they
must return home soon as possible. IL
was a very pleasant and also a sad gath.
ering Of the boys. Pleasant because the
boys are standing closer together. Sad
because OF the reports Of utter destitu-
ton among some Of our comrades in the
western portion of this department, be.
cause Of drouth, and increased bv sus-
pension OF pensions.
HOSPITALITY.
Too much cannot be said in praise OF
the hospitality Of the good people OF
Hastings. Talk Of loyalty" why, the
soldier and citizens. both ladies and gen
tlemen, and those too, who had no neal
relatives in the army, were viewing with
each other in rendering the hospitality
OF their homes to the comrades who
made it possible for them to enjoy the
blessings of today and in a free country.
Mayor McElheny Of that beautiful little
city gave us the freedom OF the town
while there, and in his hearty welcome
added by the citizens, a tender chord
was touched in the hearts Of the boys
that will not be forgotten.
There was no competition for location
and as Omaha was the only bidder it
was located there for 1896. There was a
sharp though pleasant strife for the 10.
cation of the reunion, which was located
at Hastings. think the most access
able on account OF the condition of
western portion OF department. The
business OF the session being complete
the order Of business, for the evening of
the Nth, was installation OF officers: and
the boys appointed a committee to ex,
tend "A cordial invitation to it's auxiliary,
the Woman's Relief Corps, to hold joint
installation with us which was accepted.
Mrs. Gertrude Horr Council, past de,
partment president, then installed the
officers OF the Woman's Relief Corps in
a very able manner. The following Of.
ticers were installed:
Mrs, Emily Dillworth.-Dpt. Pres.
Mrs, Rose Condon.-S. V. Opt. Pres.
Mrs Faxton.-J. V, Opt. Pres.
Mrs Alice Dilworth.-Dpt. Sec.
Mrs Anna +. Church. Opt. Treas
The officers elect Of the Grand Army Of
the Republic were then installed by com.
rade II, G. Russell, Post Dept. Com.
viz:
c. f. Adams, Dept. Com.
j. II. Culver. S. V. Com.
John Erhardt. j. V. Com.
!. +. Arnold "A. q. NJ. G.
Comrade Banwell - Medl. director.
o. II. Beeby, Dept. Chap.
After which a camp fire was held. Re,
marks were made by the following mem
beers OF the Relief Corps-Mrs. l.. A.
Bates. Mrs, Helen +. Cook and Mrs.
Abbie Adams, The last named being