The National tribune., 1895-05-30
DEPARTMENT NEWS.

ILLINOIS,
The beautiful inland city of Bloomington
put on her choicest robes to entertain the 29th
annual EneGmpment OF this Department. The
weather on the first day appeared to be pre-
pared for the special occasion and the march
in the afternoon was greatly enjoyed by thou
sands Of citizens and hundreds from distance.
Commander Mcdowell and staff led the column,
preceded by squad of mounted police and sew
eral civic bodies Bands OF enlivening music,
banners floating in the breeze houses well
decorated with flags, great and small, side
walks thickly lined with eager spectators, made
the march q most imposing event. AT one
point Of the march the school children were
lining the sido OF the street for blocks. in charge
of their teachers, each one having a flag in
hand, and singing as though their little throats
were Of iron, creating the highest pitch of en-
thusasm. This is one of the richest facts con-
pected with these marches, the object lesson
90 indelibly imprinted upon the minds of the
children Of the land. They can never forget
the marching Of these old veteran heroes Of the
war for the Union.
Returning to the Courthouse the line was re-
viewed by the Commander and staff, ex-Goy.
Pifer. and many men and women of distinction.
The Encampmeut con tsned over zoo delegates,
who with JOY of countenance and determined
step had come from the broad boundaries Of ILL.,
Dois TO greet each other, and keep in motion the
years. Much unnecessary eloquence was given
ct the opening Of Encampment, but soon the
men settled down to business in earnest. The
reports Of the Commander and officers were
read TO the listening delegates, and showed
good years work. Though earnest work had
been done in the recruiting department, yet
over 1000 less member were reported. Death,
with his keen sickle, has been rcaping for the
gsrners above. The Department OF Illinois is
Justly proud of standing at the head Of the
GAR column, and is trying to do all it can
10 keep the banner afoat far down the years
Commsnder-in-Chicf LAWYER arrived on the
second day from the Encampment of New York,
and, though having been on the journey for
weeks yet he holds his own in rotandity of
form and color Of cheek. he was received in
Encampment with deaiening applause and pro-
ceedeo al once TO deliver speech, which some
OF his old mrades said was the best speech they
ever heard tom deliver.
BE was among the boys again In his own De-
psrtment aud State, and felt the inspiration Of
the occasion. The W.RC. gave a reception in
the evening TO the Commander and staff and
officers Of N.R.C., which Was an occasion Of
great pleasure TO all. The election OF the new
officers WAS accomplished la great harmony,
though there was no lack Of candidates Gen
Powell, veteran-scarred member, was elected
Commander. He lie a man Of pure character
and has given the highest possible proof of
bravery on the battlefield. He will devote
much of the time this year to building up and
enlsrRing the interest Of the Department c.
j. Coleman, OF Canton, was elected Senior Vice
Commander, and B. ID. Hubbard, Of Neoga
Junior Vice Commander Commander Powell
appointed Fred w. Sphinx Assistant Adiutant.
General. and Isaac Taylor Assistant Quarter
masteT-Geueral.
The Encampment expressed itself in no un-
misiekable language on several matters. Ii
Fln nm rf Fxil 4
with any other interest whatsoever II asks
70 be left IN undisputed possession of this day.
TIE next Encampment meets in Cairo.
MASSACHUSETTS,
Reno Post, 8, Of Hudson. celebrated its 2sth
anniversary the other evening by the dedica-
ton OF the new GAR Hall Many members
Of the N.R.C and S. of V. were present Past
Commander j. 5. Dawes, Chairman Of the Com
siruction Committee, formally presented the
hall lease and furnishings to the Post calling
attention TO the fact that all bills were paid,
and that by the generosity Of the citizens suffi-
Gent money had been raised TO meet the entire
expense. aud not dollar bad been taken from
the treasury. Commander James p. Clare for
maiiy dedicated the hall. Refreshments were
served, and there was an entertainment The
new quarters consist of five rooms handsomely
furnished. The Post has ia active members.
and on Memorial Day viii decorate the graves
OF 30 comrades.
NEBRASKA
The seventh annual Interstate Encampment
OF tho old soldiers OF Kansas and Nebraska was
called TO order at 2 o'clock D. m. May Is al
Superior, Neb, by Commander c. E. Adams.
The representation was large, and an interest.
Ing session was held. The question of locating
the next annual Reunion was the first order OF
the day. The City Of Hastings was the lucky
bidder. The Reunion will be held Aug &c TO
81, 1885 Hon. Tom Shuler, of White Rock,
Kan, WAS elected Commander; S. V. c., L. ID.
Brown. Nelson, Neb.; j. V. c., b. f. Smith,
Jnniata; Surg. Dr. Howard, Hastings; Chap,
L. 5. Heisler, Mankato, Kan. Council of Ad-
ADMINISTRATION, w. w. Hopper, Superior, Wis;