The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-03-14
THE GRAND ARMY
What is Being Done by the Veterans
for the Good of the Order.
NATIONAL GOSSIP.

Chaplain-in Chief r. III. Hagerty Accom-
panies the Commando r-in-Chief to the
Kansas Encampment.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: N was my
great pleasure to accompany Commsnder-
in-Chief T. G. LAWYER and ADJ t-Gen Z. Z.
Jones from St. Louis to the Kansas En-
eampment at Lawrence At Kansas City we
were met by the smiling face of Past Com
mapder-in-Chief Warner who always knows
where to be aud how TO make himself useful
10 the old veterans As we ran up into Kan
sss the rain began TO fall upon the thirsty
soil of that grand Slate, preparing IL Tor the
coming fruitful hRrvests so desirable. II kino
Providence will smile upon the toiling nome
makers of the West We were met by com
rade and carriage, aud driven to the EldfidRe
House. and were soon surrounded by nun
dreds OF Ksnsass best and most patriotic vet
Grams and beautiful women, who Wed with
each other in showing their respect Tor The
Commander-in- Chief.
After lunch a meeting was held in the State
University where the masses met and listened
TO an address from Commander-in-Chlef Law
Ter, in response TO addresses of welcome given
by the Mayor, Department Commander and
Chancellor of the University. Some two hours
were thus given to song and elOquence IN the
beautiful chapel of one of the rising universe
ties of this great Nation. IL is marvellous 10
see such a wonderful exhibition of improve
meut In all lines of industry, educational, re-
ligious and moral. The audience was one OF
the most intelligent and good-looking That
could be found in any State or Nation. Many
of the gifted mothers aud daughters OF the Ia
mons State were there, and gave the best
proof of their ability to address audiences
with q power and beauty that charms and
moves the hearts Of the people.
It is known by most that the women OF
Kansas are not only loyal, cultivated, and good
looking. but they are moving in the direction
Of high administrative ability. IL the men
are not careful as to their conduct. they will
be set aside, aud women will take their places
in positions of trust and responsibility. They
have the ability, courage, and will not be
found wanting, if the time ever comes to test
their strength. At night two vast Campfres
were held, which were addressed by the Com
mapder-in- Chief and members of his staff, and
Others of ability who were present. He who
has never seenRs Kansas audience hardly
knows what enthusiasm is. Men, women, and
children given to the most hearty demon
strations of approval and Endorsement. They
have women there that are second to no man
in their power of holding an audience en-
tranced, The Commander received Kansas
welcome and was covered with expressions OF
appreciation and thanksgiving for the Visit
among them, and the strongest assurances OF
their great attachment to the interests Of the
GAR and all the kindred societies.
The Commander in Chief visited the meet
ings of the Woman's Relief Corps, Sons of Vet
Grams, and Ladies' Aid Society, all of which
were most enthusiastic over the great honor
conferred upon them by his visit; and they
nearly covered up his broad breast with their
badges. which they pinned upon him in their
various bodies, with the most unbounded ex-
pressions of praise and admiration. If the
Commander returns to his Headquarters foot
ID l..
the reason.
Kansas was delighted and greatly encour-
aged by the Commanders visit, which was
only too short to meet their great desire of
hearing and expressing their goodwill for the
chief officer of the GAR.
Having gotten around among them all, he
fastened forward to meet another Encampment
in his rounds.
1t was the privilege Of the Chaplain-in-Chief
TO tarry a day longer at the Encampment, and
among the kindred societies then aud there
meeting. 1t was 8 great treat to sit and wit
ness the doings of the Kansas Encampment
Over 500 old veterans in council, battle-scarred,
gray, or bald, as the case might be; but what
eloquence and speeches. One was not enough
at a time. Sometimes there would be dozen
on the floor at once A staid old countryman
would have said, they can do no business, but
they did more in one day than Congress has
done in two years. They are most jolly set
OF old fellows; never will grow old nor I'M
beetle.
The woman's Relief Corps presented most
beautiful appearance as il sat in session.
They conducted their business with order,
ability, and in good parliamentary form. Being
g very modest man, the Chaplain-in- Chief was
greatly embarrassed in their presence, but their
great ability soon restored his normal gravity,
while be made little speech.
BE had the honor of calling upon the S. of
V. in their session and making an address,
and upon the i. A. s., their auxiliary. Each
OF these societies decorated the Chaplain with
their badge and caused him 10 blush with
their many words of good cheer.
This Encampment was an occasion OF great
pleasure TO the visitors Many old friends
were met not seen since the days OF the war"
and many new acquaintance formed. Kansas
is booked for Louisville in the Fall, and ex-
poets 70 show to their Kentucky cousins what
. SOnfower State can do in the way OF turning
out IN times Of peace.
was wonderfully pleased with my visit, and
more than thankful for the kind hospitality
bestowed so lavishly on all hands-T. II. Hag- |
erty, ChaplRin-in Chief ST. Louis. Mo.